NRC INSPECTION MANUAL MSSA/FSME 

MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 

GENERIC COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING 

MATERIALS AND FUEL CYCLE ISSUES 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

0730-01 PURPOSE ................................................................................. 1 

0730-02 OBJECTIVES ............................................................................. 1 

0730-03 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................. 1 

 03.01 Generic Communication ............................................................. 1 

 03.02 Regulatory Issue Summary ........................................................ 1 

 03.03 Information Notice ...................................................................... 2 

 03.04 Bulletin ........................................................................................ 2 

 03.05 Generic Letter ............................................................................. 3 

 03.06 Information Assessment Team Advisory .............................. 3 

 03.07 Security Advisory ............................................................ 4 

0730-04 RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES ................................. 5 

 04.01 Executive Director for Operations ............................................... 5 

 04.02 Office of the General Counsel ............................................ 5 

 04.03 Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) ............. 5 

 04.04 Director, Office of Information Services ................................ 6 

 04.05 Directors, Offices of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards 

 (NMSS); Federal and State Materials and Environmental 

 Management Programs (FSME); and Nuclear Security and 

 Incident Response (NSIR) ................................................ . 6 

 04.06 Directors, Divisions in FSME .............................................. 

 04.07 Directors, Divisions in NMSS ............................................. 6 

 04.08 Directors, Division of Nuclear Material Safety, and Division of 

 Fuel Facility Inspection, Regions I-IV .................................... 7 

0730-05 REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. 7 

 05.01 Preparing Generic Communications: Chief, Lead Technical 

 Branch ............................................................................ 7 

 05.02 Preparing Generic Communications: Originator ....................... 8 

 05.03 Preparing Generic Communications: Generic Communications 

Coordinator ...................................................................... 9 

 05.04 Preparing Generic Communications: Branch Secretary 

0730-06 CORRECTIONS TO GENERIC COMMUNICATIONS ............... 9 

 06.01 Reason for Corrections ....................................................... 9 

 06.02 Types of Corrections ........................................................... 10 

 06.03 Preparation of Corrections .................................................... 10 

0730-07 BULLETIN AND GENERIC LETTER CLOSEOUT ACTIVITIES 

 07.01 Closeout Activities ............................................................... 11 

 07.02 Effectiveness Reviews ......................................................... 11 

Exhibit 1 Regulatory Issue Summary Format ............................................ E1 

Exhibit 2 Information Notice Format ....................................................... E2 

Exhibit 3 Bulletin Format .................................................................... E3 

Exhibit 4 Generic Letter Format .......................................................... E4 

Exhibit 5 Security Advisory Template ................................................... E5 

Exhibit 6 Security Advisory Template, Safeguards Information .................. E6 

Exhibit 7 Information Assessment Team Advisory Template ...................... E7 

Exhibit 8 Secretarial Final Processing and Distribution Checklist ................ E8 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 ii

Exhibit 9 Final Processing and Distribution Tasks for Materials/Reactor 

 Joint Generic Communications ................................................ E9 

Exhibit 10 Generic Communications Coordinator Checklist ......................... E10 

Exhibit 11 Addressee and Concurrence Checklist for the Originator of Generic 

Communications .................................................................. E11 

Exhibit 11A Concurrences Guidance Table ................................................ E11A 

Exhibit 12 Sample Commission Memorandum ......................................... E12 

Exhibit 13 Routing Slip ........................................................................ E13 

Exhibit 14 Paperwork Reduction Act Statements ...................................... E14 

Exhibit 15 Referenced Codes and Standards .......................................... E15 

Exhibit 16 Congressional Review Act Statements .................................... E16 

Attachment Revision History – IMC 0730
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 1

0730-01 PURPOSE 

To establish responsibilities, criteria, and guidance on the issuance of and follow up to 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) generic communications on materials and 

fuel cycle issues. If a generic communication pertains to both reactor and nonreactor 

issues, the responsibilities, criteria, and guidance in Office of Nuclear Reactor 

Regulation (NRR) Office Instruction LIC-503, "Generic Communications Affecting 

Nuclear Reactor Licensees” shall also apply. If the responsibilities, criteria, or guidance 

in these documents conflict, NRR Office Instruction LIC-503 shall take precedence with 

respect to nuclear reactor issues. 

0730-02 OBJECTIVES 

This chapter describes the use of generic communications and provides criteria and 

guidance on their preparation, distribution, response, and follow up. 

0730-03 DEFINITIONS 

03.01 Generic Communication. Generic Communications are written instruments used 

to communicate with stakeholders on matters of generic interest. Matters of generic 

interest may include safety, security, safeguards, and environmental issues. 

03.02 Regulatory Issue Summary. The NRC uses regulatory issue summaries (RISs) 

to communicate with the industry on a broad range of matters. A RIS normally will not 

involve a request for action or information; however, such requests may be made on a 

strictly voluntary basis. 

RISs may: 

 a. communicate staff technical or policy positions not previously communicated 

nor broadly understood. 

b. document NRC endorsement of an industry-developed resolution of a matter on 

 which the staff has interacted with the industry. 

 c. document NRC endorsement of industry guidance on technical or regulatory 

matters. 

 d. provide the status of staff interaction with the nuclear industry on a matter. 

 e. request the voluntary participation of the nuclear industry in staff-sponsored pilot 

 programs. 

 f. inform the nuclear industry of opportunities for regulatory relief. 

 g. communicate administrative procedure changes in the following:
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 2

 1. the implementation of regulations or staff positions. 

 2. the issuance and availability of regulatory documents such as topical 

reports, regulatory guidance, and memoranda documenting the closeout 

of generic safety issues. 

 3. changes in NRC internal procedures and organization. 

 h. request the voluntary submittal of information, of an administrative nature, that 

will assist the NRC in the performance of its functions. 

RISs may not: 

 a. provide guidance for the implementation of rules and regulations. 

 b. provide NRC staff guidance on regulatory or technical matters. 

 c. be used in lieu of other established agency products. 

 d. require responses from addressees. 

03.03 Information Notice. The NRC uses information notices (INs) to communicate 

recently identified significant operating experience (i.e., observed safety issues). 

Recipients of INs are expected to review them for applicability to their facilities or 

operations, and consider any actions that may be appropriate to avoid similar problems. 

INs may be used to convey the results of recently completed research that may affect 

addressees. 

INs may not: 

 a. convey or imply new requirements. 

 b. transmit new interpretations of regulations. 

 c. request information or action from addressees. 

03.04 Bulletin. The NRC uses Bulletins (BLs) to request licensee action and/or 

information to address significant issues regarding matters of safety, security, 

safeguards, or environmental significance that also have great urgency. BLs require a 

written response. The compensatory action requested in BLs should match the urgency 

of the issue being addressed. 

BLs may: 

a. request new or revised commitments that are based on analysis performed and 

 on proposed corrective actions. 

 b. request that action(s) be taken. 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 3

 c. request that information be provided. 

 d. request that an analysis be performed and submitted by a specified time. 

BLs may not: 

 a. request long-term actions. 

 b. require actions or new or revised commitments. 

03.05 Generic Letters. The NRC uses generic letters (GLs) to address either an 

emergent or a routine technical issue with generic applicability, for which the NRC staff 

and the nuclear industry have interacted and have concluded that the issuance of GL is 

an appropriate means to resolve the issue. GLs may also be issued without extensive 

prior interaction between NRC and the industry, when NRC has determined a risksignificant compliance matter should be brought promptly to the attention of the nuclear 

industry. GLs usually require a written response from affected licensees. 

GLs may request the following: 

 a. new or revised commitments that are based on analysis performed and on 

proposed corrective actions. 

 b. that information be given and/or compensatory actions be taken. 

 c. that analyses be performed and submitted by a specified time. 

 d. that addressees report the completion of actions by letter, with or without prior 

 NRC approval of the actions. 

 GLs may not: 

 a. request long-term actions. 

 b. require new or revised commitments. 

03.06 Information Assessment Team Advisory. The NRC uses Information 

Assessment Team Advisories (IATAs, issued by the Office of Nuclear Security and 

Incident Response (NSIR)) to provide critical, time-sensitive, threat-related information 

to specified licensees. Whenever the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary of the 

Department of Homeland Security makes a change in the Homeland Security Advisory 

System level, the NRC will issue a corresponding IATA elevating security at licensee 

facilities. 

IATAs may: 

 a. suggest or request that recipients execute certain voluntary precautionary or 

 protective actions.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 4

 b. inform licensees when the Federal Bureau of Investigation issues a Domestic 

 Threat Advisory that is considered relevant to NRC licensees. 

 c. inform licensees when a significant act of domestic terrorism or other malevolent 

 act has occurred. 

d. inform licensees when the NRC becomes aware of intelligence information 

regarding statements or actions taken by foreign persons or by terrorist 

organizations, or other threat-related information, relating to NRC-licensed 

facilities or activities. 

IATAs may not: 

 a. request information. 

 b. require commitments or action. 

 03.07 Security Advisories. The NRC uses Security Advisories (SAs), issued by NSIR, 

to communicate urgent, time-sensitive operational information directly relating to the 

security and common defense of national infrastructure under the NRC’s cognizance. 

SAs are operational in nature and are issued in response to urgent situations or recently 

identified vulnerabilities. Recipients are expected to review SAs for applicability to their 

facilities or operations, and consider appropriate actions to avoid similar problems. 

SAs may: 

a. communicate information regarding an urgent security vulnerability that may 

affect a whole class or several classes of licensees. 

b. provide licensees with additional information following notification via an 

IATA,that the Homeland Security Advisory System threat level has been raised. 

c. notify affected licensees of National Special Security Events. 

d. recommend voluntary compensatory measures and actions for urgent securityrelated issues. 

SAs may not: 

 a. convey or imply new requirements or new interpretations of existing 

requirements or regulations. 

 b. require information from or action by addressees. 

 c. be used in lieu of other generic communication products. 

 d. provide guidance for the implementation of rules and regulations.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 5

0730-04 RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES 

04.01 Executive Director for Operations (EDO). 

a. Approves and signs Commission information papers pertaining to the staff’s 

intent to issue a BL, a GL, or certain RISs. Authorizes issuance of IATAs and 

provides informational copies to the Commission. 

b. Ensures that arrangements are made for any requested formal or informal 

Commission briefing. 

c. Ensures that Commission comments on generic communications are 

satisfactorily resolved. 

d. Provides direction and program oversight for the NRC Generic Communications 

Program. 

e. Ensures that generic communication products are made publicly available to the 

extent practicable and consistent with informaiton security requirements. 

04.02 Office of the General Counsel (OGC). 

 a. Provides No Legal Objection concurrence on: 

 1. all generic communications regardless of the issuing office. 

 2. SAs issued by NSIR. 

b. Provides Congressional Review Act concurrence on generic communications 

that communicate policy decisions. 

04.03 Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. 

a. Serves as the agency focal point for the administration of the NRC Generic 

Communications Program. 

b. Establishes model internal written procedures on the criteria, responsibilities, 

and guidance for the preparation, issuance, and follow up to NRC generic 

communications. 

04.04 Director, Office of Information Services. 

a. For applicable generic communications, ensures the proper selection of the 

Paperwork Reduction Act statement. 

b. Serves as the agency focal point for the appropriate Office of Management and 

Budget clearance number, for generic communications that require information 

collections.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 6

04.05 Directors, Offices of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards; Federal and State 

Materials and Environmental Management Programs; and Nuclear Security and 

Incident Response. 

 a. Ensure coordination of all generic communications through NRR. 

 b. Establish internal written procedures for the proper administration of the Generic 

Communications program. 

 c. Evaluate the effectiveness of the generic communications program under its 

purview. 

04.06 Directors, Divisions in FSME. 

 a. Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements: appoints the Generic 

Communications Coordinator, FSME. 

 b. Divisions of Intergovernmental Liaison and Rulemaking; and Waste Management 

and Environmental Protection: appoint the Generic Communications Contact for 

their respective division. The contact will assist the Generic Communications 

Coordinator with identifying the necessary technical concurrences, and with 

obtaining mailing labels. 

 c. Lead issuing division director: Concurs and signs generic communications 

issued to licensees and addressees under its purview. 

 d. Non-lead issuing division director: Concurs and co-signs generic 

communications applicable to its licensees, but issued by another FSME division. 

 Note: When the generic communication is issued by another office, and more 

than one FSME division concurs on the generic communication, the Division of 

Materials Safety and State Agreements shall be the sole co-signatory. This is 

necessary to limit the number of signatures on the generic communication. 

04.07 Directors, Divisions in NMSS. 

 a. Office director/deputy director appoints the NMSS Generic Communications 

Coordinator. 

 b. All division directors: appoint the Generic Communications Contact for their 

respective division. The Contact will assist the Generic Communications 

Coordinator with identifying the necessary technical concurrers, and with 

obtaining mailing labels. 

 c. Lead issuing division director: Concurs and signs generic communications 

issued to licensees and addressees under its purview. 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 7

 d. Non-lead issuing division director: Concurs and co-signs generic 

communications applicable to its licensees, but issued by another NMSS 

division. 

 Note: When the generic communication is issued by another office, and more 

than one NMSS division concurs on the generic communication, only one of the 

division directors will be the co-signatory. The Communication Coordinator will 

coordinate with all division directors to determine the appropriate co-signatory. 

This is necessary to limit the number of signatures on the generic 

communication. 

04.08 Directors, Division of Nuclear Material Safety (Regions I, III, and IV) and Division

of Fuel Facility Inspection (Region II). 

a. Ensure that generic communications proposed by regional staff are forwarded to 

the corresponding office in FSME or NMSS, for coordination and issuance. 

 1. Generic communications originated by the Division of Nuclear Materials 

Safety must be coordinated with the Division of Materials Safety and State 

Agreements, FSME. 

 2. Generic communications originated by the Division of Fuel Facility 

Inspection must be coordinated with the Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and 

Safeguards, NMSS. 

 b. Ensure that inspector actions identified in temporary instructions pertaining to 

Bulletins or Generic Letters are carried out in a timely manner. 

04.09 Director, Information Records Services Division, Office of Information Services. 

 a. Ensures that codes and standards referenced in generic communications are 

procured, indexed, retained, and made available in the technical library. 

b. Acts as the NRC point of contact on matters relating to OMB clearances. 

 c. Ensures that generic communications are provided to the Public Document Room 

via the Regulatory Information Distribution System. 

 d. Provides a preassigned accession number to the Generic Communications 

Registrar for each generic communication before it is distributed. 

 e. Processes generic communications into the Agency Documents Access and 

Management System (ADAMS) and ensures that the records include the generic 

communication identification number. 

 f. Receives and distributes responses to generic communications.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 0730 8

04.10 Chief, Printing and Mail Services Branch, Office of Administration. Distributes 

generic communications in accordance with the distribution lists and program codes. 

04.11 Generic Communications Registrar, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

(NRR). 

 a. Acts as the agency focal point for the control of accession numbers assigned to 

generic communications. 

 b. Serves as the agency contact for requests to post generic communications to the 

NRC’s generic communications Web site. 

0730-05 REQUIREMENTS 

05.01 Preparing Generic Communications - Chief, Lead Technical Branch. 

a. Briefs senior management and obtains early approval for developing all 

proposed generic communications that involve endorsement of industry 

initiatives, opportunities for regulatory relief, or new staff positions. 

 b. Assigns the originator for the preparation of the generic communication. 

05.02 Preparing Generic Communications – Originator. 

 a. Consults with stakeholders, as appropriate, and gathers all facts pertaining to 

the development of the generic communication. 

 b. Reviews Section 0730-03, “DEFINITIONS,” and/or consults with the Generic 

Communications Coordinator, FSME or NMSS, for assistance with the selection 

of the proper type of generic communication. 

 c. Drafts the generic communication in accordance with the standard formats 

provided in Exhibits 1 through 4 of this manual chapter. Determines the 

following: 

 1. Addressees - Use Exhibit 11 of this Manual Chapter to determine all the 

addressees to whom the generic communication should be addressed. 

 2. Concurrences - Use Exhibit 11 of this Manual Chapter to determine all the 

necessary entities that should concur on the generic communication.* 

 Note that any office that is concurring should also be listed in the header 

of the generic communication.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 9 0730 

 d. Provides the branch secretary with an electronic copy of the generic 

communication, along with a completed NRC Form 665 to add the generic 

communication to ADAMS. Completes NRC Form 665 to request that owners’ 

rights be given to the following: 

 1. The Branch secretaries in FSME or NMSS (whichever applies); 

 2. The Generic Communications Coordinator in FSME or NMSS (whichever 

applies). 

 3. The Generic Communications Coordinator, NRR (only for generic 

communications issued jointly with NRR); and 

 4. The Secretary, NRR/DPR/PGCB (only for generic communications issued 

jointly with NRR) 

 

 e. Promptly notifies the appropriate Generic Communications Coordinator via email and provides an early electronic draft copy of the generic communication, if 

available. 

05.03 Preparing Generic Communications - Generic Communications Coordinator. 

 a. Reviews each draft generic communication as follows: 

 1. Verifies that the originator selected the appropriate generic communication 

(i.e., RIS, Bulletin, etc.). 

 2. Ensures the generic communication is properly formatted, in accordance 

with the applicable example generic communication in Exhibits 1 through 

4. 

 3. Verifies that the proper concurrences have been added. Verifies that 

offices that are concurring are also listed in the header. 

 4. Verifies that the addressees for the generic communication is appropriate. 

 b. Enclosure and mailing labels: 

 1. Adds the “Recently Issued Generic Communications” list to the generic 

communication, if the generic communication is being addressed to FSME 

licensees. 

 2. Contacts the appropriate contact for mailing labels. 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 10 0730 

05.04 Preparing Generic Communications - Branch Secretary. 

 a. Completes the processing of the generic communication using the appropriate 

Exhibit in Manual Chapter 0730. 

 1. Uses Exhibit 8 to complete the processing of generic communications that 

are issued by FSME or NMSS. 

 2. Uses Exhibit 9 to complete the processing of generic communications 

originated by FSME or NMSS, but jointly issued with another office (such 

as NRR). 

0730-06 CORRECTIONS TO GENERIC COMMUNICATIONS 

06.01 Reason for Corrections. 

a. The staff may obtain additional information from addressee responses or 

other sources after a generic communication has been issued. 

b. Time constraints may make it necessary to issue preliminary information 

promptly and then provide additional information as it becomes available. 

When additional information becomes available, the lead technical branch 

shall determine whether a correction to the initial communication is 

warranted. 

06.02 Types of Corrections. The nature of the change will determine whether the staff 

issues a revision or a supplement. 

 a. Revision: A revision replaces the original generic communication in its 

entirety, and therefore, must include all portions of the original document 

that are still relevant. It is used when a generic communication is to be 

superseded because it contains incorrect information or it needs to be 

addressed to a different class of addressees. 

 b. Supplement: A supplement adds additional information to a generic 

communication. It is used when the original generic communication needs 

to be updated, expanded, or clarified. The original communication 

remains in effect and its contents do not need to be repeated in the 

supplement. 

06.03 Preparation of Corrections. Prepare revisions or supplements using the same 

procedures described in this manual chapter for new generic communications. 

Specifically address the reason(s) for issuing the correction in the "Background" section 

of the generic communication. 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 11 0730 

0730-07 BULLETIN AND GENERIC LETTER CLOSEOUT ACTIVITIES 

07.01 Closeout Activities. 

 a. Closeout activities are required for BLs and GLs. 

 b. The lead issuing organization is responsible for coordinating activities that close 

 out BLs and GLs. 

 c. Details of various close out activities are listed in Management Directive 8.18, 

“NRC Generic Communications Program.” The lead issuing organization must 

exercise judgment in deciding appropriate close out activities, as listed in 

Management Directive 8.18. Generally, the activities include the following: 

 1. Prepare guidance to cognizant NRC staff on the strategy to be used to 

close out the generic communication. 

 2. Conduct site inspections, reviewing inspection reports, and associated 

activities. 

 3. Develop a task action plan to keep relevant NRC staff fully informed of the 

status of generic communication close out activities. 

 4. Arrange for relevant staff to receive addressee replies and other related 

correspondence. 

 5. Inform relevant staff that evaluations of licensee responses must be 

documented sufficiently. 

 6. Ensure that appropriate documentation is made publicly available. 

07.02 Effectiveness Reviews. 

 a. The lead issuing organization shall conduct an effectiveness review of the BL or 

the GL, after close out activities are completed. The review shall: 

 1. Evaluate the generic communication’s focus in communicating the safety 

or security concern; evaluate the adequacy of the request for information 

and/or actions; evaluate the adequacy of addressee responses; and 

evaluate whether the generic communication was sufficient in providing a 

basis for regulatory decision making. 

 2. Provide the effectiveness evaluation to the respective office management 

and the Division of Policy and Rulemaking in NRR. 

 b. RIS, IATAs, SAs, and INs do not require effectiveness reviews. 

END
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 1 

Regulatory Issue Summary Format 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E1-1 0730 

UNITED STATES 

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 

OFFICE OF FEDERAL AND STATE MATERIALS 

AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (AND/OR) 

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 

(date) 

NRC REGULATORY ISSUE SUMMARY (YYYY-##, SUPP./REV. #)

(TITLE IN CAPS, BOLD, 14 POINT, CENTERED, 1.0 SPACING)

ADDRESSEES

Use short title such as "All material and fuel cycle licensees." For materials licensees add “All 

Radiation Control Program Directors and State Liaison Officers.” 

INTENT

Use one of the following paragraphs for all summaries: 

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this regulatory issue summary to 

inform addressees of (state subject title - don't start discussion). No specific action nor written 

response is required.” For materials licensees, add “NRC is providing this RIS to the 

Agreement States for their information and for distribution to their (medical, radiography, etc) 

licensees as appropriate. 

(or) 

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is issuing this regulatory issue summary to request 

addressees, on a voluntary basis, to submit information pertaining to (state subject title - don't 

start discussion). The submittal of this information is strictly voluntary. No specific action nor 

written response is required.” For materials licensees, add “NRC is providing this RIS to the 

Agreement States for their information and for distribution to their (medical, radiography, etc) 

licensees as appropriate. 

BACKGROUND

Use this section to (1) briefly summarize the events leading to the issuance of this summary and 

(2) in revisions and supplements, to summarize the contents of the original summary. 

Insert ADAMS accession number in bold font in this location.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E1-2 0730 

RIS (YYYY- No., Supp./Rev. #) 

Page 2 of 4 

SUMMARY OF ISSUE

Use this section to briefly discuss: (1) the information being transmitted and (2) how any 

requested information will be used by NRC. If transmitting lengthy information, put the bulk of 

the information in an attachment.) 

REQUESTED INFORMATION

For summaries requesting voluntary submittal of administrative information, specify the 

requested administrative information, by class of addressee.

VOLUNTARY RESPONSE REQUESTED

For summaries requesting voluntary submittal of information, if the information is time-sensitive, 

specify the date by which it needs to be received by NRC, to be of use. Use the following 

statement for the issuance of time-sensitive information: 

All addressees are requested to voluntarily submit a response to the previously requested 

information. To be of use to the NRC, responses should be submitted within ___ days of the 

date of this summary. 

Address the voluntary response to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Document 

Control Desk, Washington, D.C. 20555. 

BACKFIT DISCUSSION

Occasionally, certain materials licensees such at those licensees regulated under 10 CFR Parts 

70, 72, and 76 are subject to backfit requirements. NRR Office Instruction (OI) LIC-503 

contains the standard language to use, whether a backfit is required or not. See NRR OI LIC503 for the appropriate standard language to use in this section. 

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTIFICATION

RISs requesting voluntary submittal of information should be published in the Federal Register 

for public comment. Use the following statement for RISs that were not published in the Federal 

Register for public comment: 

A notice of opportunity for public comment on this RIS was not published in the Federal Register

because (state reason, e.g., it is informational and does not represent a departure from current 

regulatory requirements.) 

For RISs that were published for comment in the Federal Register, use the following statement: 

A notice of opportunity for public comment on this RIS was published in the Federal Register 

(XX FRN XXXXX) on (date). Comments were received from (indicate the number of
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E1-3 0730 

RIS (YYYY-##, Supp./Rev. #)

Page 3 of 4 

commentors by type). The staff considered all comments that were received. The staff’s 

evaluation of the comments is publicly available through NRC’s Agencywide Documents Access 

and Management System (ADAMS), under Accession No. ML#########.” 

CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT 

A RIS may constitute either a non-major rule under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 

Fairness Act of 1996, or a non-rule. The following paragraph may be used if the RIS is declared 

a non-major rule under the Act: 

In accordance with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, NRC has 

determined that this action is not a major rule and has verified this determination with the Office 

of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget. 

The following paragraph may be used if the Office of the General Counsel determines that the 

RIS is a non-rule and therefore, not subject to the Act: 

This RIS is not a rule as designated by the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 801-886) 

and, therefore, is not subject to the Act. 

RELATED GENERIC COMMUNICATIONS

An optional list of other generic communications that have previously addressed the subject of 

the summary. If the summary contains a background section, it may be more appropriate to 

include this information in that section. 

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT

Select the appropriate statement from Exhibit 14.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E1-4 0730 

RIS (YYYY-##, Supp./Rev. #) 

Page 4 of 4 

CONTACT 

Include the statement below on all RISs: 

This RIS requires no specific action nor written response. If you have any questions about this 

summary, please contact (one of) the individual(s) listed below or the appropriate regional 

office. 

 

 (Name), Director 

 Division of (Name) 

 Office of (Name) 

Contact(s): (Name), NMSS 

 (301) 492-#### 

 E-mail: xxx@nrc.gov

Enclosures: 

1. Referenced Codes and Standards1

2. List of Recently Issued FSME/NMSS Generic Communications

 

1 See Exhibit 15 for the format to use when codes or standards are referenced.
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 2 

Information Notice Format 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E2-1 0730 

UNITED STATES 

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 

OFFICE OF FEDERAL AND STATE MATERIALS 

AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (AND/OR) 

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 

(date) 

NRC INFORMATION NOTICE (YYYY-##, SUPPLEMENT/REVISION #): (TITLE IN CAPS) 

ADDRESSEES

Use short title such as "All material and fuel cycle licensees." For materials licensees add “All 

Radiation Control Program Directors and State Liaison Officers.” 

PURPOSE

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is issuing this information notice (IN) to alert 

addressees to (state subject title -- don't start discussion). It is expected that recipients will 

review the information for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, as appropriate, to 

avoid similar problems. However, suggestions contained in this IN are not new NRC 

requirements; therefore, no specific action nor written response is required.” If the IN should go 

to the Agreement States, add “NRC is providing this IN to the Agreement States for their 

information and for distribution to their (medical, radiography, etc.) licensees as appropriate. 

DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES

An historical account of the events that prompted the staff to issue the information notice which 

may include the corrective actions already taken by some licensees. Do not identify licensees 

by name unless it is necessary to describe the issue. The notice is intended to warn 

licensees about safety issues, not embarrass individual licensees. 

BACKGROUND

Use this section to (1) briefly summarize the background events that would help put the issue 

into context, or (2) in revisions and supplements, to summarize the contents of the original 

summary. 

DISCUSSION

A discussion of the safety significance of the issue identified above. If transmitting lengthy 

information, put the bulk of the information in an attachment. Good practices may be 

suggested, but INs may not request specific actions.

Insert ADAMS accession number in bold font in this location.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E2-2 0730 

IN (YYYY-##, Supp./Rev. #) 

 Page 2 of 2 

CONCLUSION 

This is an optional section to be used to summarize the outcome of the event, and/or the NRC’s 

position/opinion.

RELATED GENERIC COMMUNICATIONS

An optional list of other generic communications that have previously addressed the subject of 

the information notice. If the information notice contains a background section, it may be more 

appropriate to include this information in that section. 

The following paragraph regarding the contact is used for all information notices: 

CONTACT

This IN requires no specific action nor written response. If you have any questions about the 

information in this notice, please contact (one of) the technical contact(s) listed below or the 

appropriate regional office. 

 (Name), Director 

 Division of (Name) 

 Office of (Name) 

Contact(s): (Name), NMSS 

 (301) 492-#### 

 E-mail: xxx@nrc.gov

Enclosures: 

1. Referenced Codes and Standards2

2. List of Recently Issued FSME/NMSS Generic Communications

 

2 See Exhibit 15 for the format to use when codes or standards are referenced. 
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 3 

Bulletin Format 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E3-1 0730 

UNITED STATES 

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 

(date) 

NRC BULLETIN (YYYY-##, SUPPLEMENT/REVISION #): (TITLE IN CAPS) 

ADDRESSEES 

For Action: Use short title such as "All medical licensees using Brand-X 

remote afterloading units." If the bulletin is being sent to the 

Agreement States, add “and all Radiation Control Program 

Directors and State Liaison Officers.” 

 For Information: Use short title such as "All medical licensees using other remote 

 afterloading units." For materials licensees add “and all Radiation 

 Control Program Directors and State Liaison Officers.” If no 

 information addressees, insert "None." 

PURPOSE

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is issuing this bulletin to: (1) notify addressees about 

(state subject title -- don't start discussion); (2) request that all action addressees implement the 

action(s) described herein; and (3) require that all action addressees provide NRC with a written 

response to this bulletin. If the bulletin is being addressed to the Agreement States, add the 

following: NRC is providing this bulletin to the Agreement States for their information and for 

distribution to their medical licensees as appropriate. 

BACKGROUND

Use this section: (1) to describe information notices that have been issued as advance notice of 

the issue; or (2) in supplements and revisions to summarize the contents of the original bulletin. 

Otherwise, omit this section. 

DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES

An historical account of the event(s) that prompted the staff to issue the bulletin, which may 

include the corrective actions already taken by some licensees. Do not identify licensees by 

name unless it is necessary to describe the issue. The bulletin is intended to address safety 

issues, not to embarrass individual licensees. 

Insert ADAMS accession number in bold font in this location.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E3-2 0730 

BL (YYYY-##, Supp./Rev. #) 

 Page 2 of 3 

DISCUSSION

A discussion of the safety significance of the issue identified above and the staff technical 

evaluation to date regarding the subject matter. If transmitting lengthy information, put the bulk 

of the information in an enclosure. 

REQUESTED ACTION(S)

Specifies: (1) the requested action(s), by class of addressee; and (2) the dates by which they 

are requested to be completed. 

REQUESTED INFORMATION

Specifies any additional information requests, by class of addressee, beyond the actions 

defined above. Omit this section if no additional information is requested. 

Use the following to require a response: 

1. Within ___ days of the date of this bulletin, each action addressee is required to submit a 

response indicating whether the addressee will implement the action(s) requested 

above, and providing the additional information requested. (Omit the reference to 

additional information if none is requested.) If the addressee intends to implement the 

requested action(s), provide a schedule for completing implementation. If an addressee 

chooses not to take the requested action(s), provide a description of any proposed 

alternative course of action, the schedule for completing the alternative course of action 

(if applicable), and the safety basis for determining the acceptability of the planned 

alternative course of action. 

2. Within 30 days of completion of the requested actions, each action addressee is 

required to submit a report confirming completion. 

Address the required written responses to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: 

Document Control Desk, Washington, D.C. 20555. In addition, submit a copy to the appropriate 

regional administrator. 

RELATED GENERIC COMMUNICATIONS

Use this optional section to identify other generic communications that have previously 

addressed the subject of the bulletin. If the bulletin contains a background section, it may be 

more appropriate to include this information in that section. 

BACKFIT DISCUSSION

This section is used only when the action addressees include licensees subject to backfit 

requirements, such as Part 72 licensees. See NRR Office Instruction LIC-503 for the standard 

format of this section. 

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT

Use the appropriate statement from Exhibit 14.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E3-3 0730 

BL (YYYY-##, Supp./Rev. #) 

 Page 2 of 3 

INFORMATION ADDRESSEES

Omit this section if there are no information addressees; otherwise, use the statement below: 

NRC is issuing this bulletin to information addressees to alert them to (subject of the bulletin). 

It is expected that recipients will review the information for applicability to their facilities and 

consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar problems. However, the requested actions 

and required responses applicable to the action addressees are not applicable to information 

addressees; therefore, no specific action nor written response is required from them. 

CONTACT 

If you have any questions about this matter, please contact (one of) the technical contact(s) 

listed below or the appropriate regional office. 

(Name), Director 

 Division of (Name) 

 Office of Federal and State Materials 

 and Environmental Management Programs 

Contact(s): (Name), FSME 

 (301) 415-#### 

 E-mail: xxx@nrc.gov

Enclosures: 

1. Referenced Codes and Standards2

2. List of Recently Issued FSME/NMSS Generic Communications 

2

 See Exhibit 15 for the format to use when codes or standards are referenced.
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 4 

Generic Letter Format 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E4-1 0730 

UNITED STATES 

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 

OFFICE OF FEDERAL AND STATE MATERIALS 

AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (AND/OR) 

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 

(date) 

NRC GENERIC LETTER (YYYY-##, SUPPLEMENT/REVISION #): (TITLE IN CAPS) 

ADDRESSEES

 For Action: Use short title such as "All medical licensees using Brand-X 

remote afterloading units." If the generic letter is being addressed 

to the Agreement States, add the following: “and all Radiation 

Control Program Directors and State Liaison Officers.” 

For Information: Use short title such as "All medical licensees using other remote 

afterloading units." If the generic letter is being addressed to the 

Agreement States, add “and all Radiation Control Program 

Directors and State Liaison Officers.” If no information 

addressees, insert "None." If the generic letter simply transmits 

information, omit the “For Action”and “For Information” headers 

and just identify the addressees. 

PURPOSE

Use the following paragraph when requesting actions: 

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is issuing this generic letter to: (1) notify addressees 

about (state subject title -- don't start discussion); (2) request that all action addressees 

implement the action(s) described herein; and (3) require that all action addressees provide 

NRC with a written response to this generic letter.” For materials licensees, add “NRC is 

providing this bulletin to the Agreement States for their information and for distribution to their 

medical licensees as appropriate. 

Use the following paragraph when requesting information: 

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is issuing this generic letter to: (1) notify addressees 

about (state subject title -- don't start discussion); and (2) request that all action addressees 

provide NRC with certain information regarding the subject of this generic letter.” For materials 

licensees, add “NRC is providing this bulletin to the Agreement States for their information and 

for distribution to their medical licensees as appropriate. 

Insert ADAMS accession number in bold font in this location.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E4-2 0730 

Use the following paragraph when transmitting information only:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is issuing this generic letter to notify addressees 

about (state subject title -- don't start discussion). It is expected that recipients will review the 

information for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid 

problems. However, no specific action nor written response is required.” For materials 

licensees, add “NRC is providing this bulletin to the Agreement States for their information and 

for distribution to their medical licensees as appropriate. 

BACKGROUND

Use this section: (1) to describe any information notices that have been issued as advance 

notice of the issue; or (2) in revisions and supplements to summarize the content of the original 

generic letter. Otherwise, omit this section. 

DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES

An historical account of the event[s] that prompted the staff to issue the generic letter which may 

include the corrective actions already taken by some licensees, if applicable. Do not identify 

licensees by name unless it is necessary to describe the issue. The generic letter is intended to 

address safety issues, not to embarrass individual licensees. 

DISCUSSION

A discussion of the safety significance of the issue identified above and the staff technical 

evaluation to date regarding the subject matter. If transmitting lengthy information, put the bulk 

of the information in an attachment. 

REQUESTED ACTION(S)

Specifies: (1) the requested action(s), by class of addressee; and (2) the dates by which they 

are recommended to be completed. If the requested action(s) are voluntary, such as 

participation in a pilot program, that should be clearly indicated in this section. Omit this section 

if no actions are requested. 

REQUESTED INFORMATION

Specifies the requested information, by class of addressee. If the requested information is 

voluntary, that should be clearly indicated in this section. Omit this section if no information is 

requested. 

REQUIRED RESPONSE

Omit this section if nothing is requested, or if the requests are voluntary.Use the following 

paragraphs if a response is mandatory.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E4-3 0730 

1. Within ___ days of the date of this generic letter, each action addressee is required to 

submit a response indicating whether the addressee will implement the action(s) 

requested above, and providing the additional information requested. (Omit the 

reference to additional information if none is requested.) If the addressee intends 

to implement the requested action(s), provide a schedule for completing implementation. 

If an addressee chooses not to take the requested action(s), provide a description of 

any proposed alternative course of action, the schedule for completing the alternative 

course of action (if applicable), and the safety basis for determining the acceptability of 

the planned alternative course of action. 

2. Within 30 days of completion of the requested actions, each action addressee is 

required to submit a report confirming completion. 

Use the following paragraph if information, but no action, is requested: 

Within ___ days of the date of this generic letter, each action addressee is required to submit a 

response to the previously requested information. 

Use the following paragraph for any required response. 

Address the required written response(s) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: 

Document Control Desk, Washington, D.C. 20555. In addition, submit a copy to the appropriate 

regional administrator. 

VOLUNTARY RESPONSE REQUESTED

Use the following paragraph: 

Each action addressee is requested to voluntarily submit a response to the previously requested 

(action/information). To be of use to NRC, responses should be submitted within __ days of the 

date of this letter. 

Address the voluntary response to this generic letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington, D.C. 20555. 

RELATED GENERIC COMMUNICATIONS

Use this optional section to identify other generic communications that have previously 

addressed the subject of the generic letter. If the generic letter contains a background section, it 

may be more appropriate to include this information in that section. 

BACKFIT DISCUSSION

This section is used only when the action addressees include licensees subject to backfit 

requirements such as Part 72 licensees. See NRR Office Instruction LIC-503 for the standard 

format of this section. 

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT

If a response is requested, use the appropriate statement from Exhibit 14.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E4-4 0730 

INFORMATION ADDRESSEES

Omit this section if there are action addressees, but no information addressees. Use the 

following paragraph: 

NRC is issuing this generic letter to the information addressees to alert them to (subject of the 

generic letter). It is expected that recipients will review the information for applicability to their 

facilities and consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid problems. However, the requested 

actions and required responses applicable to the action addressees are not applicable to the 

information addressees; therefore, no specific action nor written response is required from them. 

CONTACT

If you have any questions about this matter, please contact (one of) the technical contact(s) 

listed below or the appropriate regional office. 

 (Name), Director 

 Division of (Name) 

 Office of (Name) 

Contact(s): (Name), FSME 

 (301) 415-#### 

 E-mail: xxx@nrc.gov

Enclosures: 

1. Referenced Codes and Standards3

2. List of Recently Issued FSME/NMSS Generic Communications

 

3 See Exhibit 15 for the format to use when codes or standards are referenced
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 5

Security Advisory Template—Non-Safeguards Information 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E5-1 0730 

Note: Security Advisories are issued by the Office of 

Nuclear Security and Incident Response.

Official Use Only–Security Related Information 

DATE 

Do not insert date until EDO authorizes issuance.

SECURITY ADVISORY FOR 

List recipients of the advisory. 

SA-04-XX (Obtain number from RSOB after EDO authorizes issuance) 

SUBJECT: SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE ADVISORY

Information to be distributed. There may be a need to provide background information. 

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: Add the appropriate PRA statement and number, if 

required. This statement is the final paragraph if PMDA or OIS concurs. If the advisory does 

collect information, an OMB clearance number is required.

Director (or designee) 

Office of Nuclear Security 

 And Incident Response 

- 1 - 

Official Use Only–Security Related Information
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 6 

Security Advisory Template—SGI 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E6-1 0730 

Note: Security Advisories are issued by the Office of 

Nuclear Security and Incident Response.

SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION 

DATE 

Do not insert date until EDO authorizes issuance.

SECURITY ADVISORY FOR 

List recipients of the advisory. 

SA-04-XX (Obtain number from RSOB after EDO authorizes issuance.) 

SUBJECT: SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE ADVISORY IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS

Information to be distributed. There may be a need to provide background information. 

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: Add the appropriate PRA statement and number, if 

required. This statement is the final paragraph if PMDA or OIS concurs. If the advisory does 

collect information, an OMB clearance number is required. 

 Safeguards Information Determination Made By: 

 Name/Title _____________________________ 

 Organization ___________________________ 

 Basis _________________________________ 

 Signature ________________ Date _________ 

 -1 - 

SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 7 

Information Assessment Team Advisory 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E7-1 0730 

[RESERVED] 

Note: Information Assessment Team Advisories (IATA) are issued by the Office of 

Nuclear Security and Incident Response. NSIR has determined that information 

pertaining to IATAs, to include their formatting, is released on a need-to-know basis. 
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 8 

Secretarial Final Processing and Distribution Checklist 

for FSME or NMSS Generic Communications 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E8-1 0730 

Generic Communication Name: _______________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Tasks Before Obtaining the Originating Division Director’s Concurrence 

 Done N/A 

 (a) If the generic communication is being addressed to FSME licensees, contact the 

FSME Generic Communications Coordinator, and request an electronic version 

of the List of Issued FSME Generic Communications 

 (b) Add the document to ADAMS, using template NRR-052. 

 Done N/A 

 

(i) Save the package to the generic communications folder in ADAMS (for 

FSME, The ADAMS folder is FSME-DMSSA-Generic 

Communications) 

 

 (ii) Add the List of Issued FSME Generic Communications as an enclosure 

to the package (FSME addressees only). 

 (iiI) Insert the ADAMS accession number in bold font in the left bottom 

corner of the front page of the generic communication. Print the 

document. 

 (iii) Give owners rights to the following: 1

 

 Done N/A

 1) The Document Processing Center 

 

 2) The Generic Communications Registrar, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 3) The Generic Communications Coordinator, FSME 

 4) The Generic Communications Coordinator, NRR 2

 5) Secretary, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 6) The List Server and Website Distribution, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 (iv) Give viewer’s rights to the group “NRC Users.” 

__________________________ 

1

 The names of these people can be found at [INSERT LINK] 

2

 Only if the generic communication is to be jointly signed with NRR; otherwise, this action is N/A. 

Remarks: the Branch Secretary in the originating office should complete 

the following tasks after the originator has obtained all the necessary 

technical and administrative concurrences.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E8-2 0730 

2. Obtain the Division Director’s Concurrence 

 Done 

 (a) Print the generic communication and submit it to the Division Director for concurrence 

 (b) After obtaining the Division Director’s concurrence, check the document back out 

and update the concurrence block to indicate the Division Director has 

concurred. Check the document back into ADAMS 

3. Request the Generic Communications Number 

(a) Email the generic communication to the Generic Communications Registrar, NRR. In the email: 

 Done 

(i) Request that a generic communications number be assigned to the document 

(e.g., 2007-XX.) Important: do not request a generic communications 

number unless you are certain the generic communication is ready for 

signature. 

(ii) Request that the Registrar email you a copy of the generic communication with 

the number assigned to it. 

4. Obtain the FSME or NMSS Division Director’s Signature and Obtain Mailing Labels 

 

 Done 

 (a) Print the generic communication (now with the number assigned to it) and forward it to 

 the originating Division Director for signature. 

 (b) After signature, check the document out in ADAMS and: 

 Done 

 (i) Insert the date on the first page of the generic communication. 

 (ii) Type /RA/ in the signature area to indicate it was signed. 

 Done 

(c) Request mailing labels from the Generic Communications Coordinator, FSME or 

 NMSS (whichever applies). Set the labels aside. 

5. Making the Generic Communication an Official Agency Record 

 Done 

 (a) In ADAMS, move the generic communication file to the Document Processing Center 

 folder for immediate processing, so the generic communication can be declared an 

 Official Agency Record. 

6. Distribution Instructions After Package is Declared an Official Agency Record in ADAMS 

 Done 

 (a) Print the package. 

 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E8-3 0730 

 (b) Add the following to the printed package: 

 

 (i) The mailing labels (from Step 4c.) 

 (ii) NRC Form 20. See Exhibit 16 for instructions on completing Form 20. 

 (c) Take the generic communication, mailing labels, and NRC Form 20 to the copying and 

 distribution center. 

 (c) To post the generic communication to the NRC Web site: 

 Done 

 Send an email to the List Server and Website Distribution contact, NRR/ DPR/ PGCB, 

 that requests that the generic communication be posted to the NRC generic 

 communication website. 

 (d) Additional distribution via email: 

 Done 

 (i) Each technical contact on the document 

 (ii) Originating Branch Chief 

 (iii) Each Regional Administrator 

 (iv) Director, Division of Nuclear Materials Safety, Regions I through IV 

 (v) Director, Division of Fuel Facility Inspection, Region II 3

 (vi) Generic Communications Coordinator 

 (vii) CRGR Contacts 4

 (viii) Advisory Committee Coordinator, FSME/DWM or FSME/MSSA 3

 (ix) Technical Library Section Chief, OCIO/ISB 5

________________________________ 

3

 Action for Branch Secretary in NMSS. 

4

 Bulletins and generic letters only

5 Only when list of codes and standards is attached
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 9 

Final Processing and Distribution Tasks 

for Materials/Reactor Joint Generic Communications 

(When FSME or NMSS is the Lead Issuing Office) 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E9-1 0730 

Generic Communication Name _________________________________________________________ 

1. Tasks Before Obtaining the Originating Division Director’s Concurrence 

 

 Done N/A 

If the generic communication is being addressed to FSME licensees, contact the 

FSME Generic Communications Coordinator, and request an electronic version 

of the List of Issued FSME Generic Communications 

 (b) Add the document to ADAMS, using template NRR-052. 

 Done N/A 

 (i) Save the package to the generic communications folder in ADAMS (for 

FSME, the ADAMS folder is FSME-DMSSA-Generic 

Communications) 

 

 (ii) Add the “List of Recently Issued FSME/NMSS Generic 

Communications” as an enclosure to the package. 

 (iii) Insert the ADAMS accession number in bold font in the left bottom 

corner of the front page of the generic communication. Print the 

document. 

 (iv) Give owners rights to the following: 1 

 Done N/A 

 1) The Document Processing Center 

 

 2) The Generic Communications Registrar, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 3) The Generic Communications Coordinator, FSME or NMSS 

 4) The Generic Communications Coordinator, NRR 

 5) Secretary, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 6) The List Server and Website Distribution, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 Done 

(v) Give viewer’s rights to the group “NRC Users.” 

 (c) Add the following concurrence blocks: 1 

 Done 

 (i) Generic Communications Registrar, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 (ii) Branch Chief, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 (iii) Division Director, NRR/DPR 

_________________________________ 

1

 The names of these people can be found at [INSERT LINK] 

Remarks: the Branch Secretary in the originating office should complete the following 

tasks after the originator has obtained all technical and administrative concurrences, as 

guided by Exhibit 11. 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E9-2 0730 

2. Obtain the FSME or NMSS Division Director’s Concurrence and the Mailing Labels 

 Done 

(a) Forward the document to the originating Division Director in FSME or NMSS for 

concurrence only. 

 (b) After concurrence, check the document out and update the concurrence block in ADAMS. 

 Check it back in. 

 (c) Request mailing labels from the Generic Communications Coordinator, FSME or NMSS. 

 Set the labels aside. 

3. Request the Generic Communication Number; NRR Joint-Issuance 2

 Concurrences, and NRR Signature 

(a) Email the ADAMS accession number to the Generic Communications Registrar, NRR/DPR/PGCB. 

In the e-mail: 

 Done 

(i) Request that a generic communications number be added to the document (e.g., 

 2007- XX.) Important: do not request a generic communication number 

unless you are certain the generic communication is ready for signature by 

NRR and FSME and/or NMSS.

 (ii) Request that the following concurrences be obtained: 

 

 Generic Communications Coordinator, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 Generic Communications Registrar, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 Branch Chief, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

 Director, NRR/DPR 

 

 (iii) Request that the signature of the Director, NRR/DPR, be obtained. 

(iv) Request you be notified once the above concurrences and signature has been 

obtained. 

4. Update the Document in ADAMS with NRR Joint-Issuance Concurrences and Signature 

(a) Check the document out in ADAMS: 

 Done 

(i) Update the concurrence blocks to indicate the dates of the concurrences 

 obtained in Step 3. 

(ii) Type /RA/ in the Signature block of the Director, NRR/DPR, to indicate 

 NRR has signed the generic communication. 

Done 

 (b) Submit the generic communication to the Division Director, FSME or NMSS for signature. 

_________________________ 

2

 “NRR joint-issuance concurrences” are obtained from the NRR Generic Communications Coordinator, and 

NRR/DPR senior management. These concurrences, along with NRR technical concurrences, are necessary only 

when the generic communication is to be jointly- issued to NRR licensees.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E9-3 0730 

5. Tasks After the Originating FSME or NMSS Division Director’s Signature 

 Done 

 (a) Check the document out in ADAMS. 

 (b) Insert the date. 

 (c) Type /RA/ in the signature area to indicate the document was signed. 

 (d) Give viewer’s rights to the group “NRC Users.” 

 (e) Check the document back into ADAMS. 

(f) Move the ADAMS package to the Document Processing Center folder for 

immediate processing, 3 so the generic communication can be declared an 

 Official Agency Record. 

6. Distribution Instructions After Package is Declared an Official Agency Record in ADAMS 

 Done 

 (a) Print the package. 

 (b) Add the following to the printed package: 

 Done 

 (i) The mailing labels from the Generic Communications Coordinator (from Step 2c.) 

 (ii) NRC Form 20. (See Exhibit 16 for instructions on completing Form 20.). 

 

 (iii) Send the package to the List Server and Web Distribution contact, NRR. The 

 contact will forward the package to the copying and distribution center for mailing 

 to addressees. 

 (c) Additional distribution via e-mail (materials addressees only) 

 (i) The materials technical contact(s) (not the technical contacts in NRR) 

 (ii) The originating Branch Chief in FSME or NMSS 

 (iii) Each Regional Administrator 

 (iv) Director, Division of Nuclear Materials Safety, Regions I through IV 4

 (v) Director, Division of Fuel Facility Inspection, Region II 5

 (vi) The Generic Communications Coordinator, FSME or NMSS 

 (vii) CRGR Contacts 6

 (viii) Advisory Committee Coordinator, FSME/DWM or FSME/MSSA 4

 (ix) Technical Library Section Chief, OCIO/ISB 7

 (c) To post the generic communication to the NRC Web site: 

 Done 

 Send an email to the List Server and Website Distribution contact, NRR/DPR/PGCB, that 

 requests that the generic communication be posted to the NRC generic communication 

 website. 

_______________________________ 

3

 This is to ensure that the generic communication is declared an official agency record before it is mailed to 

 addressees. 4

 Action for Branch Secretary in FSME 

5 Action for Branch Secretary in NMSS. 

6 Bulletins and generic letters only

7 Only when list of codes and standards is attached 
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 10 

Generic Communications Coordinator 

Processing Checklist

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E10-1 0730 

GENERIC COMMUNICATION NAME: 2007-22 Status Update for Implementation of NRC Regulatory 

Authority for Certain NARM

ADAMS ML: 

FORMATTING REVIEW 

Date of review: Yes No N/A

Appropriate generic communication selected. 

Addressee list is correct. 

Header reflects all offices concurring on the generic communication. 

TECHNICAL OFFICES CONCURRENCE VERIFICATION 

YES N/A

NRR licensees 

NRO licensees 

Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation, NMSS (Pt. 71 Certificate of Compliance 

holders) 

 

Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation, NMSS (Pt. 72 Certificate of Compliance 

holders) 

 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS, (Category I fuel cycle facilities) 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS (Category II fuel cycle facilities) 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS (independent spent fuel storage 

installations) 

 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS, (high-level waste licensees) 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (Agreement States’Radiation 

Control Program Directors) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (Agreement States Liaison 

Officers) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (medical licensees) 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (the Advisory Committee on the 

Medical Uses of Isotopes) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (Master Material Licenses) 

Division of Waste Management and Environmental Protection, FSME (low-level waste 

licensees) 

Generic Communications Registrar, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

Generic Communications Coordinator, NRR (for GCs jointly issued with NRR) 

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES CONCURRENCE VERIFICATION 

YES N/A

Office of the General Counsel – no legal objection. 

Office of the General Counsel – Congressional Review Act Statement 

Office of Enforcement 

Office of Information Services – Paperwork Reduction Act Statement/OMB clearance 

number. 

 

ADAMS OWNER’S RIGHTS VERIFICATION

YES N/A

Generic Communications Registrar, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

Generic Communications Coordinator, NRR (for GCs jointly issued with NRR) 

Secretary, NRR/DPR/PGCB 

Branch Secretary 
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E10-2 0730 

MAILING LABELS AND ENCLOSURE 

Needed 

Yes No 

Obtained 

(date) 

Office 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (medical 

licensees) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (ACMUI) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (master 

material licensees) 

 

Division of Intergovernmental Liaison and Rulemaking, FSME 

(Agreement States) 

 

Division of Waste Management and Environmental Protection, FSME 

 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards/Fuel Manufacturing Section 

Licensees, NMSS 

 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards/Uranium Processing 

Section Licensees, NMSS 

 

Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation, NMSS (Pt. 71 

Licensees) 

 

Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation, NMSS (Pt. 72 

Licensees) 

 

Division of High Level Waste Repository Safety, NMSS 

Labels given to: Date: 

FSME List of Issued Generic Communications enclosure 

added to package or forwarded to originator for addition to package 

Date: 

REMARKS
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 11 

Addressee and Concurrence Checklist 

for the Originator of a Generic Communication

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E11-1 0730 

ADDRESSEE CHECKLIST

Originator adds, as appropriate, the following addressees to the generic 

communication: 

Added N/A 

NRR licensees 

NRO licensees 

Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation, NMSS (Pt. 71 

Certificate of Compliance holders) 

 

Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation, NMSS (Pt. 72 

Certificate of Compliance holders) 

 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS, (Category I fuel 

cycle facilities) 

 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS (Category II fuel 

cycle facilities) 

 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS (independent spent 

fuel storage installations) 

 

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, NMSS, (high-level waste 

licensees) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (Agreement 

States’ Radiation Control Program Directors) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (Agreement 

States’ Liaison Officers) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (medical 

licensees) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (the Advisory 

Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes) 

 

Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, FSME (Master Material 

Licenses) 

 

Division of Waste Management and Environmental Protection, FSME (lowlevel waste licensees)  
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E11-2 0730 

CONCURRENCES CHECKLIST 

Originator adds, as appropriate, the following technical and administrative concurrences to the generic 

communication. The originator may use Exhibit 11A for further guidance in determining which 

concurrences listed below are necessary. 

The originator is responsible for pursuing these concurrences. 

N/A Yes Date Submitted for 

Concurrence 

Concurrence 

Date 

Office/Contact 

 X Generic Communications Coordinator, FSME 

or NMSS 

 Office of the General Counsel (OGC) No Legal 

Objection. Required for RISs 

 OGC/Congressional Review Act. Required for 

RISs 

 Office of Information Services (Paperwork 

Reduction Act) Required for RISs 

 Office of Enforcement 

 Division of Materials Safety and State 

Agreements, FSME (Must obtain if generic 

communication is addressed to medical or 

Agreement State addressees) 

 Division of Intergovernmental Liaison and 

Rulemaking, FSME 

 Division of Waste Management and 

Environmental Protection, FSME (Must obtain 

if generic communication is addressed to lowlevel waste licensees) 

 Division of Spent Fuel Storage and 

Transportation, NMSS (Must obtain if generic 

communication is addressed to spent fuel 

licensees) 

 Division of High Level Waste Repository 

Safety, NMSS (Must obtain if generic 

communication is addressed to high-level 

waste licensees) 

 Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, 

NMSS (Must obtain if generic communication 

is addressed to fuel cycle licensees) 

 NRR technical concurrences (must obtain if 

generic communication is addressed to NRR 

licensees) 

 NRO technical concurrences (Must obtain if 

generic communication is addressed to NRO 

licensees) 

 NSIR technical concurrences 

 Additional Originator Instructions 

 After obtaining the above concurrences: 

 1. Add the concurrence dates to the ADAMS package. Alternately, submit the concurrence dates to the secretary, 

and the secretary will add the dates to the package, and complete the final processing steps. 

 2. Notify the Generic Communications Coordinator that you have obtained the above concurrences.
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 11A 

Concurrences Guidance Table 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E11-A 0730 

 CONCURRENCE TYPE 1

GENERIC 

COMMUNICATION 

TYPE 

Office of the 

General 

Counsel 

(No Legal 

Objection) 

Office of the 

General 

Counsel 

(Congressional 

Review Act 

Statement)

Office of 

Information 

Services 

(Paperwork 

Reduction Act 

Statement 

and/or Office of 

Management and 

Budget Clearance 

Number(s)) 

Office of 

Enforcement 

(Enforcement 

Issues) 

Regulatory Issue 

Summary Always Always Always Always 

Information Notice Sometimes 2 Never Never Sometimes 2

Bulletin Always Always Always Always 

Generic Letter Always Always Always Always 

 

1 These are the concurrences generally needed from these offices. The Generic Communications 

 Coordinator may identify needed concurrences from other offices/entities. 

2

 Originator determines, on a case-by-case basis, if these particular generic communications have issues 

 that would require these concurrences.
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 12 

Sample Commission Memorandum

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E12-1 0730 

(Date) 

MEMORANDUM TO: Chairman Surname 

Commissioner Surname (List Commissioners in order of 

seniority) 

 Commissioner Surname 

 Commissioner Surname 

 Commissioner Surname 

FROM: First M. Last 

 Executive Director for Operations 

SUBJECT: GENERIC COMMUNICATION CONCERNING (subject) 

This is to inform you that the staff intends to issue the attached (bulletin/generic letter) 

within 10 days of the date of this memorandum unless directed otherwise. 

CONTACT: First M. Last, Division/Office 

 (301) 415-XXXX 

Enclosure: As stated 

cc: SECY 

 OGC 

 OCA 

 OPA 

 CIO 

 CFO
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 13 

Routing Slip

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E13-1 0730 

Title: 

Originator: Phone No.: 

Branch Secretary: SGI  SGI-M  Non-Sensitive  

Concurrence: Please expedite. Mark any editorial or minor technical comments on the original and 

send it to the next person on the list. All comments will be considered before the document is issued. If 

there are major technical comments, please call the originator and discuss them. 

Name Division/Branch Initials Date 

 

Technical Editor 

Generic Communications 

Coordinator 

NMSS 

Generic Communications 

Coordinator 

FSME 

Advisory Committee 

Coordinator 

MSSA/MSEA 

Advisory Committee 

Coordinator 

DWMEP 
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 14 

Paperwork Reduction Act Statements 1

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E14-1 0730 

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Public Law 104-13, an agency may not 

collect identical information from 10 or more respondents unless it first obtains approval from 

the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OMB must review proposed agency collections 

of information to ensure that the information required by the agency is necessary, is obtained 

with a minimum of burden on respondents, and does not duplicate information already collected 

by other Federal agencies. 

Paperwork Reduction Act Statements are located in ADAMS at ML032230438. The following 

contains guidance on selecting the appropriate Paperwork Reduction Act statement. The Office 

of Information Services verifies whether the appropriate statement was selected. 

Guidance on Selecting the Appropriate Paperwork Reduction Act Statement

For generic communications that contain no information collections:

This Generic Letter (Bulletin, RIS, etc.) does not contain any information collections and, 

therefore, is not subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 

3501 et seq.). 

When publishing a proposed generic communication for comment, use the following: 

This (generic letter, bulletin, etc.) contains information collections that are subject to the 

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.). These information collections were 

approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), approval number 3150-0011, which 

expires . 1

The burden to the public for these (voluntary/mandatory) information collection is estimated to 

average hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing 

data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and completing and 

reviewing the information collection. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any 

other aspect of these information collections, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to 

the Records and FOIA/Privacy Services Branch (T-5 F53), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, or by Internet electronic mail to 

INFOCOLLECTS@NRC.GOV; and to the Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory 

Affairs, NEOB-10202, (3150-0011) Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503. 

Send comments on any aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing 

the burden, to the Records Management Branch (T-6 E6), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, or by Internet electronic mail to maj@nrc.gov; and 

to the Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, NEOB-10202 (3150-0011), 

Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503. 

Public Protection Notification 

If a means used to impose an information collection does not display a currently valid OMB 

control number, the NRC may not conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond 

to, the information collection. 

__________________ 

1 Contact Office of Information Services, Information Services and Records Division for the current expiration date.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E14-2 0730 

For final generic communications that are not urgent, use the following: 

This (generic letter, bulletin, etc.) contains information collections that are subject to the 

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.). These information collections were 

approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), approval number 3150-0011. 

The public reporting burden for this (voluntary/mandatory) information collection is estimated to 

average ______ hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 

existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 

reviewing the information collection. 

Public Protection Notification 

If a means used to impose an information collection does not display a currently valid OMB 

control number, the NRC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond 

to, the information collection. 

For emergency generic communications, use the following: 

This (generic letter, bulletin, etc.) contains information collections that are covered by the Office 

of Management and Budget clearance number 3150-0012, which expires . 2

The public reporting burden for this (voluntary/mandatory) information collection is estimated to 

average _____ hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 

existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 

reviewing the information collection. Send comments about this burden estimate or any other 

aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the 

Records Management Branch (T-6 E6), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 

20555-0001, or by Internet electronic mail to bjs1@nrc.gov; and to the Desk Officer, Office of 

Information and Regulatory Affairs, NEOB-10202 (3150-0012), Office of Management and 

Budget, Washington, DC 20503. 

Public Protection Notification 

If a means used to impose an information collection does not display a currently valid OMB 

control number, the NRC may not conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond 

to, the information collection.

__________________________ 

2 Contact Office of Information Services, Information Services and Records Division for the current expiration date.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E14-3 0730 

Each reference to a code or standard must contain the following information: 

1. The name of the organization, if it is other than the American National Standards 

Institute. 

2. The identification number of the code or standard 

3. The title of the code or standard 

4. The date of issue, if the date is not given as part of the identifying number 

5. An availability statement, if the code or standard is still in draft form, that is, available in 

the NRC Public Document Room for inspection and copying 

Examples: 

American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society, ANSI/ANS 3.1-

1978, "Selection and Training of Nuclear Power Plant Personnel," ANS, 

LaGrange Park, Illinois 

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE Standard 279-1971, 

"Criteria for Protection Systems for Nuclear Power Generating Stations," 

Piscataway, New Jersey 

For references to the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code of the American Society of Mechanical 

Engineers, include the section, division, subarticle, and addendum in which the 

subarticle appeared. 

Example: 

American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 1986 edition, 

Section III, Subsection NCA, "General Requirements for Division 1 and Division 2," 1988 

addenda, New York 

_____________________ 

1

 Copies of industry codes and standards used in a substantive manner in the NRC regulatory process are maintained at the 

NRC Library and are available there for reference by the public. Codes and standards are usually copyrighted and may be 

purchased from the originating organization or, if they are American National Standards, from the American National 

Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, 13th floor, New York, NY 10036.
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 15 

Referenced Codes and Standards 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E15-1 0730 

The Congressional Review Act (CRA), a provision of the Small Business Regulatory 

Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, requires Federal agencies to provide Congress with an 

opportunity to review agency rules. The definition of “rule” is broad enough that it is possible 

that a generic communication can be defined as a rule under CRA. Therefore, generic 

communications need to be reviewed to determine if they meet the requirement of a rule under 

CRA. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) performs this review and verifies that the 

appropriate CRA statement is included in generic communications. 

For generic communications that likely are not subject to CRA, the following statement is used: 

“This (RIS, IN, etc.) is not a rule as designated by the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 

801-886) and, therefore, is not subject to the Act. 

If the generic communication likely meets the definition of a rule, it would probably be a nonmajor rule. The following statement is used: 

“In accordance with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, NRC 

has determined that this action is not a major rule and has verified this determination with the 

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget.” 

Additionally, the following is performed: 

A summary description of the generic communication that is determined to be subject to CRA, 

including a statement that the generic communication is not a major rule under CRA, is sent to 

the Office of Administration, Rulemaking, Directives and Editing Branch (ADM/RDB). (Note: if 

OGC determines the rule is a major rule, the statement sent to ADM/RDB should state this). 

• If OGC determines the generic communication is a major rule under CRA, then it must have 

been received by Congress for 60 days before it can become effective. Therefore, any 

activities associated with following up on the communication need to account for this delay 

in implementation. 

• When a generic communication that is a rule or major rule under CRA is issued, copies of 

the generic communication are sent under separate cover to the Speaker of the House, the 

President of the Senate, and the General Accounting Office (GAO). The cover form that is 

used can be obtained at www.gao.gov/decisions/majrule/ submit.htm and is prepared for the 

signature of the Director, Office of Congressional Affairs.
Issue Date: 03/21/08 E15-2 0730 

The Congressional Review Act (CRA), a provision of the Small Business Regulatory 

Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, requires Federal agencies to provide Congress with an 

opportunity to review agency rules. The definition of “rule” is broad enough that it is possible 

that a generic communication can be defined as a rule under CRA. Therefore, generic 

communications need to be reviewed to determine if they meet the requirement of a rule under 

CRA. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) performs this review and verifies that the 

appropriate CRA statement is included in generic communications. 

For generic communications that likely are not subject to CRA, the following statement is used: 

“This (RIS, IN, etc.) is not a rule as designated by the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 

801-886) and, therefore, is not subject to the Act. 

If the generic communication likely meets the definition of a rule, it would probably be a nonmajor rule. The following statement is used: 

“In accordance with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, NRC 

has determined that this action is not a major rule and has verified this determination with the 

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget.” 

Additionally, the following is performed: 

A summary description of the generic communication that is determined to be subject to CRA, 

including a statement that the generic communication is not a major rule under CRA, is sent to 

the Office of Administration, Rulemaking, Directives and Editing Branch (ADM/RDB). (Note: if 

OGC determines the rule is a major rule, the statement sent to ADM/RDB should state this). 

• If OGC determines the generic communication is a major rule under CRA, then it must have 

been received by Congress for 60 days before it can become effective. Therefore, any 

activities associated with following up on the communication need to account for this delay 

in implementation. 

• When a generic communication that is a rule or major rule under CRA is issued, copies of 

the generic communication are sent under separate cover to the Speaker of the House, the 

President of the Senate, and the General Accounting Office (GAO). The cover form that is 

used can be obtained at www.gao.gov/decisions/majrule/ submit.htm and is prepared for the 

signature of the Director, Office of Congressional Affairs.
MANUAL CHAPTER 0730 – EXHIBIT 16 

Congressional Review Act Statements 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 E-16-1 0730 

The Congressional Review Act (CRA), a provision of the Small Business Regulatory 

Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, requires Federal agencies to provide Congress with an 

opportunity to review agency rules. The definition of “rule” is broad enough that it is possible 

that a generic communication can be defined as a rule under CRA. Therefore, generic 

communications need to be reviewed to determine if they meet the requirement of a rule under 

CRA. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) performs this review and verifies that the 

appropriate CRA statement is included in generic communications. 

For generic communications that likely are not subject to CRA, the following statement is used: 

“This (RIS, IN, etc.) is not a rule as designated by the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 

801-886) and, therefore, is not subject to the Act. 

If the generic communication likely meets the definition of a rule, it would probably be a nonmajor rule. The following statement is used: 

“In accordance with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, NRC 

has determined that this action is not a major rule and has verified this determination with the 

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget.” 

Additionally, the following is performed: 

A summary description of the generic communication that is determined to be subject to CRA, 

including a statement that the generic communication is not a major rule under CRA, is sent to 

the Office of Administration, Rulemaking, Directives and Editing Branch (ADM/RDB). (Note: if 

OGC determines the rule is a major rule, the statement sent to ADM/RDB should state this). 

• If OGC determines the generic communication is a major rule under CRA, then it must have 

been received by Congress for 60 days before it can become effective. Therefore, any 

activities associated with following up on the communication need to account for this delay 

in implementation. 

• When a generic communication that is a rule or major rule under CRA is issued, copies of 

the generic communication are sent under separate cover to the Speaker of the House, the 

President of the Senate, and the General Accounting Office (GAO). The cover form that is 

used can be obtained at www.gao.gov/decisions/majrule/ submit.htm and is prepared for the 

signature of the Director, Office of Congressional Affairs.
Revision History – IMC 0730 

Issue Date: 03/21/08 Att1-1 Commitment Tracking Number 

Issue Date Description of Change Training 

Needed 

Training Completion Date 

N/A 11/15/1999 Revised to reflect the current organization 

and includes minor editorial changes. 

NO N/A 

N/A 03/21/08 

CN 08-011 

Revised to include new generic communications products (Information Assessment Team Advisories and Security Advisories). Revised to add exhibits on generic communications development (Exhibits 10, 11, and 11A); to add exhibits on Information Assessment Team Advisories and Security Advisories; and to update preexisting exhibits. Revised to reflect the following changes associated with NRC Offices: * The addition of the Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs; * The addition of the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response; * The name change of the “Office of the Chief Information Officer” to its current name, “Office of Information Services.” 

YES 01/31/2008 

02/12/2008 03/06/2008