August 2003

Special Study of the Department of Energy's Management of Suspect/Counterfeit Items

This report provides the results of a special study of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) management of suspect/counterfeit items.   The study was conducted from May through August 2003 by the DOE Office of Independent Oversight and Performance Assurance at the direction of the Deputy Secretary of Energy.  The purpose of the special study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DOE Headquarters and field element management processes for suspect/counterfeit items.  The study was initiated after the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board raised issues pertaining to DOE's investigation of potential safety concerns associated with improperly heat-treated aluminum.