Ombudsman office relaunched
The Executive Services Group relaunched the Sandia Ombuds Office, originally established in 1992, under a charter from the Labs director. Sandians again have a voluntary, independent, informal and confidential way to discuss workplace issues or concerns with an impartial professional who listens, reframes and offers options. In the first year after relaunch, the ombuds visited Sandians who raised issues primarily concerned with manager-supervisor and peer-colleague relationships. (ESG)
Energy secretary’s virtual visit
Sandia’s first virtual visit with the secretary of energy featured presenters from key programs and facilities who shared critical work from across the Labs, thanks to detailed planning and coordination among many organizations. New functional capabilities and high standards were set for virtual and hybrid events. Secretary Jennifer Granholm and NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby commended the Labs on providing maximum engagement in a virtual setting. (ESG, 1000, 2000, 3000, 6000, 8000)
NNSA strategic plan
Sandia was integral to NNSA’s 2022 strategic planning process, which focused on developing and implementing long-term strategic priorities for the nuclear security enterprise. Labs leadership participated in a Strategic Planning Summit where NNSA’s strategic vision was discussed with management and operating partners from the laboratories, plants and sites. The summit kicked off the biennial planning cycle that resulted in Sandia’s formal strategic plan. (ESG, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000)
Cybersecurity preparedness
Sandia conducted its first-ever Cyber Avenger drill and workshop to strengthen preparedness and resiliency against cyberattacks and test potential impacts to critical infrastructure, such as networks, utilities and water. It was the catalyst for shared intelligence and enhanced communication, and established protocols for information-conditions levels. Sandia built collaboration between local, state and federal agencies that has improved regional emergency planning. (ESG, 4000, 5000, 8000, 9000)
Workplace violence prevention
To bolster its commitment to a safe work environment, Sandia gave its Workplace Violence Prevention Program a framework to identify and report violence precursors based on potential or observed behaviors. Workplace violence concerns can be reported 24/7, and a team from Emergency Management, Safeguards and Security, Cyber Security, Human Resources, Audit and Ethics, Employee Health Services and line management meets to assess threats and make decisions that protect the workforce. (ESG, 3000, 4000, 8000, 9000)
Climate vulnerability assessment
To support development of the DOE Vulnerability Assessment and Resilience Plan, a team in Sandia’s Environmental Stewardship program compiled data on critical assets and infrastructure that characterized climate trends and how likely they were to affect operations. Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore national labs benchmarked the data. The plan establishes climate considerations as essential to U.S. foreign policy and national security. (ESG, 4000, 8000, LANL, LLNL)