Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Description: The video recording of RIC 2025 Technical Session: TH18 - Quality Assurance: The Foundation for the Safe Operation of Nuclear Power Plants. Quality Assurance (QA) is key to the NRC’s statutory mission of protecting public health and safety, promoting the common defense and security, and protecting the environment. However, the implementation of the QA requirements from Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 continues to be a challenge for current licensees, applicants for advanced and small modular reactors, and suppliers of basic components. This session provided guidance and clarification on some of the most challenging concepts in the area of quality assurance (QA). It covered the following topics: (1) the application of graded QA for the regulatory treatment of nonsafety systems, and systems classified as non-safety-related with special treatment, including risk and procurement requirements; (2) the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's classification and clarification of important-to-safety and safety-related systems; (3) current challenges faced by the industry when implementing QA requirements and the truths and myths surrounding the implementation of the NQA-1 QA standard; and (4) the role of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 in the licensing process and pathways for meeting Appendix B requirements. Learning objectives included increased awareness and a more thorough understanding of the implementation of QA requirements and the current technical and regulatory challenges faced by licensees, applicants, and suppliers in an ever-changing nuclear landscape. Session attendees gained insights into how to successfully continue implementing their QA programs to provide adequate confidence that structures, systems, and components would continue to perform satisfactorily in service.
SPEAKER(S):
Kerri Kavanagh, Chief, Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC, Opening Remarks
Brandon Johnston, Director, Management System Division, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Quality Assurance and SMR Supply Chain Experience in Canada
Yamir Diaz-Castillo, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC
The Role of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 in the NRC’s Licensing Process & Pathways for Meeting Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50
Aixa Belen, Senior Reactor Operations Engineer, Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC
Quality Assurance Requirements for Non-Safety-Related Special Treatment Components
Taunia Jean Sandquist, Chair, Nuclear Quality Assurance Executive Committee, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Addressing Industry Challenges in NQA-1 Implementation: Insights and Efforts by the NQA Committee
SESSION COORDINATOR(S):
Yamir Diaz-Castillo, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC e-mail: Yamir.Diaz-Castillo@nrc.gov
Frankie Vega, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC e-mail: Frankie.Vega@nrc.gov
Description: The video recording of RIC 2025 Technical Session: TH18 - Quality Assurance: The Foundation for the Safe Operation of Nuclear Power Plants. Quality Assurance (QA) is key to the NRC’s statutory mission of protecting public health and safety, promoting the common defense and security, and protecting the environment. However, the implementation of the QA requirements from Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 continues to be a challenge for current licensees, applicants for advanced and small modular reactors, and suppliers of basic components. This session provided guidance and clarification on some of the most challenging concepts in the area of quality assurance (QA). It covered the following topics: (1) the application of graded QA for the regulatory treatment of nonsafety systems, and systems classified as non-safety-related with special treatment, including risk and procurement requirements; (2) the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's classification and clarification of important-to-safety and safety-related systems; (3) current challenges faced by the industry when implementing QA requirements and the truths and myths surrounding the implementation of the NQA-1 QA standard; and (4) the role of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 in the licensing process and pathways for meeting Appendix B requirements. Learning objectives included increased awareness and a more thorough understanding of the implementation of QA requirements and the current technical and regulatory challenges faced by licensees, applicants, and suppliers in an ever-changing nuclear landscape. Session attendees gained insights into how to successfully continue implementing their QA programs to provide adequate confidence that structures, systems, and components would continue to perform satisfactorily in service.
SPEAKER(S):
Kerri Kavanagh, Chief, Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC, Opening Remarks
Brandon Johnston, Director, Management System Division, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Quality Assurance and SMR Supply Chain Experience in Canada
Yamir Diaz-Castillo, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC
The Role of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 in the NRC’s Licensing Process & Pathways for Meeting Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50
Aixa Belen, Senior Reactor Operations Engineer, Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC
Quality Assurance Requirements for Non-Safety-Related Special Treatment Components
Taunia Jean Sandquist, Chair, Nuclear Quality Assurance Executive Committee, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Addressing Industry Challenges in NQA-1 Implementation: Insights and Efforts by the NQA Committee
SESSION COORDINATOR(S):
Yamir Diaz-Castillo, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC e-mail: Yamir.Diaz-Castillo@nrc.gov
Frankie Vega, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC e-mail: Frankie.Vega@nrc.gov
