Interns at the Hanford Site helped improve how contract reviews are assigned, creating a tool that saves time, reduces errors and makes the process more consistent.
Office of Environmental Management
October 6, 2026
Estimated Read Time min
Summer interns at Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) developed an automated tool to improve contract reviews. From left, Business Services Director Corey Chun, Miguel Morales-Chavez, Tanner Schuster, Yaneli Guerrero, Kati Piper, Clay Bower, Timothy Le, H2C Office of Digital Transformation Director Jordan Davis and Greyden Rebich.
RICHLAND, Wash. — Interns at the Hanford Site helped improve how contract reviews are assigned, creating a tool that saves time, reduces errors and makes the process more consistent.
The interns with tank operations contractor Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) developed an automated system called INTERN, short for Integrated Next-to-Evaluate Reviewer Nominator. The tool assigns qualified reviewers in rotation, sends automatic reminders and tracks progress in one place.
Before the new system was created, review assignments were often made by hand. That could lead to uneven workloads. The new process helps spread work more evenly and gives H2C staff better information to manage reviews.
Tanner Schuster, Acquisition Management intern for Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure, presents a portion of the intern improvement project to company leaders.
The project used software H2C already had, turning existing resources into a practical solution for a long-running challenge. By improving a support process behind the scenes, the interns helped strengthen the work process.
“This project is a great example of how innovation can strengthen the Hanford cleanup mission,” said Rob Chase, Hanford Field Office director for Tank Waste Business Operations. “By applying commercially available technology in a new way, these interns identified an opportunity to improve efficiency, make better use of resources and build skills that will benefit the cleanup mission well into the future.”
The new system also collects data that can help identify future improvements. That added visibility can help H2C continue improving how work is assigned and completed.
“They didn’t just build a tool. They worked together to solve a real challenge for H2C, and did it with professionalism and creativity,” said Business Services Director Corey Chun. “This is exactly the kind of teamwork we hope to see from future leaders.”
The project shows how simple, practical ideas can improve efficiency, support cleanup work and deliver better value for taxpayers.
To receive the latest news and updates about the Office of Environmental Management, submit your e-mail address.