Audit of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Safety Inspections of Class II Research and Test Reactors

Agency Response NRC Staff Action: Update the plans and schedule to Dated January 30, 2025: complete the transition of the RTR inspection program in the RPS. Target. 12/31/2024. Status: Complete. The staff updated the project plan with updated milestones for the RPS Utilization Initiative to reflect the latest status of completed items as of October 1, 2024. The project plan indicates the remaining actions to fully implement use of RPS will be completed by<br />
September 30, 2025. The project plan is maintained in the NPUF Licensing and Oversight SharePoint Site.<br />
OIG Analysis: The OIG reviewed the RPS project plan, which lists the completed items and remaining actions needed to fully implement the use of the RPS program to support oversight of the RTR inspection program. This recommendation is closed.

Agency Response NRC Staff Action: Enhance guidance for performing a Dated January 30, 2025: periodic review of inspection guidance of RTRs. Target: 12/31/2024. Status: Partially Complete. The RTR inspection program will follow the guidance in IMC 0040, “Preparation, Revision, Issuance, and Ongoing Oversight of NRC Inspection Manual Documents,” for the periodic review and update of RTR inspection guidance. In the NRC’s response to OIG’s special inquiry into the NRC’s oversight of RTRs (OIG Case No. I2100162), the agency stated that it would enhance RTR inspection guidance. The staff completed a review of inspection guidance and identified the following guidance and procedures for revision: • IMC 2545, “Research and Test Reactor Inspection Program” • Inspection Procedure (IP) 69007, “Class I Research and Test Reactor Review and Audit and Design Change Functions” • IP 69001, “Class II Research and Test Reactors,” with regard to committees, audits, and reviews; procedures; and fuel handling • IP 69002, “Class III Research and Test Reactors,” with regard to staffing and audits • IP 69008, “Class I Research and Test Reactor Procedures” • IP 69009, “Class I Research and Test Reactor Fuel Movement”<br />
The staff expects to complete the revisions by September 30, 2025. <br />
OIG Analysis: The proposed action meets the intent of this recommendation. The OIG will close the recommendation<br />
upon reviewing the inspection guidance enhancements related to the Research and Test Reactor inspection program<br />
This recommendation remains open and resolved.