ML26015A088

January 14 Public Meeting Evaluating NEIs Recommendations_Final

ML26015A088
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Issue date:	01/14/2026
From:	Calvin Cheung, Jason Paige NRC/NRR/DEX/ELTB
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Download: ML26015A088 (10)

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Overview of NRCs Project Plan:

Evaluating NEIs Digital Instrumentation and Controls Recommendations for Accelerating NRC Reform Jason Paige, NRR Calvin Cheung, NRR January 14, 2026

Purpose and Agenda Purpose

• To present the NRC staffs plan for evaluating and identifying actions to implement the Nuclear Energy Institutes (NEIs) digital instrumentation and controls (DI&C) recommendations Agenda

• Background

• Project Plan

• Objective and Expected Outcome

• Scope

• Process

• Schedule

• Next Steps

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Background===

• SECY-16-0070 identified a strategy to modernize the NRC's I&C regulatory infrastructure.

• The Commission issued SRM-SECY-16-0070 approving the implementation of the staffs Integrated Action Plan (IAP)

• The IAP identified key topics for addressing DI&C regulatory challenges and improving timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness

• Common cause failure (CCF)

• Changes under 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments

• Commercial grade dedication of digital equipment under 10 CFR Part 21, Reporting of Defects and Noncompliance

Background (cont.)

• The IAP identified a long-term activity to update the regulations in 10 CFR 50.55a(h), Protection and safety systems

• Staff engagements with stakeholders to determine path forward (e.g., September 14, 2023, public meeting)

• Industrys recommendation to incorporate by reference (IBR) the 2018 version of the IEEE 603 standard with the exception of Section 5.16 (Common Cause Failure) into 10 CFR 50.55a(h) (November 3, 2023 letter)

• The Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act (ADVANCE Act) of 2024 and Executive Order 14300, Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

• NEI provided recommendations to enhance regulatory clarity, predictability, and efficiency to support modern DI&C systems deployment

• Received an updated industry recommendation on 10 CFR 50.55a(h)

• Recommendations captured in letters dated October 28, 2024, April 18, 2025, and July 31, 2025

• NRCs Project Plan to evaluate industrys recommendations for implementing the ADVANCE Act and EO 14300

• Plan issued December 31, 2025

Project Plan: Objective and Expected Outcome Objective Evaluate industrys recommendations to determine the need for any actions to further modernize the NRCs I&C regulatory infrastructure and to prioritize the actions for implementation Expected Outcome

• Identify underlying issues that NEIs recommendations are attempting to address

• Identify potential challenges and propose solutions for implementing industry recommendations

• Identify alternative recommendations if industry recommendations are found unacceptable

• Prioritize specific actions for implementing industry or alternative staff recommendations

• Develop clear messaging to communicate evaluation results and next steps to stakeholders

Project Plan: Scope Proposed Recommendations Priority (Initial)

Remove DI&C CCF policy (SRM-SECY 93-087 and SRM-SECY-22-0076)

High Revise RIS-2002-22, Supplement 1 to remove the restriction on RPS and ESFAS (NEI letter dated July 2025)

High Revise staff review guidance (NUREG-0800, Chapter 7, BTP 7-19) to remove the assumption that digital CCF exists in DI&C systems in defense-in-depth analysis High Approve NEI 20-07 to license DI&C systems where digital CCF presents a credible, realistic risk High Revise DI&C-ISG-06 to streamline the license amendment review process Medium Incorporate clear, concise review guidance for human factors engineering in a single document Medium Remove 10 CFR 50.55a(h) which incorporates by reference outdated safety criteria standards Low Streamline I&C guidance in NUREG 0800, Chapter 7 for operating plants Low Use a systems engineering review approach towards digital technology in lieu of prescriptive regulatory guidance associated with each phase of the lifecycle process Low

• • The priorities will assist with implementing the specific actions identified from the staffs evaluation

Project Plan: Process

• Top-down approach to evaluate industrys recommendations

• Evaluate the NRCs I&C regulatory infrastructure (regulations, policy, and guidance)

• Use of new information, data or operating experience to support the staffs evaluation

• Engage with stakeholders on the staffs evaluation

Project Plan: Schedule and Next Steps

• Document industrys basis for the objectives and recommendations - early January 2026

• Public meeting January 14, 2026

• Staffs initial evaluation - end of January 2026

• Identify specific actions to implement industry recommendations or staff identified alternative recommendations

• Engage with stakeholders on the staffs initial evaluation - early February 2026

• Document the staffs evaluation and implement specific actions - end of February 2026

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