Manager Quality Assurance

Tilak Raj Verma

Experience:

Dr. Verma has more than 20 years of professional experience in development and implementation of nuclear quality assurance (QA) programs. He has over 20 years of experience leading QA functions for engineering design, procurement, construction, processes, receipt inspection, material storage, supplier qualification and oversight, as well as procurement strategy development in the Commercial and DOE nuclear complex. His experience encompasses the diverse aspects of quality engineering and assurance.

Currently, Working as a Senior Quality Assurance Consultant in the areas of NQA-1 based Quality Assurance programs related to program development, implementation and oversight in the nuclear industry.

As a Quality Engineering Supervisor for Performance Assessment at the nuclear plant units Vogtle Units 3 & 4 in Georgia, Dr. Verma worked closely with the Quality engineering Manager for effective implementation of a NQA-1 based quality assurance program to comply with the NRC requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B. He worked in the areas of QA oversight, corrective actions, ITAAC and Software QA.

As a Senior Quality Engineering Consultant and Software Quality SME at Trinity Engineering Associates, Dr. Verma was responsible for the development, maintenance, and implementation of, NQA-1 based, quality programs to comply with the NRC regulations (10 CFR 50, Appendix B) and the Department of Energy regulations (10 CFR 830) for the nuclear industry.

As Director of Quality Engineering for EnergySolutions, Dr. Verma was responsible for the development, maintenance, and implementation of the company’s QA Program to meet the ASME NQA-1, 10 CFR 830, and DOE Order 414.1 Quality Assurance Requirements. He led the QA function at key DOE projects, including the DUF6 Project, the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) Project, and the Project Hanford Management Contract (PHMC). His experience includes leading QA functions to fully comply with the DOE regulations, orders and directives. As the Project QA Manager at the DUF6 Project, he successfully completed the final construction of the each plant (Portsmouth Plant and Paducah Plant) and took them through all phases of Safety Basis Reviews (Operational Readiness Reviews), cold and hot functional testing and commissioning. His experience with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as the Project Manager/Senior Licensing Representative for the nuclear material safety and safeguards in the 1980s and early 1990s has given him deep understanding of the regulatory environment.

Dr. Verma is a champion of quality; particularly NQA-1 based quality programs to comply with the NRC and DOE regulations, orders and directives for nuclear projects within the DOE complex. He is recognized as an industry leader in this area, as well as for his effectiveness in providing QA oversight to enhance project-level implementation of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, QA requirements. He is a Certified NQA-1 Lead Auditor, and he has been selected to serve on industry panels such as the Energy Facility Contractors Group, the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) NQA-1 Subcommittee for Engineering and Procurement, and the ASME NQA-1 Subcommittee for Software QA.

Current Position

Senior ASME NQA-1 Consultant, SQA SME and NQA-1 Lead Auditor

Major Projects Experience

Westinghouse Electric Company AP1000 Project, Vogtle Units 3 & 4, Waynesboro, GA and Dept of Energy Projects, Salt Waste Project at the Savannah River Site, DUF6 Project in Portsmouth, OH, and Paducah, KY; and Hanford Site in Washinghton

Education

Ph.D., Hydrology, University of Alberta, Canada, 1968

Active Registration/Certification

Certified NQA-1 Lead Auditor; Construction Quality Management Certificate (July 2017)

Training

NQA-1 QA Lead Auditor Training, 2001; Construction Quality Management Training for ACE and NAVFAC Contractors, July 2017

Security Clearance

Inactive DOE Q

Awards/Honors/Publications/

Memberships

ASME NQA-1 Subcommittee on Software Quality Assurance, 2009–2012; 2012 – 2017, 2017-2022

ASME NQA-1 Subcommittee on Engineering & Procurement Processes, 2007–2009

Relevant Experience:

Westinghouse Electric Company, WECTEC, Quality Engineering Supervisor, Project QA/QC Department, Vogtle Units 3 and 4, July 2013 to Feb, 2017, Waynesboro, GA. As a Quality Engineering Supervisor, Dr. Verma works closely with the Quality engineering Manager for effective implementation of a NQA-1 based quality assurance program to comply with the NRC requirements of 10 CFR 50, Appendix B. He works in the area of QA oversight, corrective actions, ITAAC and Software QA.

Trinity Engineering Services, Senior Quality Assurance Consultant and Software QA SME, March 2013 to July 2013, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Verma was responsible for the development, maintenance, and implementation of NQA-1 based, quality programs to comply with to comply with the10 CFR 830 and DOE Orders, 414.1D and 226.1 requirements for the DOE work activities in the DOE Complex. He conducted on-site evaluations of client quality assurance programs, supplier oversights, corrective actions and oversight of software quality assurance related activities.

EnergySolutions Government Group, Director of Quality Engineering, 2011–2013, Aiken, SC. Dr. Verma was responsible for the development, maintenance, and implementation of effective ISMS and NQA-1 QA Program that is based on the EnergySolutions corporate safety and quality policies and procedures and in full compliance with the requirements of the various U.S. government agencies, such as DOE, Department of Defense, and Homeland Security; the NRC; and the EPA. He was also responsible for integrating QA into the safe execution of all project activities within the EnergySolutions Government Group. Managed a staff of about 20 Quality Engineers, QA Specialists, and QC Inspectors.

EnergySolutions Government Group, Project QA Manager, DOE DUF6 Conversion Project, 2009–2011, Lexington, KY. He managed overall QA functions for the DUF6 Project as part of the EnergySolutions-led turnaround team. Was responsible for managing and integrating QA across the plants and functions at the DUF6 Project during the final phase of construction, operational readiness reviews (safety basis reviews), and hot functional testing. He successfully led the completion of self assessments to get ready for the contractor safety basis reviews and then the final DOE safety basis reviews at the both plants, Portsmouth and Paducah. Managed 16 QA Engineers, QA Specialists, and QC Inspectors across the three project sites in Lexington, Paducah, and Portsmouth. Integrated NQA-1 into project activities, with major emphasis on safety and quality. Worked in conjunction with the ES&H Manager to improve QA practices on the project. Provided specific expertise in the area of software QA. Provided reach-back into the corporate QA organization to drive continuous improvement and the EnergySolutions’ performance culture into the DUF6 Project.

EnergySolutions, Project QA Manager, DOE Salt Waste Processing Facility Project, 2006–2009, Aiken, SC. He served as the QA Manager supporting the team subcontractor, Parsons, on the SWPF Project. Responsible for planning, developing, and implementing NQA-1 based QA Program for the design, construction, and commissioning of the SWPF. Primary responsibilities were software QA, engineering and design control, procurement, and construction. Oversaw software QA for the automated control systems, QA of engineering and design, QA surveillance of equipment vendors, and QA/QC of construction activities. Served as the Deputy QA Manager for three years. This project involves $1 billion for design, construction, commissioning, and operation of a complex chemical and nuclear processing facility.

EnergySolutions, Project QA Manager, Various EnergySolutions Projects, 2003–2006, Richland, WA. Dr. Verma provided QA Program development and implementation for various EnergySolutions’ projects at the Hanford Site, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and Idaho National Laboratory. These projects were required to meet 10 CFR 830, Subpart A, and DOE Order 414.1. Conducted quality assessments and facilitated corrective action implementation in a timely manner. These projects encompassed the QA elements of engineering QA, analytical QA/QC, software QA, and PAAA compliance.

Fluor Hanford, Senior QA Engineer, 2000–2003, Project Hanford Management Contract, Richland, WA. Dr. Verma provided senior-level technical expertise on the PHMC for implementation of the Hanford Analytical Services Quality Requirements Document (HASQARD) and environmental compliance requirements. Planned and conducted performance-based QA audits of different participants of the Hanford Approved Supplier Program. Facilitated corrective action implementation in a timely manner. Maintained the HASQARD and its implementation for the Analytical Services Program. Supported this DOE prime contract by performing the independent QA function in accordance with DOE Orders and NQA-1 Standard. The PHMC encompassed the QA elements of engineering QA, analytical QA/QC, software QA, and PAAA compliance.

Enviro-Bio Tech Laboratories, Environmental Services Division Director, 1995–2000, Bernville, PA. He was responsible for managing, planning, providing technical direction, and overseeing business development. Managed a staff of QA Engineers, QA Specialists, and QC personnel. Conducted performance-based audits of ongoing work at EPA-approved labs and field-trial facilities. Provided technical support to DOE and contractors in the area of QA, regulatory requirements analyses, and compliance. Conducted QA audits and participated in DOE audits and surveillances. Developed and effectively implemented the QA Program Plan for the DOE Defense Waste Program. Provided Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA) technical support to DOE. Developed data quality objectives based on regulatory requirements. Developed and implemented the QA Program for environmental fate studies and groundwater monitoring field trials, as well as a Software QA Program for the simulation models. Conducted and participated in International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000, ISO 14000, and good laboratory practice (GLP) audits at several regional industries and field trials.

Applied Research Associates, Principal Scientist and Hydro-Geologist, 1994–1995, Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Verma was responsible for technical support and coordinating technical work and QA, including review of regulatory compliance, RCRA-, CERCLA-, and NWPA-related work at Sandia National Laboratories, LANL, and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Provided technical support in the environmental management area to Magna Copper Company for development of their new underground mine in Arizona. Managed the company’s environmental QA work with a staff of four personnel.

TAC/ASI, Technical Coordinator, 1993–1994, Carlsbad, NM. He was responsible for technical and QA support to DOE on identification and resolution of performance-based regulatory and licensing issues related to safe disposal of Defense radioactive and mixed wastes (40 CFR 191, RCRA and CERCLA) at WIPP as a certified lead auditor. Conducted and participated in QA audits at Sandia National Laboratories and LANL. Developed and effectively implemented the DOE QA Program Plan at WIPP.

Morrison Knudson, Senior Hydro-Geologist/Applied Sciences Manager, 1991–1992, Boise, ID: Responsible for identifying and resolving performance-based regulator issues related to pre- and post-closure performance of the Mined Geologic Disposal System. Reviewed and assessed technical documents prepared by the management and operating (M&O) contractor to show compliance with regulatory requirements of 10 CFR 60 and 40 CFR 191. Participated in value engineering and risk assessment studies related to radioactive and mixed waste management projects. Served as a senior technical expert in the areas of hydrogeology and performance assessment for peer reviews conducted by the M&O contractor. Collaborated on a joint venture project with Russian (STG, a Ukrainian company) to work on water in-flow control in underground mines using technology with environmental applications.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Project Manager/Senior Licensing Representative, 1982–1991, Washington, DC: He held positions as Senior Hydro-Geologist, Senior Licensing Representative, and Senior QA Engineer. As a Senior Hydro-Geologist, he was responsible for the groundwater-related technical activities. Managed and coordinated detailed reviews and evaluations of DOE hydro-geologic data related to different deep geologic formations being evaluated for disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Managed and coordinated technical data reviews and information exchange with DOE and its contractors. Provided technical input for the NRC Regulatory Guideline Documents. Prepared technical position and regulatory guides. Participated in rulemaking, international groundwater modeling, performance assessment activities, and technical meetings as a senior NRC representative. Prepared technical reports and presented technical papers at different professional meetings and symposia. Served as a Senior Licensing Representative for the DOE Salt Site. As Senior QA Engineer, served as a QA Project Manager, and conducted and participated in QA audits and surveillances.

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