Lab Security Tightened;
Close Checks at Gates

In response to the nationwide increase in security mandated by the government last Friday, Berkeley Lab will be moving from Security Condition (SECON) 3 to SECON 2 for the indeterminate future. That means more thorough vehicle scrutiny at entrance gates, and proof of purpose for visitors. Employees should be able to produce both parking passes and photo ID’s on request. Visitors will have to log in, and delivery trucks with valid bills of lading will be fully searched before entering. These changes are going to require patience and understanding on the part of all. For more information on security status, call the Lab’s emergency number at 800-445-5830, or go to www.lbl.gov/ehs/securityupdate.

Universe Chart
For Schools Debuts

What time did the universe begin? When did the first star appear? How long will the universe last? A colorful, graphically rich chart that illustrates and summarizes what is now known about the history and fate of the universe has been developed by scientists at the Berkeley Lab in collaboration with the Contemporary Physics Education Project (CPEP). More than 11,000 copies of this chart are being distributed this month through The Physics Teacher magazine to high school science teachers across the nation for field-testing with their students. Full story. View the Universe chart here.

	Shank

Director Charles Shank has announced a complete review and possible overhaul of the Laboratory’s low-value purchasing system, in light of recent investigations at sister laboratories. This includes Pro-Card and field buying procedures. Shank said he wants to ensure "good financial business practices, consistent with the highest expectations of the Department of Energy and Congress." It is anticipated that the number of authorized purchasers for goods and services up to $5,000 will be narrowed, and in the next few weeks, all current Pro-Cards will be cancelled.

The changes flow from a recent internal Pro-Card evaluation conducted by the Lab and the Department of Energy, in which numerous procedural inconsistencies were cited. It is important to note that no fraud, waste, abuse or unallowable costs were found.

DOE to Create Office
Of Legacy Management

The Department of Energy has announced plans to establish an Office of Legacy Management that will focus on the long-term care of legacy liabilities of former nuclear weapons production sites following completion of the Environmental Management cleanup effort. The Office of Legacy Management will have responsibility for sites that have been closed and no longer support the department's ongoing national security, energy and science missions. Full story.

1-800-LBL-DATA and the local dialup service have been upgraded with the installation of a new server. The 1-800 service has served LBLnet clients with national access for many years, providing centralized billing for toll and long distance connections. The current rate of 15 cents per minute is very competitive with commercial services. International access has been added at the same rate. For more information, call LBLnet Services Group at X4559.

Road Closures