Procurement strategy for environmentally qualified material

The purpose of environmental qualification (EQ) is to demonstrate that essential safety-related equipment required to mitigate the consequences of a design basis accident will perform as intended when exposed to the harsh environmental conditions of the accident at any time during the station's life. Procurement is the cornerstone of a successful continuing EQ program. Invalidation of the equipment qualification already established, and costly re-work may result if an integrated procurement effort is not incorporated into the existing EQ programs. The in-service nuclear stations EQ program incorporates modifications to the normal procurement process, and places increased requirements on vendors