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Pages 1-10

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From page 1...
... A QMS is a paradigm shift for the USGS because all its laboratories will be required to implement a centrally defined quality standard in a similar and consistent way. At the request of the USGS, the committee reviewed a representative sample of USGS laboratories, examined QMS and other approaches for assuring the quality of laboratory results, and recommended best practices and procedures for USGS laboratories.
From page 2...
... In practice, many USGS laboratories carry out a mix of these activities. Consequently, the committee sought to differentiate laboratories that primarily serve scientists, and thus likely support research activities, from laboratories that serve external customers (regulators, resource managers, and private companies)
From page 3...
... The largest USGS laboratory -- the National Water Quality Laboratory -- primarily provides sample analyses and specialized services to customers, and it has 134 FTEs and an annual budget of $6 million or more. Finally, all of the USGS laboratories have some quality assurance and quality control procedures in place, but those procedures are generally more comprehensive and better documented in laboratories supporting production activities than in laboratories primarily supporting research.
From page 4...
... Quality assurance programs are designed to establish the criteria for assessing and improving laboratory performance, and to ensure that best practices are routinely identified and adopted across laboratory activities. Task 2 Task 2 was to describe the laboratory protocols, analytical procedures and standards, and data management processes for laboratories at the USGS, other federal agencies, and geological surveys in other countries.
From page 5...
... Approaches range from highly autonomous scientific oversight programs designed to meet individualized requirements to centrally controlled quality management systems designed to meet the requirements of an organization. Examples of approaches relevant to the USGS include the following: 1.
From page 6...
... Approaches 2 through 4 are examples of organization-wide quality assurance programs, which describe the activities put in place to meet the requirements and expectations of a data quality standard. Implementation of a quality assurance program is a recommended best practice because it is systematic, process oriented, and addresses all aspects of the work being done.
From page 7...
... Moving from scientist-defined procedures to institution-defined best practices would mean the researchoriented laboratories would fully participate in a centralized USGS laboratory culture committed to accountability and data quality and integrity. Adding periodic independent data quality checks (e.g., peer review, internal audits, and sample exchange with external laboratories)
From page 8...
... Such systems are complex and take time to develop, implement, and evolve. The USGS will need to take the time to • Communicate more extensively with staff, including explaining the quality goals of the organization and gaining staff input and feedback on system design and implementation; • Provide staff training, including meetings with quality assurance experts; • Establish mechanisms to recognize, support, and reward the substantial time and resources invested by laboratory scientists and quality assurance experts to meet USGS data quality goals; • Develop QMS champions who would help lead the necessary culture change; and • Learn from implementation experiences and continually improve the system.
From page 9...
... Conclusion The committee commends the USGS for pursuing recognized best practices to produce data of known and documented quality. A well-resourced and gradual implementation of a flexible approach that incorporates institution-defined best practices for research activities and QMS for production activities would meet the quality goals of the USGS and the diverse needs of its laboratories, foster staff buy-in, and cultivate an enduring quality culture across the agency.


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