Role of oversight within NRR and its effect on industry

Industry performing research, developing new technology, developing new analytical methods and procedures not previously used, intended to be applied to operating nuclear power plants or plants still under construction, should be aware of the fact that the last reorganization of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation established a Division of Safety Review and Oversight (DSRO) and three separate licensing divisions, each with its own separate technical review staff. The need for Oversight was anticipated as being necessary to achieve consistency in the licensing reviews of the three divisions which are categorized by NSSS manufacturer type. Industry should be aware of and plan for necessary presentations and discussions with the NRR staff on the results of their work and how it is intended to be applied to plant specific licensing situations. DSRO, in its Oversight function, stands ready to assist the industry in the acceptance of new analytical methods and procedures, but unless such considerations are planned for and factored into specific plant schedules, there is a risk that such methods and procedures may not be accepted for plant specific application in the time frame desired