What are Evaluation Criteria?

Evaluation Criteria are generic performance-based criteria that have been developed to support the evaluation of specific emergency management performance goals for each program element of an Operational Emergency Hazardous Material Program. The criteria are based generally on the requirements of DOE O 151.1C, augmented with guidance from the DOE G 151.1-series, and other Federal, State, and general local requirements applicable to DOE emergency management programs. Consistent with the performance goals, the criteria are also intentionally generic and broad-based to accommodate the diversity of hazards and response capabilities associated with facilities/sites and activities within the DOE/NNSA complex, and to provide a consistent framework for judging emergency management performance complex-wide.

Fifteen sets of criteria, grouped by program element, are given in Appendix D of DOE G 151.1-3.  Each criterion is labeled to differentiate among those assessed during program (P) evaluations, exercise (E) evaluations, or both (P/E). If program and exercise evaluations are to be treated as complementary estimates of program readiness, it follows that response elements must be judged using the same performance goal and performance-based criteria (P/E).

In several response program elements, there are number of instances where selected ongoing or programmatic activities are included that maintain the response aspects of the specific program element. For example, the activity that ensures that ERO rosters are kept current with trained and qualified responders is a routine function that maintains the readiness of the responder organization. A routine test and maintenance program for emergency facilities and equipment maintains the readiness associated with the Emergency Facilities and Equipment. These types of activities should be considered part of a comprehensive evaluation of programmatic activities during a program evaluation. Criteria applicable to these programmatic functions (P) are indicated as such in Appendix D.