All analytical data generated in conjunction with environmental monitoring activities at Rocky Flats are assessed to evaluate the performance of analytical laboratories with respect to contract requirements for quality.

Data Assessment is a generic term for a quality assurance evaluation of analytical chemistry data. 

This assessment involves:

• Initial review of the data package by the laboratory performing the analysis.

• Cursory examination of the data by Rocky Flats Analytical Services Division (ASD) personnel prior to customer release.

• Verification of data packages in accordance with Rocky Flats Data Verification and Validation Guidelines.  Verification is an assessment process to ensure data meets specified contractual data quality requirements.  The complete verification process employed on environmental data serves as a comprehensive quality assessment with the exception of raw data review and calculation checks.  This level of assessment includes a random comparison of hard copy results against the electronic data deliverable (EDD).  Validation of a selected percentage of the data packages from all laboratories serves as a check to determine if any systematic reporting of calculation problems exist, and may be applicable to those data packages that receive data assessment at the verification level.

• Validation of data packages in accordance with Rocky Flats Data Verification and Validation Guidelines.  Validation is a comprehensive examination of a data package to determine compliance to data quality requirements, to ensure raw data supports reported values, and to evaluate the laboratory's compliance to subcontract reporting and deliverable requirements.  This level of assessment includes a complete comparison of EDD data with data reported in the hardcopy sample data package.