C1113 Lab News 01 21 94

16 Pages·20.2 MB·English

State of the Labs 1994
Despite 'Turbulence' Ahead, Sandia's Future Looks Solid
A quarter-century ago, the LAB NEWS pub• precipitated by the change
lished the first "State of the Labs" interview. Con• in M&O contractor. Orga•
tinuing that tradition, President AI Narath and nizational changes are dic•
Executive Vice President Jim Tegnelia recently tated by the job we have to
talked with the LAB NEWS about the current do. That's the way it has
"State of the Labs." Here's what they said: been, and that's the way it's
going to be.
LN: We're several months into a new fiscal It's very clear, for
year with a new management and operating ( M &0) example, that we're going
contractor-at this point, not so new. Everyone to have to take on a limited
seems to agree that the transition to Martin Mari• production responsibility
etta management has gone extremely smoothly. But as the nuclear weapon
Sandia continues to look ahead. For instance, complex is reconfigured.
there's strategic planning going on right now. Will That may involve organiza•
we see any new directions? tional changes as we pre•
AI: We're living in a period when condi• pare ourselves to handle
tions in Washington and elsewhere are chang• this new responsibility. It's
ing almost daily, and we have to stay on our toes. that kind of thing which
I see an evolutionary process in which our tactics will generate changes in
and strategies evolve in keeping with changing organizational structure,
national priorities. not any differences caused
But I didn't expect before Martin Marietta won by the change in M&O.
the competition, nor do I see any reason to think I've heard AI say, and I
now, that we would need to make significant agree, that the transition STATE OF THE LABS- Executive VP Jim Tegnelia (left) and President AI
changes in overall direction of the Laboratories. process has gone as cleanly Narath talk about Sandia's present and future in light of changes in DOE's
Nor do I see signals of that sort coming out of (Continued on Page Four) directions and widespread questions about national labs' purposes.
Washington. We've anticipated what is happening
today reasonably well, and we seem to be pretty
much on track.
This is not to say that the 1990 Strategic Plan,
at least in its details, isn't in need of some major
reworking. After all, it has been four years since
that plan was created.
[See "Strategic Plan Gets Facelift" on page
seven.]
Jim: I'd certainly second what AI said. I don't
think there were any major organizational changes
Now a San Jose Address for Labs
New Microelectronics Office
To Support Silicon Valley
Sandia officials, industry executives, and political representatives gath•
ered before an overflow audience at the San Jose Fairmont Hotel on Friday,
Jan. 7, to announce the opening of the Sandia Microelectronics Office.
Located near the heart of Silicon Valley at 4300 Stevens Creek Boulevard
in San Jose, the new office will provide companies and universities with a
Bay Area contact for direct access to DOE laboratories' microelectronics
capabilities.
After several dignitaries spoke, attendees witnessed the signing of two
protocol agreements that will lead to cooperative research and develop•
ment agreements (CRADAs) between Sandia and two high-technology
"Sandia has provided real evidence that the national
labs are reaching out to industry."
enterprises: TriQuint Semiconductors, Inc., a leading manufacturer of
high-performance digital and microwave electronics, and Applied Materi•
als, Inc., a large manufacturer of semiconductor device manufacturing
equipment.
The two projects are valued at a total of more than $10 million.
"By establishing an office in Silicon Valley, Sandia has provided real
evidence that the national labs are reaching out to industry ... to help them
remain competitive in the world market," said Andrew Procassini, presi•
dent of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), commenting after
the ceremony. "This office helps make Sandia part of the San Jose commu•
nity. Consequently, I believe communication will flow more easily, and the
Labs and Silicon Valley companies will be more accessible to one another."
Promoting Technology Transfer
Sandia President AI Narath opened the ceremony by introducing the
PACKAGING THE SUN-Tom Mancini of Solar Thermal Technology Dept. featured speakers and noted the presence of several guests, including
6216 inspects a Stirling heat engine that will be mounted on the multi• (Continued on Page Three)
mirrored solar concentrator in the background. Tom is program manager of a
new project between Sandia and Science Applications International Corp. to
What Do New Mexicans Think
commercialize dish-Stirling solar technology, developed in part by Sandia, as
25-kilowatt modular solar power devices. See story on page thirteen.
About Sandia?- See Page Ten
..
(Photo by Mark Poulsen)
This That
&
Q: One of the Sandia values is "respect for the
individual." Why, then, does Personnel Security
What state are we in? - Most of us are in New Mexico or
Dept. 7437 always send out memos that threaten
California, but those aren't the answers we were looking for when
us? I will quote two memos that I recently received
Managing Editor Charles Shirley and I talked with President Al Narath
from this organization. A memo dated Nov. 19 con•
and Executive VP Jim Tegnelia early this month and asked them that same
cerning the inventorying of keys says, in bold print:
basic question. We were talking about the "State of the Labs" - Al and
"Subsequent letters for non-response will be sent
Jim's assessments about how Sandia is doing, where we're trying to go,
to the Director level, or above." I am educated,
and how we're going to get there. I think you'll find Charles' account
hard-working, and honest. I very much resent
of what they said interesting and worthy of your attention (see page one).
being treated as if I am in elementary school.
• • •
Another memo, dated Nov. 23, concerning "L" and
He's had enough- Speaking of Managing Editor Charles Shirley,
"Q" clearances for contract employees, says in
he'll .be leaving the LAB NEWS in a few weeks and taking his considerable
bold and capital letters, "FAILURE TO
talents to a job in Laboratory Communications Dept. 12610. The often•
RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST WILL RESULT
hectic pace and the deadlines here eventually get to you, and I think he
IN TERMINATION OF CLEARANCE FOR
has "enjoyed all he can stand." Somewhat of a computer whiz, Charles was
THIS EMPLOYEE." What if I were traveling dur•
making some story notes on a writing tablet in his office recently when
ing the one week of response time given to me?
someone walked in. Before looking up, Charles reached out and tried to
Would this organization really compromise the
hit the "save key" on the tablet.
work that we are doing by pulling the contractor's
I don't want to embarrass him, but I will say Charles is one of
clearance? I think the tone in these memos is inap•
the most productive folks I know, consistently cranking out much fine
propriate. Furthermore, I think their style violates
LAB NEWS copy. When he leaves, the rest of us here will have to
the Sandia value of "respect for the individual."
lubricate our clutches and shift our paradigms into high gear!
I have a few questions concerning their treat•
• • •
ment of Sandia employees:
In the spotlight - We begin something new in this issue - "Sandia
• How would they feel if everyone threatened
Spotlight" - a mostly photo page about Sandians at work, which we plan
them back in their responses, e.g. ''I'm going to tell
to run about once a month. Our inaugural spotlight beam highlights your director on you if you record the key inventory
Receiving Team 7613-1 (see page twelve). We plan to spotlight Sandians
incorrectly?"
at all locations. Although we already have lots of ideas for future
• Is threatening people an acceptable Sandia
spotlights, we'll certainly consider others. Send any ideas to Employee
managerial tool?
Communications Dept. 12660, MS 0413.
• Is this organization always supposed to get
• • •
special priority because they threaten us and have
Holy micro machine! -My colleagues in Media Relations Dept. 12630
some power to punish us? What about all of the
and Strategic Media Planning Dept. 12620 have much success getting
other demands that might be put on us during any
interesting Sandia science and engineering stories publicized in
particular day? Do we drop everything when any
national and international media, but now it appears they may have
memo from Security arrives?
reached the pinnacle of success. Superman and Batman Magazine, which
• Does this organization buy into the Sandia
intersperses short science and technology stories with its comics, has
values?
requested a photo of the fascinating micro steam engine invented by Jeff
A: I reviewed the two memos you referred to
Sniegowski of Silicon Technologies Dept. 1325.
and I agree they are too "threatening" in tone and
The LAB NEWS' John German wrote the story for our Sept. 3 issue,
should be reworded. Thanks for bringing the mat•
the Media Relations folks issued a news release about the device, and
ter to my attention.
since then hundreds of publications and TV stations have reported about
Having said that, let me also point out that this
it. Just how small is it? Several micro steam engines could fit inside
organization is the one suffering when DOE audi•
the period at the end of this sentence.
tors find that key inventories are not current, or
•••
other DOE requirements are not met. When actions
Voluminous verbosity- Marvin Moss of Sandia's Intellectual
that can only be accomplished by our internal cus•
Property Development Dept. 11510 is something of a language expert, and
tomers are requested, but left undone, the authors
he sends some examples of redundancy that he sometimes sees: past
of the memos you referred to are criticized not only
experience, prior history, advanced warning, and pre-existing condition.
for being out of compliance, but also for not
Marvin eloquently notes, "The nouns stand alone quite well and should
enforcing the rules. This environment tends to gen•
not be the victims of repetitive redundancy of undue prolixity." Now who
erate fear and frustration that is then manifested in
could disagree with that? Anyone have other "favorites?" •LP
the "threatening" letters. Clearly, we need to fix that.
Be assured that members of this organization
buy into Sandia's values. Please don't forget that
Congratulations
they are individuals also, with a desire to accom•
To Kathy and Steve (2645) Kuehn, a son, plish their goals and with a need for respect.
Timothy Stephen, Dec. 18. Finally, another Sandia value is teamwork. More of
To Maggie and Bill (2482) Silva, a son, that would be very helpful.
Nathan William, Jan. 3. J.D. Martin (7400)
Published Fortnightly on Fridays by
Employee Communications Department 12660
SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES DOE SECRETARY VISITS
An Equal Opportunity Employer
- Secretary of Energy
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 87185-0413 Hazel O'Leary visited Lafay•
LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA 94550-0969 ette Elementary School in
TONOPAH, NEVADA
• Oakland on Jan. 12, joining
NEVADA TEST SITE
schoolchildren in classes
AMARILLO, TEXAS
that were taking part in one
Sandia National Laboratories, a prime contrac•
of Sandia's science carni•
tor to the US Department of Energy, is operated
vals. She is seen here help•
by the Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned
ing the children make
subsidiary of the Martin Marietta Corporation.
"gluep," a Silly-Putty-like
LARRY PERRINE, Editor (505/844-10 53)
substance made from glue
CHARLES SHIRLEY, Managing Editor (844-6210)
JOHN GERMAN, Writer (844-5199) and borax that is popular
HOWARD KERCHEVAL, Writer (844-7842) with young students. Look•
RANDY MONTOYA, Head Photographer (844-5605) ing on are Education Out•
MARK POULSEN, Photographer and
reach Dept. 8528 Manager
Production Coordinator (844-0421)
Karen Scott (left), Sandia/
JANET CARPENTER, Publications Coordinator
(844-7841) California VP John Crawford
LISA CHAVEZ, Assistant (844-7522) (middle). and Oakland
LAB NEWS FAX [phone]) Schools Superintendent
BARRY SCHRADER, California Reporter
Peter Mesa. The woman
.. (510/294-2447)
behind John is an unidenti•
fied school employee .
LAB NEWS • January 21, 1994 Page Three
-
(Continued from Page One)
Microelectronics Office as
tor-Rn\fnt ""'Jtfit\.\\tlt\1'm'twn ..
a direct example of the 1-'l)l'f' l-l'HH'-\\lfH\.I(M\fJt\\Utl\
'\ \i lfHH tHlol.t t I \(ff '' Ht
Silicon Valley Office positive impact that can be If ( iRO'U 1 o\•'\h1 UU'
achieved through the fed•
Donna Fitzpatrick, a former Undersecretary of eral government's efforts to
Energy and current Sandia Board of Directors transfer technology from
member; Bill Howard, Sandia board member; Gor• the national labs to the pri•
don Cumming, Vice President of TriQuint Semi• vate sector.
conductors; and Sass Somekh, Senior Vice Presi• "What better place to
dent of Applied Materials. In addition, AI demonstrate this kind of
recognized several attendees from Lawrence Liver• private/public partnership
more and Los Alamos national laboratories. than in Silicon Valley?"
"Sandia began its industrial outreach efforts she said. "DOE coopera•
through DOE in 1989 with passage of the National tion through Sandia with
Competitiveness Technology Transfer Act, and SIA, SEMATECH, and
Bay Area universities will
"The future of the national labs will boost the economy of Sili•
con Valley, and keep the
hinge on how the private sector ...
nation moving in the right
assesses the value we provide." direction by transferring
technology out of the Labs
AT THE SANDIA Microelectronics Office opening, President AI Narath (stand•
and into the workplace."
ing) and Gordon Cumming (center), Vice President of Tri-Quint Semiconduc•
opening this new Silicon Valley office will further San Jose Deputy City
tors, sign protocol papers for a cooperative R&D agreement. Looking on is
facilitate our R&D partnerships with industry," AI Manager Darrell Dearborn
San Jose Deputy City Manager Darrell Dearborn.
said. "The future of the national labs will hinge on called the new office "a
how the private sector downstream assesses the recognition of the federal government's apprecia• than waiting for industry to come to us," he
value we provide, and I believe microelectronics is tion that Silicon Valley represents a business cli• explained. "Our goal is also to support other types
a critically important industry that can benefit mate that nurtures the kind of joint ventures that of industries with DOE resources, and creation of
greatly from DOE assistance. produce success. this office marks the start of something that will
"Sandia felt that due to the heavy concentra• "The tremendous resource potential that the provide significant benefits not only to Silicon Val•
tion of semiconductor companies in the San Jose national laboratories represent is one of the under• ley and San Jose, but to the entire country."
area, it was important to create a physical presence pinnings for successful defense conversion to During the signing, Cumming said, "This
that would serve as a point of contact," he contin• peacetime applications," Dearborn said. "The agreement is an important moment for TriQuint.
ued. "We look forward with great excitement to extraordinary talent provided by the Labs is vital to The expense of developing technology is substan•
working closely with the Semiconductor Indus• support the private sector as it develops key new tial for a small company such as ours, so we look
tries Association to ensure efficient use of San• technologies, including alternative energy sources, forward to the extraordinary opportunity to capture
dia's capabilities in achieving the industry's tech• environmental clean-up techniques, and other the capabilities of Sandia." •
nology objectives. In fact, we are well along in the endeavors that require the federal government's
Second Signing for This Pen
planning process to form a microelectronics commitment."
alliance between DOE and Bay Area companies John Andrews, DOE site manager at Sandia/ Before signing for Applied Materials, Somekh
and universities." California, said Sandia's new office represents a displayed a special pen he brought to the cere•
concrete example of DOE's commitment to make mony, and told the story behind it. "About five
Speakers Offer Congratulations
national laboratory resources available to Silicon years ago I was responsible for development of a
US Representative Norm Mineta 's aide, Valley and the entire nation. "Although the office complex, expensive product for my company, and
Michelle Poche, offered congratulations on behalf will be small at first, it has tremendous value was very concerned about system reliability," he
of the congressman. She cited the new Sandia because DOE is reaching out to industry, rather said. "I visited Sandia twice, received presentations
about how the Lab ensures the reliability of nuclear
weapons systems, and used this pen to sign an
agreement to work together.
"We introduced that system two years ago, and
as of today it has generated $250 million in rev•
enue and become the standard for reliability within
the industry. This example shows the benefits
Applied has derived from working with Sandia,
and we look forward to a closer relationship that
will further enhance our competitiveness and yield
many new benefits."
Managing the new office in Commerce Plaza
is Jay Jakubczak, who will have the new organiza•
tion number of 8006 and report to VP-8000 John
KRISTY SIBERT to Supervisor of Procure• and Training Department. In 1990 she became the Crawford's office. Jay transferred from Non•
ment Support Team 8534-1. acting manager of the Education and Affirmative volatile Memories Dept. 1341. The suite includes
Kristy came to Action Department, then formed the educational two offices and a conference room equipped for
Sandia/California outreach program with funding from DOE and the videoconferencing. The office phone number is
as a contractor in National Science Foundation. ( 408) 261-7951. • MSheehan
1981 to work in Before joining Sandia, she worked with stu•
Procurement as a dent programs at the University of Utah and served
file clerk. In 1985 as director of the Marlin Pound Inducted
she was hired as an Career and Labor
MA I clerk in the Market Information Into UNM Hall of Honor
same department. System for the
The past four years State of Wyoming. Marlin Pound (8501/8600) was inducted with
she has been a Karen has BA the 1953 University of New Mexico football team
commodity buyer. degrees in Spanish into the UNM Athletic Hall of Honor at an alumni
Kristy has been and special educa• gathering recently. Marlin was a member of the
acting team leader tion and an MS in 1952 Lobo team, acclaimed as one of the school's
KRISTY SIBERT
of the Procurement educational psy• finest ever, with a 7-2 record that allowed only 46
Support Team since March 1993. chology from the points against its defense all season. The team also
She is a Livermore High School graduate and a University of Utah. had the highest academic record of any men's
native of Livermore. She received the group on campus. A sophomore that year, Marlin
Best Sessions was the starting right tackle on both offense and
KAREN SCOTI
KAREN SCOIT to Manager of the newly cre• Award from the defense. The Hall of Honor was established to per•
ated Education Outreach Dept. 8528. American Society for Engineering Education in petuate the mission of intercollegiate athletics and
Karen joined Sandia at Livermore as a Mem• 1992 for her presentation on "The Next Work• promote a sense of pride among alumni lettermen,
ber of Laboratory Staff in 1987 in the Education force- K-12." the university, and the community.
LAB NEWS January 21, 1994 Page Four
(Continued from Page One) from other goals that need to be addressed? -with DOE's blessing-just among ourselves.
AI: Certainly. At least initially, it's going to be We will meet again soon. These meetings have
State of the Labs a serious distraction, because it will focus a Jot of opened up a constructive dialogue among the Jab
attention and a lot of management effort within directors. Out of that will eventually be distilled a
as anybody can expect. I think the two organiza• DOE and elsewhere on the past rather than the much stronger consensus of how the labs collec•
tions are culturally as close as we can get. We don't future. tively and individually can best serve DOE and the
need to make any changes because of that. Jim: But elsewhere in government as well, country.
AI: In fact, I would assert that at least one of there's a similar process of declassifying a lot of So I feel quite optimistic. Yes, I'd like to see
the reasons Martin Marietta was interested in Cold War files. This is going to be a temporary faster progress. But on the whole, the signs are
acquiring this responsibility was the similarity of turbulence that we'll all go through. We're just very encouraging.
interests, capabilities, and strategic directions. It Jim: It's clear that there's a good channel of
was a marriage that in many ways made a lot of communication among the various laboratories.
sense. The people respect each other, we work together.
...
Jim: I also think the personalities have meshed On big issues, my sense is that the cooperation is
well together. The people who Martin Marietta pretty good.
brought in have been accepted very well by the LN: Compared to some of the other labs, our
Laboratories. As an outsider coming in, I couldn't budget has held up somewhat better. Is that a sign
have asked for a better reception from the people at of success?
Sandia. So I think the transition process-I may AI: Sandians might remind themselves that
be overstating, but it's close to the truth- is how well we have done depends on what reference
behind us. We're now getting ourselves ready for a point we choose. After all, during the early 1970s
new environment. The M&O changes were pretty we suffered worse than some of our sister labs. We
much accomplished last year.
LN: What about our relationships with DOE
"DOE has technical assets at its dis•
and with Secretary 0' Leary?
posal that call for a rethinking, a
AI: On the whole, the relationship with DOE
and the Secretary are very positive, very construc•
broadening, of DOE's mission."
tive. DOE itself is going through a period of transi•
tion. The Secretary has specific ideas of how she
wants to reshape the department. As you may recovered subsequently. But we are currently at the
know, she has set in motion a rather ambitious pro• same strength-the same number of employees
gram of strategic planning. She has committed the -as in 1965. Many other labs have grown sub•
department to Total Quality Management. So stantially since then.
within DOE there is currently a lot of activity. But, yes, I think we've been fortunate. We've
At Sandia, we set comparable efforts in motion performed well in recent years; for the most part,
some years earlier. That has made it quite easy for we've made our customers happy. They've come
this laboratory, and me in particular, to come into back to us .
•
resonance with the new DOE management. But the size of the laboratory, the size of its
Jim: I think Sandians ought to feel pretty con• budget, are not ultimately the best measures of the
fident. As a new person just looking at the strategic ALNARATH value contributed by a national laboratory.
planning here, and watching what's going on in Jim: And certainly the redefinition process
Washington right now, with Vic Reis [DOE Assis• going to have to recognize that it is part of our isn't finished. There's a long way to go before
tant Secretary for Defense Programs] and his orga• responsibilities. strategies and mission responsibilities are worked
nization, it's clear that we're well integrated and LN: As far as we know, did Sandia have any out. Nobody is smart enough to know how all that
are thinking about things the same way. My sense involvement in the radiation experiments on is going to end up. It appears to me that Sandia
is that we're not going to see anything come out of humans that are being discussed? goes into the process in as healthy a condition as
the DOE strategic planning that this organization AI: I have no reason to believe that we had a any of the laboratories. But there's still a long way
hasn't already anticipated and prepared for as well role in the activities that I've read about. Of course, togo.
as anybody could. I don't want to make sweeping statements, because AI: We have benefited from the fact that in the
That's a compliment to the work that's gone on at this point I don't know much more than has last few years the emphasis in federal R&D has
in the past at Sandia. appeared in the news media. shifted strongly in the direction of more applied
AI: I'm quite encouraged by what I see, at Jim: We will assess our own files and make work, perhaps at some expense to more fundamen•
least in terms of planning activity, within DOE. It sure we understand what our history is. We need to tal investigations. As a result, we have found it
A
remains to be seen how well we can implement make sure that we weren't part of that activity, if somewhat easier to attract new customers than labs
DOE's strategic vision in the end. But I find it that's in fact the case, or take up our responsibili• that have a stronger basic science focus. But that
ties if we were. So I think the thing to do is recog• could very easily reverse tomorrow. There's no
nize that the Secretary has set policy, that she assurance that that's a direction federal support
"Conditions in Washington and else•
wants to declassify a lot of this activity, and we will continue to take.
where are changing almost daily, and will undoubtedly become part of that process. LN: We've been expecting to see a decline in
AI: Unfortunately, the perception has been cre• Sandia's Defense Programs (DP) sector budget.
we have to stay on our toes."
ated that all of the experimentation was unethical, But it hasn't materialized as a lot ofp eople thought
if not illegal, and that a large fraction of it involved it would-at least to date. Is a crunch coming?
encouraging that there's widespread recognition harm to human subjects. Again, I don't speak from AI: The crunch has already been happening.
that DOE has technical assets at its disposal that a lot of knowledge, but I would speculate that It's disguised by the fact that within Roger Ragen•
call for a rethinking, a broadening, of DOE's much of the experimentation involved radioactive gruber's [VP-5000] Defense Program sector,
mission. tracers at very low concentrations, which, inciden• we've taken on a lot of new work. The part that has
LN: Do you think that message is getting tally, gave rise to nuclear medicine, an absolutely been suffering is the Labs' foundation effort-sci•
through elsewhere in government? Are DOE's indispensable part of modem health care. ence and technology. In the nuclear weapon pro•
technical assets widely recognized? LN: What can you tell us about Sandia's rela• gram, the R&D budget has been plummeting, and
AI: Any time an organization, on the basis of tionships with the other DOE labs? it is this budget that has historically supported the
its capabilities, sets about to expand its horizons, AI: They are very good. There is some differ• major portion of our research foundation and other
it's going to encounter some turf issues. I think the ence of opinion, however, among the lab directors special capabilities.
big challenge for DOE will be to legitimatize its as to where the institutions ought to be heading So although the total employment level within
roles in areas such as advanced manufacturing during this period of rapidly changing national pri• Defense Programs has not declined, the mix of
technologies and electronics. Support of industries orities. Until there is a clear understanding and activities has changed. There's less scientific
not directly linked to DOE's core mission responsi• agreement on future directions of DOE and the research and technology development and more
bilities (for example, the textile industry) must not purpose for the labs' continued existence, you're application of existing knowledge to meet cus•
threaten the legitimate responsibilities of other fed• going to find differences of opinion. Let's also tomer needs.
eral agencies. That's going to require alliances that remember that the labs are all very different. We If that trend continues, it's going to pose a real
are mutually supportive. I believe the Secretary were created for different purposes originally, and threat to the Laboratories. Inevitably, it would
understands these difficulties and is prepared to as a consequence we differ in terms of current weaken the technical foundations of the Laborato•
deal with them. capabilities and interests. ries. That is, it would be more difficult to sustain
LN: Do you think the current attention to I think it's very healthy that we're talking can• our core competencies. That is a serious concern to
activities of the past by DOE's predecessors, didly about these matters. We have been meeting, me.
human experimentation and so on, will detract both as part of formal DOE efforts, and in addition LN: So if we ask you "Is it encouraging that
LAB NEWS January 21, 1994 Page Five
the overall DP budget has stayed up?" your believe the problem is in DP. I believe the problem nuclear weapon R&D, we simply cannot expect
answer is "No, it's not really encouraging." is how to get good people into the E&E mission. DP to carry the freight alone. Bert Westwood [VP-
Jim: There is a worse alternative! LN: What about the Work for Others (WFO) 1000] understands that challenge and is prepared
AI: There's a worse alternative; Jim said it just sector? We're still doing well there, it would to deal with it.
right. appear from recent budget figures. LN: With the demand for Sandia services in all
But the health of the Laboratories in the long Jim: There's more of a demand for our ser• three sectors, are we still constraining ourselves to
run cannot simply be measured in terms of employ• vices than we're able to supply. Last time I a ceiling of on-roll employees? Couldn't we sup•
ment level. At some point, even that would be checked, more than 20 percent of our total program .port more than we have?
threatened if we no longer maintained the flow of was in Work for Others. That's a big percentage. AI: We're aiming for 8,550, which is close to
new ideas and new technical breakthroughs. Once My sense is that that's about as large a percentage the current level.
that flow ceases, our ability to do innovative as we ought to let WFO grow to. That sector is Jim: You just have to ask yourself-looking
applied work for customers will suffer also. doing extremely well, and there's a lot of demand ahead with all the turbulence that AI indicated•
But that's a long-term problem. That kind of for Sandia services through it. But I think we have what position you want to be in. We prefer not to
damage doesn't set in overnight. It's something to be careful to keep in balance, and the figure now
that we can work out over the next few years. is about as far as we'd like to go.
"There's more of a demand for our
Jim: In addition, it appears that Vic Reis is AI: It's important to add that this is not coming
very sensitive to the problem and is trying hard to to us passively. There are a lot of people in Gerry services than we're able to supply."
fix it. So the situation isn't bleak, but by the same Yonas's [VP-9000] WFO sector who have worked
token, everything isn't perfect. hard to sustain the flow of projects into the Labs.
AI: I agree. We're very fortunate in having an And when we go out and seek these opportunities, have an additional number of people for whom we
Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs who we find customers who are very responsive. The feel obligated to continue a job responsibility.
understands the important role that the national real challenge-it's something we're addressing The Laboratories is entering a post-Cold War
laboratories' science and technology base plays. in our strategic planning-is going to be to relate redefinition in a very strong position, with regard
He is very intent on focusing a lot of his attention the opportunities we want to pursue under Work to the number of people who are on board, the mix
on helping preserve and reap the benefits of the for Others strategically to our DOE mission of the talent that's here. We might be stronger if we
science and technology base. We're getting strong responsibilities. could foretell the future! But given what we know
support from him. I don't mean to imply that much of what we're now, we're in a good position.
LN: Are we still likely to see declines in currently doing doesn't fit; on the contrary. But in LN: Are there any constraints on contracting
Defense Programs overall? Are we encouraging view of the fact that we've reached essentially the work out when we really need to do that to get a
people there to get retrained for work in the other limit of what I think the Labs can reasonably jus• job done?
sectors? tify under WFO, we have to choose what directions AI: No. But we need to think about it differ•
AI: One has to be careful when looking into a ently. In the past, we've responded by bringing in
crystal ball that's inherently very foggy. All of us on-site contract personnel. The only time that
anticipated the rapid decline in support for makes sense to me is when we bring in specialized
weapons program research, development, and test• talent that we either cannot acquire through regular
ing. It forced us to the erroneous conclusion that employees or for which we don't see a continuing
the DP program in its entirety would suffer a simi• need.
lar fate. That turned out to be wrong because The kind of contracting we're encouraging
DOE's defense program activity has taken on addi• now is this: Where we take on larger commitments
tional responsibilities. We've seen growth in non• than we can handle internally, Jet's go into partner•
proliferation activities, for example. The Labs has ship with other organizations, such as laboratories,
also acquired more responsibility in connection universities, or industrial enterprises. Let's subcon•
with the production complex reconfiguration. tract not for additional on-site people, but pieces of
So this confronted us with the problem that the work that can be carried out in a contractor's facili•
DP sector needed to grow slightly over the last ties. To move in that direction is a way for our lab•
year, when we had expected a need to increase oratory to increase its impact, its effectiveness.
other areas of the Laboratories to compensate for Jim: Our customers hold us responsible for the
an anticipated shortfall in DP. performance of work, whether we do it internally
What will happen five or six years from now, I or whether it's done under contract. We have to
don't know. I find it difficult to believe that as long make sure that we have processes in place so that
as national defense as a whole continues to shrink, when we take on work that's above our head•
the DOE DP program will not suffer some of that strength, we know we're capable of guaranteeing
decline, too. So we could still see, over the next the performance of the products that we deliver.
several years, some decline in total funding for DP. That may require different techniques than simply
But this is all speculation at this point. I just don't contracting for people.
know. I think the experience of the last year has AI: But they're not new techniques. They're
shown how difficult it is to do even tactical plan• used in industry every day.
ning, that is, operational planning, during a period Jim: They're just different from the way
of such continuous, unpredictable change. we've been doing things in the past. As long as we
Jim: Defense Programs' responsibility is still can guarantee the quality of our product, it appears
the most important mission that the Laboratories JIM TEGNELIA to me that that's a good way to enter this period of
has. How that mission evolves over the next five or turbulence.
I 0 years will be very important. But because it to emphasize in the future. Those decisions need to LN: Are we actually doing much of this kind of
remains, in my mind, the most critical mission in be guided by some strategic construct that takes contracting?
the Laboratories, we must be sure that we support account of DOE interests. AI: Quite a bit, though I don't have any num•
the DP activities that we have here. And I think to I don't think we can be successful in the long bers available.
date we've done that. I think the staffing levels in run without helping DOE become successful. DOE Jim: Where we've been doing it, it appears to
DP have been adequate, there are good people unfortunately is still a department that continues to be good for both sides. We're seeing quality work;
suffer attacks on its credibility, making it more dif• the industrial base is getting work that it didn't
"It's clear that there's a good channel ficult to realize the department's full potential. have in the past. In aerospace and similar busi•
LN: What about the Labs' research program? nesses right now, there aren't any slouches left.
of communication among the various Do you expect that it will continue to be approxi• They have quality people. So I think everybody
laboratories." mately the same size, and healthy? ends up pretty well off in a process like that.
AI: Our intent is to maintain the research pro• AI: At the peak of the Safeguards program, an
gram at Sandia at some fixed percentage of the anti-ballistic missile program of the '60s-it actu•
there, and we haven't failed to accomplish any total effort of the Laboratories. In the past, Defense ally had its beginnings in the 1950s-the overall
major responsibility. Programs has provided the major source of funding direction came from Bell Labs, and there were
The difficulty that I think we're struggling for research. With Defense Programs R&D drop• specific technical tasks performed within Bell
with now is in trying to keep up with the growth in ping rapidly, that has become increasingly difficult. Labs for which it had special expertise. But huge
Dan Hartley's [VP-6000] Energy and Environment Nonetheless, a larger-and growing-percent• chunks, in fact the bulk of the work, was done by
[E&E] sector. The budgets are growing there, and age of the DP program is being applied to help other contractors.
we have to make sure that we have the people to maintain our core competencies. But a big chal• I think it's healthy for a laboratory like ours
take care of that mission. That mission has been a lenge over the next year or two will be to identify to increase its interactions with the private sector.
strong one for us now for the better part of I 0 or I 5 new sources of funding to help sustain the research We talk a lot about doing it through CRADAs
years, and it's growing very, very fast. So I don't effort. In the long run, in a period of declining (Continued on Page Six)
LAB NEWS January 21, 1994 Page Six
(Continued from Page Five)
laboratory by making it available to the private sec• have expressed very strong support for the strategic
tor. Here we're not dealing so much with coopera• reasoning that has gone into this commitment. It
State of the Labs tive research and development as we are with sup• now remains for us to demonstrate the value of
plying information. You might call this process Sandia/California as an integral part, inseparable
technology deployment. from the rest of Sandia National Laboratories. We
[cooperative R&D agreements] and other coopera• We are also firmly committed to cooperation have come a long way already, under John Craw•
tive technology-transfer-related activities. A more and collaboration with other institutions, both ford's [VP-8000] thoughtful leadership, and I am
direct way is to involve the private sector to a public and private, as a way to increase the impact absolutely confident that we will succeed.
greater extent in our normal, everyday program• of our work. Examples of strengthened interac• LN: What about two other locations that are
matic activities. tions that appear especially promising are joint directly affected by recent changes-Tonopah Test
Jim: That has the benefit of causing an auto• R&D efforts with regional universities, with Los Range and the Nevada Test Site [NTS]?
matic transfer of our technology and our tech• Alamos National Lab, and with the National Insti• AI: The Tonopah activity is now being pursued
niques into the industrial base. So it's a process tute for Standards and Technology. on a campaign basis. That means many, if not all,
that's good for everybody. Finally, I'm also very enthusiastic about the of the personnel, when needed, will come from
LN: You mentioned earlier that Sandia will be possibilities afforded Sandia by Martin Marietta's other Laboratories locations and assemble for the
getting more into producing weapon components, creation of the Technology Ventures Corporation purpose of conducting a series of tests. We will
the non-nuclear components. That's the activity [TVC], by offering nurturing opportunities for San• maintain the range in a state of dormancy for those
called manufacturing development engineering• dia technology that we can spin off by moving peo• periods when we don't do any work there.
MDE. Will contracting be a major part of this? ple and their ideas into the private sector. Maybe At NTS, the situation is still evolving. There
Jim: It's one way of doing it. For instance, if Jim wants to expand on that. are obviously no nuclear tests planned currently. I
there were components that Sandia had to guaran• Jim: I think it's an opportunity to do two don't think there will be any. Barring unforeseen
tee for the weapon complex, rather than building things. The first is that Sandia people can generate international events, I don't anticipate renewal of
ideas for products that are produced by small busi• testing any time soon.
nesses and made available commercially. We've At the same time, I believe everybody recog•
"We are currently at ... the same
had reasonable success with that at Oak Ridge. nizes that we can't just throw away the Nevada
number of employees as in 1965. One of the products that comes to mind is the arti• Test Site. We have to maintain it in a manner that
ficial hip implant. Those were started by Oak provides some significant value commensurate
Many other labs have grown."
Ridge people, and now they're out in industry. with the continued investments we make in it.
TVC also provides an opportunity to have San• There are some roles that will emerge and are
the capability internally, we could ensure that there dia technology reflected in products and jobs that emerging for Sandia.
was an industrial partner that could deliver that are created in our particular regions of New Mex• Jim: The people at NTS understand the
kind of capability. ico and California. That's something we haven't improbability of re-starting any testing. They're in
AI: Most of the effort under the MOE accomplished very much before. This kind of the process of redefining their future, looking at
umbrella, in fact, will involve procuring parts regional economic growth is being done through new missions that can be done there. We're helping
from industry. The production responsibilities we other national labs as well, Los Alamos and Oak them with that activity. I think, because of the prior
anticipate bringing to Sandia are highly special• Ridge, to name two. investment that's been made, plus the contingen•
ized, where everybody agrees it wouldn't make Those are pretty ambitious goals, but we've cies that have to be prepared for in case of changes
sense to develop a commercial source. been successful at Oak Ridge, and I think we'll be in the international situation, they'll be moderately
Jim: And where the capability doesn't exist in successful here. successful. NTS won't be shut down.
the commercial sector. LN: Recently, Norm Augustine, Martin Mari• AI: It won't be shut down; on the other hand,
AI: It'll be a significant responsibility, but it etta's Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair• any time a radical change of direction takes place,
shouldn't be construed as moving all or even a man, visited Sandia/California and had good like the one we've seen with the cessation of test•
major portion of the non-nuclear production ing, you can expect significant impact on the peo•
responsibility to Sandia. ple. And they are people who have dedicated much
LN: More generally, what's going on in San• of their careers to that work. I feel very badly for
dia's relationships with private industry? them. Sometimes victory is more difficult to take
AI: What is most noticeable is the large num• than the battle.
ber of cooperative research and development LN: AI, you mentioned talking to people in
agreements that we've been able to put in place• Washington. What is Sandia's image there?
in excess of 140 now, an aggregate value of $500 AI: The image is very positive, as best I can
million. But numbers of CRADAs, or even the dol• tell. Our presence is much stronger than in past
lars, are not a good metric. More important is the years. There's clearly a much better understanding
net tangible return on invested effort that we of what Sandia is and what we contribute than was
achieve in our industrial interactions-both in true in the past. I feel very good about that. My
terms of benefit to our industry partners, and the sense is that we have become a much more influen•
"dual benefit" to our core missions. Toward that tial laboratory, as envisioned, incidentally, by our
ALNARATH
end, we are emphasizing two directions: 1990 Strategic Plan.
One is that we're increasingly aggregating our things to say there. Yet, with the uncertainty that Jim: I think we have allies in Washington in
CRADA efforts in such a way that we focus our we've talked about in future directions of the DOE getting through this redefinition phase, because of
support on major industries, such as the electronics labs, there's uncertainty felt by employees at the the reputation that we have and our past accom•
industry, or the auto industry, or the textile indus• California laboratory. What can you tell them? plishments. These allies include a strong congres•
try. Here we look for opportunities that really AI: What I've said in the past year and earlier sional delegation, but the support is broader than
match our competencies. We are giving special is still true. The California laboratory is an essen•
emphasis to three topics that are closely related tial part of this institution. We attach great strate• "We want to ... provide goods and
technically, and which cut across all three sectors: gic value to it. We are exploiting the advantages
services at a cost that's acceptable to
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, led by offered us by having a site on the West Coast.
Heinz Schmitt [VP-2000]; Microelectronics, led by We opened an office in San Jose, next door to our customers."
Paul Peercy [Director of Microelectronics and Pho• the headquarters of the Semiconductor Industry
tonics Center 1300]; and Information Science and Association, to facilitate our support of that indus•
Technology, for which a strategic plan is in prepa• try. [See article on page one.] The presence of our that. Having support in Washington right now is a
ration under the leadership of Arlyn Blackwell laboratory on the West Coast is what enables us to good thing for Sandia.
[Chief Information Officer 12200]. create this presence in Silicon Valley. AI: It's important for a lot of reasons. One that
We also plan to concentrate much of our effort It's understandable, given the talk we hear we talk about a lot has to do with the congressional
on precompetitive partnerships through alliances about the need to eliminate some labs or redefine interest in redefining of the purpose of the national
with industry consortia. That gets us out of the labs' missions and so on, if some people get a ner• laboratories, in the evolution of new mission
business of picking winners and losers, which has vous feeling about their future. And of course it's responsibilities, and in the clarification of labora•
always been very difficult for our government to impossible to give iron-clad guarantees. All I can tory roles in new initiatives - new strategic
deal with .. do is to articulate the unequivocal intent of Sandia thrusts, if you will - such as manufacturing.
The other important direction that we're senior management to maintain Sandia/California But equally important, we need to take a
encouraging much more strongly than in the past is as an essential part of the Labs. I've discussed that strong stand against excessive overreaction to the
to reach out and provide technical assistance to intent with various people in Washington, and at no end of the Cold War. You can't help but get a
ever larger numbers of small and medium size time has anybody found any flaw in our plan. sense that some people believe radical changes are
enterprises. We're making ourselves more accessi• You mentioned Norm Augustine. I've dis• needed because yesterday we had a Cold War and
ble, increasing the value of the knowledge and cussed this matter with Norm and also Tom Young today we don't. The fact of the matter is that there
know-how that public funds have created in this [Martin Marietta's Chief Operating Officer]. Both (Continued on Next Page)
LAB NEWS January 21, 1994 Page Seven
Goal: a Clear Delineation of Corporate Strategy
Strategic Plan Gets Facelift to Guide Labs' Post-Cold War Work
When Sandia's first Strategic Plan was pub• January. Five more are
lished in 1990, the Cold War was still being waged scheduled next month, with
and the Warsaw Pact still existed. The Soviet the final one planned for
Union, although mellowing and weakening, was Feb. 17. No target date has
still considered by the US to be the biggest poten• been set for publishing the
tial threat to world peace and stability. new plan, but Paul says the
Four years later, the world is much different. team hopes to have a draft
International peace hasn't been realized and there ready for review soon after
still seem to be plenty of "bad guys" around the the Feb. 17 session.
world making trouble, but the threat of a cata• The LAB NEWS vis•
strophic war between "superpowers" has dimin• ited with Paul and his di•
ished greatly. In fact, some experts say the US is rector, Joel Weiss, recent•
now the only military superpower. ly to find out what the
Although maintaining a powerful nuclear group hopes to accom•
deterrent and a strong US military force remain plish and how the process
important, the definition of national security has is going.
HALFWAY HOME- Five Sandians of a team working to "modernize" the
been extended to incorporate maintaining a strong Paul and Joel empha•
Labs' Strategic Plan are seen at a working session last week. They are (from
US economy that can compete in the world market. size two points. First, the
left) Bert Westwood (VP-1000), Mim John (8100, representing VP-8000 John
Reflecting society in general, Sandia is now as plan will take into account
Crawford), Virgil Dugan (121 00), Jerry Langheim (12600), and Dan Hartley
concerned with economic matters as it is with mili• years of input from
(VP-6000). The group has completed six of its planned 11 sessions.
tary/nuclear matters-one of the primary reasons employees, and, second,
that the Labs' Strategic Plan is getting a major the revised version will be
more thorough than the 1990 plan. that is being used by the strategic planners," says
There are several sources of employee input, Paul.
Sandia is now as concerned with eco•
says Paul, including information gathered last year The main "product" produced as a result of
nomic matters as it is with military in a project to "articulate a unifying theme" for this effort is the Statement of Strategic Intent that
Sandia, information gathered by the Strategic Plan• reiterates Sandia's motto, "Exceptional Service in
and nuclear matters.
ning Program Office during the Vision Project in the National Interest." The one-page statement also
1992, and results from the Labs-wide employee spells out in brief the Labs' mission, focus, and ap•
facelift, according to Paul Shoemaker, Manager of survey ("Stanek Survey") conducted last year. (The proach. It states that "Sandia responds to the chal•
Strategic Planning Program Office 4514. Stanek Survey results will be covered soon in the lenges and opportunities of an increasingly
Paul and others in Org. 4514 are working with LAB NEWS.) Also, planning team members are
a planning team that includes President AI Narath, committed to asking employees in their groups to
The plan will take into account years
Executive VP Jim Tegnelia, all Sandia VPs, and provide comments on draft material as the team
three directors to produce the new Strategic Plan. produces it. of input from employees and will be
The directors are Executive Staff Director Virgil Pace VanDevender ( 4700), who served as
more thorough than the 1990 plan.
Dugan ( 121 00), Strategic and Operational Planning Director of Corporate Communications up through
Director Joel Weiss ( 4500), and Public Relations Sept. 30, 1993, held eight meetings at three Sandia
and Communications Director Jerry Langheim sites (New Mexico, California, and Washington, dynamic and demanding world, with broad-based
( 12600). Bruce Dale and Dan Garber (both 4511) D.C.) in September to seek employee input at all R&D programs that create solutions contributing to
are supporting the effort. levels to articulate a unifying theme for Sandia, military security, energy security, environmental
and the results have been provided to the Labs' integrity, and economic competitiveness."
Draft Ready Soon
strategic planners. Input from the Labs' primary customers also is
The planning team is just more than halfway The Vision Project asked selected Sandians being sought. "In fact, several members of the
through its schedule of 11 all-day sessions to revise who were identified as "visionaries" by their peers planning team participated in preparing key sec•
the plan. The first session was Nov. 12. Two for their vision for Sandia's future. "They produced tions of the DOE Strategic Plan [under develop•
more sessions were held in December and three in a lot of information that has 'staying power' and ment]," Paul notes, "and appropriate information is
being factored into our plan."
Permission to Be Different
(Continued from Preceding Page) Where do we stand there? Do we have any goals?
Jim: We're working hard on that. But I Regarding some employee comments that the
has been an ongoing change for many, many years. wouldn't state the problem just in terms of direct 1990 Strategic Plan wasn't specific enough to pro•
Priorities have been shifting steadily for a long and indirect. What we want to do is to make sure vide meaningful guidance, Paul acknowledges that
time, and laboratories like Sandia have made that we provide goods and services at a cost that's this is fair criticism, but he thinks the original plan
many adjustments. The changes that are needed, in acceptable to our customers, and affordable and still made a significant impact. "It gave the Labora•
my view, are much more evolutionary than they reasonable when measured against other industrial tories 'permission' to be different from what it had
are of the radical sort that some people are cur• standards. I don't care whether you look at them as been. It said we could think of ourselves in new
rently entertaining. a direct cost or an indirect cost. The fact is that our ways that up to then had been viewed as presump•
What I'm saying is, it's important to speak out costs have to be reasonable and under control. I tuous. We became more proactive as a result of the
for the continued importance of many of the things have asked Gary Riser [Deputy Chief Financial permission we gave ourselves in the I 990 Strategic
we've been doing for years. There is a lot of work Officer I 0000] and Mike Ebben [I 0600] in Paul Plan.
still to be done in the weapon program, in the Stanford's office [Chief Financial Officer I 0000] "The fact that there really wasn't a clear delin•
energy program, environmental programs- it's to look at this. eation of corporate strategy in our first plan will
not as if everything the national laboratories are There is a perception, which we're looking at definitely be addressed in the new plan," continues
currently engaged in needs to be redirected. very intently right now, that a lot of the goods and Paul. "We are going to focus on the impact we
LN: What about the National Competitiveness services we provide are more expensive than can want to create and the strategy by which we want
Technology Partnership Act that's pending in Con• be done with the industrial base. We've got to get to create it."
gress? What will it mean to us, if it's passed? our arms around that, and we've got to make sure Joel Weiss points out that the new Strategic
AI: I see the legislation that has passed the that our costs are reasonable when measured Plan will not be an end in itself, but a plan that will
Senate as an expression of confidence that DOE against other industrial standards. If our costs are lead to other, more detailed plans. "We hope the
and its laboratories are capable of playing a larger high, we've got to understand why they are and new Strategic Plan will 'go deep enough' to pro•
role than provided by their traditional weapons and what we can do to get those costs under control. vide a natural flow to the operational planning
energy missions. But beyond that, we're just going LN: Any specifics you'd like to mention? process. Basically, an operational plan addresses
to have to wait and see how the House reacts and Jim: I don't want to be too specific, and there how you're going to implement the Strategic Plan.
what legislation is finally signed by the President. are a number of possible examples. But for in• To do that, it definitely needs to come down off the
It is premature to say much more at this point, but stance, we've found that it's more expensive to do plateau that the 1990 plan is on. I think you' II see
the introduction of the legislation is encouraging. explosive testing on our site, in our "back yard," than some real delineation of strategies-and some
LN: In the past several years there's been an elsewhere. And in the area of facilities, we know broad metrics-by which we can gauge the Lab's
emphasis on shrinking our indirect costs, in terms that square footage in the Albuquerque commercial progress toward our strategic objectives." •LP
of percentage at Least, maybe in terms of absolutes. (Continued on Page Eight)
LAB NEWS January 21, 1994 Page Eight
What Do You Think?
Sandians Tell Where They See Teamwork Being Practiced
"What Do You Think?" features employee the synergy that can result when each team mem•
responses to questions posed by the LAB NEWS. The Next Question ber contributes his or her unique ideas and best
The idea is to give Sandians an opportunity to efforts toward a common goal.
What Do You Think?
voice their opinions and thoughts about various Ralph Bonner (3500)
issues-some serious and some not so serious. Here's the next question:
Some responses have been lightly edited and con• What is your favorite quotation or The Robotics Manufacturing Science and
densed to meet our maximum word Limit. saying that influences the way you do Engineering Laboratory (RMSEL) design team is a
The current question: "Where and how do you your job? How does it influence your high-performance group with a mission to design
see the Labs' value of teamwork being practiced work? the RMSEL building in less than one-third of the
(in your organization or elsewhere)?" We'll be calling some Sandians and normal time, while meeting all DOE orders and
asking you personally to respond to the customer (Org. 21 00) needs. Team members set up
A team composed of Sandians from Albu• question. If you agree, we 'II fax you a roles and responsibilities and are committed to
querque, Livermore, WIPP, Kauai, Pantex, Nevada one-page answer sheet (with guidelines) helping each other. They demonstrate mutual
Test Site, and Tonopah has been working together that you can complete and fax back to us. respect, continually communicate with each other,
for more than two years to conduct internal Other employees are also welcome to follow through with their commitments, and pro•
appraisals of hazardous material transportation. respond -not just the folks we call. If duce quality results. The most noticeable result has
The group calls itself the Compliance Appraisal you'd like to respond, please call us for a been the creativity demonstrated in solving old
Team for packaging and transportation. As a result fonn on 844-7841 or 844-7522. problems with new methods. Team members
of this team's efforts, Sandia now finds itself in include Howard Walther, Nenita Estes, Nash
compliance with regard to mandated internal Chavez, and Tim Peterson (all 7905); Joe Jones
appraisals in packaging and transportation. There to act, etc. Center 8500 has modeled the way by and Lucille Roybal (both 7909); Rico Ortiz (7915);
are cun·ently 14 active members. innovative quarterly center meetings (no view• and Richard Goodson (contractor).
Herb Meyers (7601) graphs; fun, informative themes; and folklore). Florian Lucero, Jr. (7905)
One indication of teaming is that several depart•
Motor Pool Services Dept. 7614 practices ments are sharing employees in order to get the job Teamwork is practiced in Equal Employment
teamwork every week. Each week, two members done. Teamwork is alive and cross-functional in Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Dept. 3611 on a
of our organization are selected to participate in the California. daily basis by a staff of highly motivated individu•
Motor Pool's walkthrough process. Their willing• Sharron Norris ( 8533) als. The most recent example of successful team•
ness to complete the walkthrough and write up work was the completion of Sandia's Affirmative
their ES&H findings, through a new set of eyes, Jluman Resources Center 3500's Communica• Action Plan (AAP). This is the first time in mem•
creates a safer, cleaner workplace for all of our tions in Action Team is a cross-functional team ory that the AAP was completed this early in the
employees. Their efforts are followed up by the whose charter is to enhance internal communica• fiscal year. The early completion has allowed San•
ES&H coordinator to ensure that the findings are tion and foster an environment of teamwork. dia management the ability to coordinate AAP
taken care of. Recent projects include development of a center goals with recruiting actions and hiring allocations.
Shawkeet Hindi (7614) reward and recognition process, planning center• The AAP was the responsibility of two Dept. 3611
wide team celebrations, and establishing cross• staff members, but others in the group contributed
The Property and Material Management departmental network groups. Efforts have led to to the plan in a significant and timely manner.
departments work closely together and have con• improved morale, a willingness to participate in Additionally, the deadlines were met with excellent
tinued their "leadership is everybody's business" voluntary teams, a feeling that each individual's teamwork from Information and Communication
experience with quarterly teaming activities that input is valued, and an overall increase in center• Services Center 7100.
encourage challenging processes, enabling others wide communication. This team is an example of Linda Vigil-Lopez (3611) •JC
(Continued from Page Seven) that will bring our costs down. Ultimately, the customer thinks we're performing, we do well.
objective has to be not simply to comply with We '11 be in good shape when reconfiguration and
detailed orders, but to seek improvements where it redefinition is completed.
State of the Labs
really matters, and that's in cost and perfonnance. AI: I'm tempted to use words like "outstand•
And I think we can do that. ing." The problem with that is it doesn't leave any
sector costs less than what we provide internally. As an example, what I saw being submitted room for improvement, and I don't accept the lack
I'm not pointing a finger at any people or group among the applications for the Sandia President's of need to push for improvement. We must never
here. It's just that we need to find out, in these areas Quality Award cheered me. There were more than get complacent.
and others, why we have these costs. And then we 80 applications, and 1, 200 Sandians were involved But I've said it often: Today our laboratory is
need to see what we can do about them. in the teams that applied. I think that's a start. We more capable on balance than it's ever been in its
LN: Is there anything in our relationship with can make a lot of progress, as long as people focus history. The future it faces may be challenging, but
DOE, the orders we're subject to and so forth, that on what's really important-the customer, and it also strikes me as more exciting than anything
increases our costs? continuous improvement. I think we're going to
Jim: Maybe we have ES&H responsibilities, get there. "Opportunities ... to do really impor•
for example, that commercial facilities don't have. Sandians are gradually understanding that
tant work have never been greater."
I think that when we've examined the matter more quality principles apply usefully to everything we
completely, a lot of our costs are actually going to do, including the technical work, and that there are
turn out to be reasonable. As long as we have a opportunities for improvement everywhere. And I I've experienced at Sandia during my career. The
good explanation for our costs, that's acceptable. got a lot of support in that belief, looking at what opportunities we have to do really important work
AI: On the other hand, we don't want to use came in among the applications for the quality have never been greater. The fact that this is hap•
the DOE directive system as an excuse. There is, in award. We 'II do it again this year. pening during a very turbulent period just adds a
LN: We've talked about a number of individual little spice to life!
"Sandians are gradually understand• topics. Summing up, what is the state of the Labs I'm proud of what Sandia has accomplished.
in 1994? Recently I was showing some visitors around, and
ing that quality principles apply use• Jim: I've been at the Laboratories for a total of they expressed amazement at all the new construc•
fully to everything we do." three months now, so my perspective is something tion. I could see a question in their minds: At a
of an outsider's. But my sense is that in the envi• time when the future of the national laboratories is
ronment we're in, we've got to look at fundamen• being debated, why is DOE putting up all these
fact, another side to this. I was talking to a con• tals to find out how well we're doing. I think there new facilities? I explained it as an indication of our
struction contractor earlier today who pointed out are two things that are fundamental. evolving missions, but more important, as a vote of
that before we started emphasizing ES&H at San• Number one is the quality of the people. Num• confidence on the part of our customers, that we
dia, the ES&H pressure on him doing jobs for San• ber two is the quality of the facilities and the tools are doing good and important work, and that we
dia was less than anywhere else in the community. we have to do our job. Those are going to be the will continue to do so.
I thought that was kind of telling. A little embar• resources that get us into the new environment, to We may encounter some rough times ahead,
rassing, too. be a contributor in the new environment. When but Jim and I agree that we're as well positioned as
I still believe that if we continue to pursue our you look at the quality of the people and the quality we possibly could be. Whatever storm may be
quality commitment, and apply it properly, we can of the facilities, we've got to be pretty proud and heading our way, I am confident we're going to
evolve our management processes in a direction pretty optimistic. When we measure how well our survive it in good shape. •CS
LAB NEWS January 21, 1994 Page Nine
Over Two Million Served . .. Per Day
Labs Gets Down to the 'Seamy' Details with Local Bag Maker
Imagine yourself exiting McDonald's one day,
when suddenly the brown paper carryout bag
you're holding peels apart at the seams, spilling
two cheeseburgers and a large order off ries on the
ground.
In late 1992, an Albuquerque company that
manufactures carryout bags for McDonald's restau•
rants was having difficulty with its bag forming
and gluing operations. The manufacturer's big bag
machines, it seemed, couldn't get some of the
recycled brown bags to hold together at the seams.
The glue glitch was drawing an unusual
number of complaints from McDonald's purchas•
ing arm, Perseco, which analyzes the quality of
"At 550 bags per minute, it doesn't
take long to turn out a lot of defective
bags."
millions of bags from several suppliers. The
perplexed business owner wasn't quite sure how to
fix the problem.
Sandia got word of the dilemma in November
1992 and was able to provide some short-term
technical assistance through its Small-business
Technology Transfer Program. Thanks to a few
HOT OFF THE ROLLERS-Thanks in part to Sandia's help in solving a "sticky" problem, Roses Southwest
simple fixes recommended by Sandia, the big bag
Papers, an Albuquerque paper product manufacturer, turns out two million sturdy carryout bags a day for
machines now tum out sturdy bags more reliably,
McDonald's restaurants in 13 Western states. Here, Roses Quality Assurance Manager Roberto Espat, Jr.,
and a local small-business owner is pleased. inspects a stack of freshly glued bags. (Photo by Mark Poulsen)
A 'Sticky' Dilemma
accounting for much of the variation in viscosity. yet seen a return on investment, "down the road it
The project was launched more than a year ago Moreover, the machine's operator had no all pays off," he says. "We've seen a reduction in
when Small-business Technology Transfer method of determining how much, if any, glue was complaints from Perseco, and because of our
Program Manager Kevin Murphy ( 4212) met being applied to the bags in the machine. That reputation for quality products, we might win
Roses Southwest Papers owner Roberto Espat at a made it difficult to know when to shut down the bigger contracts in the future."
Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce machine and correct the problem. He says the company hopes to tap into
meeting. (Kevin was temporarily assigned to the "At 550 bags per minute, it doesn't take long Sandia's technical expertise again as it begins to
Albuquerque mayor's office at the time.) to tum o.u t a lot of defective bags," says Pete. monitor more of its manufacturing processes.
Espat mentioned that his company-which The Labs also has something to gain from
Simple Fixes to a Big Problem
makes toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, and other providing short-term technical assistance to small
recycled paper products -was having difficulty As a result, Roses adopted the glue sensor businesses such as Roses, says Kevin. "We gain a
with its bag manufacturing operations for two (capacitive proximity detector) into its operations better understanding of the needs of small
different-sized paper bags it was supplying to and is using it to provide feedback to the operator, businesses, and those relationships sometimes
McDonald's. The company manufactures more alerting him or her when "no glue" is sensed and evolve into full-blown cooperative research and
than two million bags a day for McDonald's shutting down when a series of bags receives no development agreements," he says. "We put such
locations in 13 Western states. glue. In addition, the company is considering projects in the category of business development
Kevin thought the Labs could help. He put changing glues and installing flow meters and that also helps the community."
Espat in contact with Pete Stromberg of Mechani• other sensors recommended by Pete to achieve "When we walked in, the glue application
cal Process Engineering Dept. 2484, who visited better glue uniformity, says Amin. process was definitely not high-tech," says Pete.
Espat's plant in Albuquerque. The work, about 40 The project also represents a new beginning of "Although my contribution was a small part of the
hours of Pete's time,. was funded through the sorts for Roses. Based on Pete's recommendations, work that was done, I think the project is a good
Small-business Program. example of what Sandia can do to help small
To study the problem, Pete found some businesses." •JG
"The project is a good example of
commercially available devices that could measure
selected parameters in the glue application process, what Sandia can do to help small
including a capacitive proximity detector that
businesses."
senses the presence of glue as it is applied to the
Sandia Singles Club would like to include all
bags' seams. Installed along the production line, single Sandians in its activities. If you are single, work
these instruments could measure real-time flow the company installed a programmable logic for Sandia or DOE, and want to get out and enjoy
rates and pressure drops while the machines ran. controller (a relatively inexpensive, multipurpose dancing, dining, movies, birthday parties, etc. with
(Plant Manager Amin Espat and Carl Leishman of microcontroller) to keep track of mechanical other people, call Sandy Culler (1323) on 821-4143 or
Electronic Fabrication Dept. 2412 helped install processes at certain process control points during Rex LeGalley (9615) on 822-0676.
the instruments.) manufacture.
Several conclusions were drawn. One, Because the controller allows Roses to gather Retiree Deaths
recycled paper is more porous than virgin paper quality control data about its manufacturing
and thus provides less surface area for glue to stick operations, the company will be able to establish a Loyd Kelley (82) .................. 3254 ................ Dec. 3
to the bags' seams. (Roses had switched to Statistical Process Control (SPC) program. That Robert Officer (83) ............... 9752 ................ Dec. 9
recycled paper the previous year.) Two, the amount may allow the company to compete for higher• Ellen Wood (75) .................... 9753 ................ Dec. 9
of glue being applied to each bag varied consider• volume contracts with McDonald's and other Charles Appel (76) ............... 4000 .............. Dec. 17
ably- some bags didn't receive enough glue to customers in the future. It also will allow Roses to Cecil Lang (64) ..................... 7513 .............. Dec. 25
bond the seams, and other bags received globs of monitor the quality of goods, such as paper and Benjamin Bookwalter (68) ... 1546 .............. Dec. 26
glue, which caused bundles of bags to stick glue, from its own suppliers. Harold Howard (84) ............. 1313 .............. Dec. 27
together. "We weren't able to accomplish everything we Phillip Beasley (79) .............. 3727 .............. Dec. 28
One reason for this glitch was large variations set out to do right away," says Amin Espat. "But Raymond Poetzl (86) ............ 7411 .............. Dec. 30
in glue consistency, says Pete. When the glue was we look at implementing SPC as a long-term Marian Ewald (79) ................ 3431 .............. Dec. 30
less viscous (like water), it flowed easily onto the project, and this is a first step."
bags. When the glue was more viscous (like paste), Quality Assurance Manager Roberto Espat, Jr. Organization numbers indicate retirees'
less glue arrived at the seams. Pete found that says the total cost of implementing the changes positions at the time of retirement and may not
batches of the glue were mixed at the plant, was about $10,000. Although the company hasn't correspond to present-day organizations.
LAB NEWS January 21, 1994 Page Ten
Responses from All Corners of the State
New Mexicans Tell Views of Sandia's Strengths, Weaknesses
Some people offered compliments, some were local governmental agencies, and elected state relationships are an important aspect of quality."
critical, and some simply didn't know what to say officials. They feel the Labs is less trustworthy Some survey results surprised both Mike and
during the first comprehensive statewide survey than environmental groups and the US Environ• Jenkins-Smith.
ever done about Sandia. mental Protection Agency. The New Mexico "An interesting outcome is the relative lack of
Conducted by the University of New Mexico's Environment Department and Sandia get dread expressed about Sandia's nuclear-weapon
Institute of Public Policy, the survey resulted in a essentially equal trustworthiness ratings. history and responsibilities," Jenkins-Smith says.
final report that documents responses by I ,234 "This was our first comprehensive look at how "It's as if people understand that Sandia has a role
randomly selected citizens. our community views us," says Mike. "Usually, in this arena and they don't take a particularly dim
Some of the survey's good news: we've paid attention just to how well we view of it."
• An overwhelming majority of those respond• accomplish our technical goals and missions. Mike points out responses concerning
ing (80 percent) have either very favorable or "We're real pleased," he adds, "with the violation of environmental laws. Forty-five percent
somewhat favorable views of the Labs, and a overall favorability ratings, and the fact that believe the Labs has violated such laws at some
majority of residents from Sandia's neighboring almost 43 percent feel we're more open and time or another; however, most do not believe
communities label the Labs' overall effect on their honest now about environmental matters than two operations have resulted in environmental damage.
communities as positive. years ago. "There seems to be a distinct difference in peoples'
• About half of those surveyed want the Labs "But we must continue to listen and respond. minds between regulatory compliance and causing
to expand, and most of the remainder believe the Our quality initiative has always addressed product real damage," he says. •RGeer(l2630)
current level is OK. They also want Sandia to and process, but we must also remember thal
focus more of its efforts on medical/health and
environmental research.
• More than 77 percent of the Bernalillo Households with Phones Eligible
County respondents believe most news coverage
about the Labs ranges from neutral to very Questionnaire Included 83 Items
positive.
• Almost 60 percent of those responding feel
"Public Images & Perceptions of Sandia • Fifty-four percent of the respondents were
Sandia has a positive effect on schooling and
National Laboratories" was a random-digit• women.
education in their communities. But most people,
dialing phone survey that used sampling • One percent of those surveyed worked at
particularly those living outside the Albuquerque
techniques designed to ensure that every state Sandia, and 36 percent said they knew someone
metropolitan area, don't have a clear idea of what
household with a working phone stood an equal who works at the labs.
Sandia does, the survey showed. In fact, when
chance of being included, whether listed or not • The survey was broken down geographi•
asked what areas of research Sandia is engaged in,
in a directory. The survey was conducted cally into Bernalillo County, the Four-County
more than 31 percent responded with a "don't
during April and May, 1993. Other facts: Area (Valencia, Socorro, Sierra, and Dona Ana
know."
• The 83-item questionnaire was developed counties), and the state as a whole. Thirty-eight
Achilles Heel Revealed after detailed interviews with several focus percent were from Bernalillo County, and 14
groups. percent from the Four-County Area.
The survey also clearly reveals Sandia's
• According to UNM, the survey has an • The final report, with detailed demo•
"Achilles heel," says Hank Jenkins-Smith, an
overall sample margin of error of plus-or• graphic results and analyses, was issued late last
associate professor of political science and associ•
minus 3 percent and a 95-percent confidence year. Copies are available from Media Relations
ate director of research for the Institute. For
level. Dept. 12630 (call 844-6909). A poster exhibit
example:
• Respondents had lived in New Mexico an detailing highlights is on display in the lobby of
• Almost 60 percent do not believe that Sandia
average of 25 years. • Bldg. 802.
is completely open and honest regarding the
environmental effects that Labs operations might
have on their communities. ECPWrap-Up
• About one-third of the respondents from
Bernalillo County believe that Sandia operations Preliminary '93 Campaign Results Show
may have contaminated their local drinking-water
supplies.
Sandia Raises Almost $1.52 Million
He stresses, however, that "Sandia performs
quite well overall when compared to other organi•
zations of comparable size, particularly when we At last tally, Employee Contribution Plan into Sandia's Payroll system.
look at how citizens feel large organizations (ECP) campaign pledges total $1,476,010. That's Members of the process management team that
contribute or fail to contribute to the community." short of the goal of $1.55 million. However, with put together this year's meeting schedule and
Ingredients in forming that positive impression Martin Marietta's corporate contribution of events include team leader Denny Gallegos (7612),
include the Labs' economic importance, a sense of $40,000 to the United Way of Central New Mexico Becky Rosten (I 0214), Shirley Lopez (2274),
pride and prestige associated with the Labs, and its campaign, the total amount of Sandia pledges this Michael Gonzales (6212), and Juanita Sanchez
accomplishments, explains Jenkins-Smith, who year is more than $1 ,516,000. (12640). eJC
also has headed similar research for other govern• The percentage of employees participating is
ment installations and private institutions. 84.9. Of that number, 40.2 percent are Fair Share
"However, there are other important issues participants (0.6 percent of salary or more), and 7 .I
raised, ones of secrecy, environmental concern, and percent are Gold Share participants (I percent of
The Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange, in
lack of responsiveness to the community that salary and above).
partnership with the New Mexico Department of
diminish a sense of trust and comfort with the Labs Fair Share and Gold Share pledges total more
Children, Youth, and Families, works year-round
as a neighbor," he adds. than $1.18 million, with Gold Share pledges at
trying to find families to adopt children who don't
UNM did the survey, "Public Images & more than $300,000.
have anyone to care for them -older kids, kids
Perceptions of Sandia National Laboratories," for Although United Way of Central New Mexico
with brothers and sisters, kids of minority heritage,
Mike De Witte's External Interface Office (12650). distributes the contributions raised at Sandia,
kids with emotional or physical disabilities, kids in
One major section details mental images that New Sandians run their own campaign. Volunteer
state custody, all kinds of kids. More than 500 kids
Mexicans associate with the Labs and whether they members of the 1993 ECP Committee include
in New Mexico are waiting for a family to call
consider those images to be negative or positive. Richard Prairie (12908), general program chair;
their own. If you would like to know more about
The most-often cited positive images and the Jerry Esch (71 0 I), solicitations chair; Dorothy
adoption, about being a parent, and about waiting
percent of mentions: research/development (35.3), Rarick (10325), publicity chair; Juanita Sanchez
kids, contact Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange
jobs/work/economic effects (35), energy/other (12630), executive secretary; Ernest Aguilar
on 1-800-888-6966.
technologies ( 14.5), science ( 11.9). The most-often (7424), Metal Trades Council representative;
cited negative images: environmental effects (2.7), Maureen Locher (7909), Office and Professional
Retirement Open House
waste/fraud/abuse (2.6), danger/destruction ( 1.8). Employees International Union representative;
Sharon Ortiz (3533), new hire coordinator; Kay The Labs is holding an open house in honor of
Is Sandia Trustworthy?
Lang (7155), Tech Art coordinator; and Janet retiree Lee Pierce (5102) at the Coronado Club
Another part of the survey provides data on the Carpenter ( 12660), LAB NEWS coordinator. Conquistador Room, Wednesday, Jan. 26, 5-7 p.m.
Labs' degree of trustworthiness. Respondents say Payroll clerk Mary Helen Lockwood (I 0502) Refreshments will be served. Friends and acquain•
Sandia is more trustworthy than the news media, processed pledge cards and entered information tances are invited.