ML26043A214
| ML26043A214 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/12/2026 |
| From: | Calvin Cheung, Jason Paige NRC/NRR/DEX/ELTB |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML26043A214 (12) | |
Text
NRC Workshop:
Evaluating NEIs Digital Instrumentation and Controls Recommendations for Accelerating NRC Reform Jason Paige, NRR Calvin Cheung, NRR February 13, 2026
Purpose:
Expectations for the Workshop Discuss specific topics to reform the NRCs instrumentation and controls (I&C) regulatory framework in support of the staffs evaluation of the Nuclear Energy Institutes (NEIs) recommendations.
- Familiarize stakeholders on the NRCs existing I&C regulatory framework
- Facilitate deep-dive discussions on information presented during the January 14th, public meeting
- Continue to foster a collaborative environment to gain the broader perspectives of meeting participants
- Concentrate on future-focused discussions on proposed revisions to the I&C framework
Agenda Defining Success Licensing Framework Overview Discussion Topics*
Common cause failure (CCF)9:30am Licensing guidance (i.e., focused licensing reviews)..11:00am Codes and standards.1:00pm Human factors engineering (HFE)2:00pm Expanded Performance-Based Review Methods..2:45pm Next Steps.3:30pm Summary of follow-up actions
- Each topic includes an NRC presentation, industry presentation(s), and open discussion
Defining Success of Regulatory Reform Reform the I&C regulatory framework to enable the safe and efficient implementation of I&C systems Continue to support digital upgrades to low safety significant safety-related systems without prior NRC approval (e.g., RIS 2002-22 Supplement 1)
Identify and address perceived inefficiencies or barriers to enabling digital upgrades to high safety significant safety systems Focus the scope of licensing reviews for digital upgrades The goal is to make licensing reviews of digital I&C installations and upgrades more efficient, predictable and timely.
Enable the efficient deployment of digital technology while preserving safety and security
Licensing Framework Overview Regulatory Guides Endorsed Industry Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides (e.g., IEEE, IEC, EPRI, ISA, NEI)
- Regulations o
Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR)
- Staff Requirements Memoranda (SRMs)
Policy and Requirements
- Design Specific Review Standard (DSRS)
- Design Review Guide (DRG)
- NUREG-1537 - Non-power Production and Utilization Facilities (NPUFs)
NRC Staff Review Guidance Regulatory Guidance
Discussion Topics
Common Cause Failure (CCF)
Existing Framework Existing methods for addressing systematic CCFs in digital I&C systems and components typically fall within the following categories:
Eliminate the potential of CCF from further consideration (prevention)
Mitigate the consequences of a CCF (diverse means/risk informed approaches)
Evaluate and find the consequences of a CCF to be acceptable (low consequences)
Goal of Reformed Framework Discussions Support addressing CCF during the design of digital I&C safety systems.
Licensing Guidance Existing Framework NUREG 0800, Chapter 7: provides guidance for staff review of the I&C portions of: (1) applications for nuclear reactor licenses or permits and (2) amendments to existing licenses.
Includes Staff Review Guidance BTP 7-19 which provides multiple alternative pathways for reviewing and determining how the licensee/applicant may be found to have adequately addressed CCF ISG-06: provides an overall licensing roadmap for applying key guidance documents under both the traditional review process and alternate review process.
Goal of Reformed Framework Discussions Further improve the NRC staffs evaluation of digital I&C systems by focusing on safety significant aspects that support a reasonable assurance finding
Codes and Standards Existing Framework The criteria in IEEE Stds 279 and 603 are incorporated by reference (IBR) into 10 CFR 50.55a(h)
Licensees and applicants have the option to use proposed alternative standards via 10 CFR 50.55a(z)
Goal of Reformed Framework Discussions Gain a common understanding of industrys concerns related to Codes and Standards (related to an ongoing Petition for Rulemaking (PRM))
Human Factors Engineering (HFE)
Existing Framework NUREG 0800, Chapter 18 - HFE Considerations for License Applications, Design certifications, modifications and important human actions NUREG 0711 - HFE Program Review Model NUREG 0700 - Human-System Interface Design Review Guidelines NUREG 1764 - Guidance for the Review of Changes to Human Actions NUREG 1852 - Demonstrating the Feasibility and Reliability of Operator Manual Actions in Response to Fire NUREG 1220 - Training Review Criteria and Procedures Goal of Reformed Framework Discussions Improve clarity on implementing suite of HFE guidance in digital I&C applications. For example, how to apply HFE considerations when using the alternate review process in ISG-06.
Expanded Performance-based Review Methods NRC Ongoing Research Activities Goal of Reformed Framework Discussions Consider leveraging ongoing research activities to further enable the use of performance-based methods for NRC staffs evaluation of digital I&C systems
Next Steps Summary of Action Items