What is the focus of the quality assurance/quality control department?

The focus of the quality assurance/quality control department is primarily on ensuring that the plant meets federal regulations. This is crucial in a nuclear facility where adherence to regulatory standards is vital for safety and compliance with industry laws. The quality assurance/quality control department develops and implements processes that monitor and verify operations, ensuring that they align with the established rules and standards set forth by governing bodies. This includes regular inspections, audits, and assessments to identify any issues that may arise, ensuring the facility operates within the legal framework and maintains high safety and performance standards.

While the other options may involve aspects of the broader safety and operational environment in a plant, they do not encapsulate the specific and fundamental role of the quality assurance/quality control department, which is rooted in compliance with federal regulations governing nuclear operations.