SECY-45-0045, SRM-SECY-25-0045: Recommendations for Revising the Reactor Oversight Process
| ML26026A351 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/26/2026 |
| From: | Carrie Safford NRC/SECY |
| To: | Mark King NRC/EDO |
| References | |
| SECY-45-0045 SRM-SECY-25-0045 | |
| Download: ML26026A351 (0) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 January 26, 2026 MEMORANDUM TO:
Michael F. King Executive Director for Operations FROM:
Carrie M. Safford, Secretary
SUBJECT:
STAFF REQUIREMENTS - SECY-25-0045 -
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REVISING THE REACTOR OVERSIGHT PROCESS The Commission has approved the following planned enhancements to revise the Reactor Oversight Process (ROP). With respect to the Assessment Program, the Commission has approved Option 1, revising the treatment of licensee-identified White inspection findings, such that they would not be Action Matrix inputs but would still be closed out through follow-up inspection; Option 2, revising the Action Matrix criteria so that multiple White Action Matrix inputs in Column 2 of the Action Matrix do not aggregate to result in assessment in Column 3; and Option 3, revising the Agency Action Review Meeting (AARM) Commission meeting requirements to only conduct a standalone AARM Commission meeting when a licensee meets the MD 8.14, Agency Action Review Meeting criteria.
With respect to the Cross-Cutting Issues Program, the Commission has approved the staff's recommended Option 2 to characterize inspection findings at the cross-cutting area level rather than at the cross-cutting aspect level.
With respect to NRC-Developed Power Reactor Initial Operator Licensing Examinations, the Commission has approved the staff's recommended Option 1, to modify guidance to shift away from each region preparing at least one power reactor initial operator licensing examination per year.
Regarding the upcoming comprehensive review of the ROP, the staff should use data to provide a level of confidence that any reductions to inspections will be well-substantiated, targeted adjustments that will still result in processes that identify and resolve any declines in safety-or security-related performance as early as possible.
As part of the broader ROP enhancement initiative, the staff should reevaluate the thresholds for identifying a cross-cutting theme or propose another objective means of assigning a cross-cutting theme.
The staff should update inspection manual guidance and utilize appropriate communication channels (e.g., licensee entrance and exit meetings, public meetings, etc.) to clearly define a licensee-identified White finding.
After Commission direction is provided on the comprehensive review of the ROP (as provided in two upcoming SECY papers, one for safety and one for security/force-on-force), the staff should CARRIE SAFFORD Digitally signed by CARRIE SAFFORD Date: 2026.01.26 17:46:59 -05'00'
modify Management Directive 8.13, Reactor Oversight Process, accordingly, such that the staff informs the Commission, via Commissioners Assistants Note or Information SECY, of ROP changes currently requiring Commission approval per Section II.I.1. The staff should also modify Section II.I to establish appropriate notification methods for other ROP changes.
cc: Chairman Nieh Commissioner Wright Commissioner Crowell Commissioner Marzano Commissioner Weaver OGC CFO OCA OPA ODs, RAs, ACRS, ASLBP PDR