Program management protocols of the office of environmental management

(a) In general At the request and direction of the Assistant Secretary, the Network shall provide an integrated science and technology perspective to assist the Office of Environmental Management in implementing and enhancing established, technology-focused strategic plans, roadmaps, and program management protocols as necessary to incorporate leading program management practices and facilitate safe, timely, and cost-efficient cleanup of sites. (b) Technology development and deployment framework (1) In general The Secretary shall direct the Network, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary, to develop and update biennially a framework to be known as the Technology Development and Deployment Framework that outlines— (A) the key science and technology objectives of the Office of Environmental Management; and (B) an integrated strategy to assist the Office of Environmental Management in— (i) selecting safe, effective, and cost-efficient approaches to resolve technically complex challenges or reduce the cost, time, and scope associated with the cleanup mission; (ii) advancing the development, demonstration, and deployment of new innovations, such as alternate treatment technologies, disposal methods, and other capabilities; and (iii) maximizing the benefits of existing research and technology investments. (2) Objectives The Framework shall complement and support existing program management protocols, strategic plans, and roadmaps of the Office of Environmental Management and, at minimum, shall— (A) emphasize support for a wide of range of research and technology development activities, including— (i) applied technology research and technology development programs that seek to— (I) improve existing technologies or mature early concept and emerging technologies as specified under section 4406A(a) of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2586a(a)); and (II) pursue breakthrough innovations or improvements to the cleanup mission that substantially lower lifecycle cleanup costs and schedules or address technically complex cleanup challenges, as specified under section 4406A(b) of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2586a(b)); (ii) basic research; (iii) scientific studies and technical issue resolution to support evaluation and selection of technologies for insertion into the cleanup mission; and (iv) research that addresses both near-term, site-specific needs and long-term, program-wide needs; (B) summarize the major focus areas and objectives of the science and technology efforts of the Office of Environment Management; (C) detail plans to leverage relevant advances and expertise in other technology development programs across the Department, the National Laboratories, academia, private industry, and other technology providers; and (D) support the development or maintenance of a workforce pipeline that leverages the capabilities of institutions of higher education, especially those serving minority or historically underserved populations. (c) Corrective action plans Section 4713 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2753) is amended by inserting at the end the following: (e) Corrective action plans for defense environmental cleanup projects If a root cause analysis for a defense environmental cleanup project is required under the project management protocols of the Department of Energy or under subsection (c)(3), then— (1) the site contracting entity, in consultation with the site manager and Assistant Secretary, shall develop a corrective action plan to address the underlying causes for the cost or schedule change identified in the analysis; and (2) the Secretary, at the conclusion of the corrective action plan, shall— (A) conduct an independent review that includes an assessment and validation of the efficacy of the corrective measures utilized; (B) submit to the appropriate congressional committees the outcome of the assessment described in subparagraph (A); and (C) certify to the appropriate congressional committees that program management measures are in place to manage the cost and schedule of the project and mitigate against future cost overruns..