Y-12 protective force contractor WSI-Oak Ridge said yesterday that it is conducting its own investigation into allegations by the Department of Energy’s Office of Health, Safety and Security that guards were given advance copies of tests and inspection materials during an investigation last week, urging patience with the process. “WSI Oak Ridge is conducting a full investigation after test questions associated with the current HSS inspection were released to employees who could have been administered the test during the inspection,” WSI-Oak Ridge spokeswoman Courtney Henry said in a statement provided to NW&M Monitor. “The investigation is underway to determine if this act was intended to advantage participants, or, if it was an unintentional act as part of overall knowledge testing for the security police officers.” The testing materials, which included copies of general knowledge tests, answer keys and inspection details, were discovered last week by HSS in a WSI vehicle. Henry said that protective force manager John Garrity had been “administratively reassigned” as a result of the incident and has been replaced by protective force chief Billy Mullins.
Bill Eckroade, the principal deputy chief for Mission Support Operations at HSS and the head of the Y-12 investigation, said the protective force manager told HSS that the documents were to be used as training guides, and while Eckroade stopped short of accusing WSI guards of cheating, he said it was “inappropriate” for the material to be distributed. New tests and inspection protocols are being developed, Eckroade said. Henry said it was “premature to deny due process and speculate on the potential outcomes.” She added: “We appreciate the cooperation from B&W, NNSA and DOE as we gather the vital information. With over 50 continuous years of support to DOE, WSI recognizes the importance of basic test integrity, and we stand ready to fully support the continuation of the revised material necessary to restart and conclude the HSS inspection.”
