Guidance for 

Electronic 

Submissions 

to the NRC

May 30, 2023 

Revision 10 

Note: This document will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 2 

Table of Contents 

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................... 3

2. PARAMETERS FOR ELECTRONIC FILES SUBMITTED TO THE NRC ............................................ 3

2.1 FILE FORMATS ................................................................................................................................ 3

2.2 FILE NAMING CONVENTION .............................................................................................................. 5

2.3 FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS FOR EIE SUBMISSIONS ................................................................................. 6

2.4 SECURITY AND ACCESS SETTINGS ................................................................................................... 6

2.5 USE OF COLOR ............................................................................................................................... 6

2.6 HYPERLINKS (FILE LINKS) ................................................................................................................ 7

2.6.1 Required Disclaimers ............................................................................................................. 7

2.7 VIRUSES ......................................................................................................................................... 8

2.8 MACROS ......................................................................................................................................... 8

2.9 SEGMENTATION OF LARGE DOCUMENTS........................................................................................... 8

2.10 TRANSMITTAL LETTERS (NON-ADJUDICATORY) ................................................................................. 9

3. SUBMISSION METHODS .................................................................................................................. 10

3.1 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS THROUGH NRC’S EIE SYSTEM ............................................................. 10

3.1.1 Documents that may NOT be submitted via the EIE system ............................................... 11

3.1.2 Documents submitted under Oath and Affirmation .............................................................. 11

3.1.3 Electronic Submissions in Adjudicatory Proceedings .......................................................... 13

3.1.4 Criminal History Submissions .............................................................................................. 13

3.1.5 General Electronic Submissions .......................................................................................... 14

3.1.5.1 Fitness for Duty Submissions ................................................................................................... 14

3.1.6 Electronic Submissions for License Applications ................................................................. 14

3.1.7 Electronic Forms and Payments .......................................................................................... 14

3.2 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE AND OPTICAL STORAGE MEDIA (OSM) SUBMISSIONS ................................. 14

3.2.1 Optical Storage Media Submission Criteria ................................................................ 15

3.2.1.1 Adjudicatory Filings on OSM .................................................................................................... 15

3.2.1.2 General Submissions via OSM ................................................................................................. 15

3.2.1.3 Information that may not be submitted on OSM ....................................................................... 16

3.2.1.4 Documents submitted on OSM under Oath or Affirmation ....................................................... 16

3.2.2 How to Submit the OSM ....................................................................................................... 17

3.2.3 Files with Special Printing Requirements ............................................................................. 17

3.2.4 Packaging and Labeling ....................................................................................................... 18

3.2.5 Where to Submit the OSM in Adjudicatory Proceedings ..................................................... 18

3.2.6 Where to Submit OSM for General Submittals .................................................................... 19

3.3 E-MAIL .......................................................................................................................................... 19

3.3.1 What Can Be Submitted via E-mail ...................................................................................... 19

3.3.2 Where to Submit E-mail ....................................................................................................... 20

3.4 FACSIMILE SUBMITTALS ................................................................................................................. 20

3.4.1 What Can Be Submitted by Facsimile .................................................................................. 20

3.4.2 Where to Submit Facsimiles................................................................................................. 20

4. OTHER SUBMISSION CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................... 21

4.1 OTHER 10 C.F.R. PART 2 SUBMISSIONS ........................................................................................ 21

4.2 CLASSIFIED INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 21

4.3 SAFEGUARDS OR SENSITIVE INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 22

4.4 ACCESSIBILITY .............................................................................................................................. 23

4.5 COPYRIGHT INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 23

4.6 COPIES ......................................................................................................................................... 23

4.7 LIVING DOCUMENT UPDATES ......................................................................................................... 24

4.8 REJECTION OF SUBMISSIONS ......................................................................................................... 24

5. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 25

5.1 USER ASSISTANCE ........................................................................................................................ 25

5.2 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) AND PRIVACY ACT REQUESTS ........................................... 26

5.3 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................ 27

6. APPENDIX—NARA GUIDANCE ........................................................................................................ 27
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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1. INTRODUCTION 

This guidance is intended for licensees, applicants, external entities (including Federal, State, 

and local governments), vendors, participants in adjudicatory proceedings, and members of the 

public who submit documents to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). 

The NRC updates this guidance biennially to reflect changes in technology and agency 

experience. The latest update to this guidance was be published in Fiscal Year 2019 with minor 

revisions added in 2023. The NRC posts the latest version of this document on the NRC’s 

website at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html. This version of the guidance 

supersedes any previous versions of the guidance. 

1.1 Scope 

This guidance offers direction on how to submit documents electronically to the NRC. After a 

successful submission, the documents will be imported into the Agencywide Documents Access 

and Management System (ADAMS) and will be made publicly available at the Web Based 

ADAMS Public Library, which can be accessed through the NRC’s public website at 

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. Eventually, documents will be transferred to the 

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), in accordance with Title 36 of the Code 

of Federal Regulations (36 C.F.R.) § 1228.270, “Electronic Records.” 

Documents or other information submitted under oath or affirmation, or other documents where 

secure transfer is either required or appropriate, should be submitted using the Electronic 

Information Exchange (EIE) System or submitted on optical storage media (OSM). In 

adjudicatory proceedings, participants in the proceeding are required to use the EIE system, 

unless an exemption is granted by the presiding officer pursuant to 10 C.F.R. § 2.302(g)(2) or 

the filing falls within the scope of 2.302(g)(1), which permits the use of OSM under certain 

circumstances. 

While E-mail and facsimiles are not appropriate for most submissions to the NRC, they may be 

used for certain correspondence and communications with the NRC, such as: 

• Rulemaking petitions and comments 

• Communications from States, Tribes, and other Federal agencies 

• Requests for enforcement action under 10 C.F.R. § 2.206 

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and appeals 

2. PARAMETERS FOR ELECTRONIC FILES SUBMITTED TO THE NRC 

2.1 File Formats 

Electronic files submitted to the NRC must be in the portable document format (.pdf or PDF) or 

PDF/A format and should follow the guidelines below. The NRC accepts PDFs from electronic 

documents converted directly to PDF or scanned images of physical documents. 

 
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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 4 

Several popular PDF creation solutions, such as the “Create PDF” feature in Microsoft Office 

2013 or the “Save as PDF” feature in macOS, do not provide the level of customization that is 

available in Adobe Acrobat. Nevertheless, these features embed fonts by default and thus 

should meet the optimization guidelines in this guidance. 

For PDFs created using Adobe Acrobat, the NRC has established a custom optimization that 

balances between print and screen optimization. This custom optimization provides adequate 

retrieval response time for online viewing, while providing sufficient clarity and resolution for 

printing. The settings established for this custom optimization are listed below and should be 

used for PDFs created with Adobe Acrobat. The settings are specific to Adobe® Acrobat 11.0.X. 

For electronic documents converted directly to PDF, fonts should be embedded in the PDF to 

ensure compliance with NARA guidelines. 

If a submission created using one of the methods described above is rejected, please contact 

the Electronic Filing Help Desk at 1-866-672-7640 or MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov for assistance. 

Note: See Appendix—NARA Guidance, for links to NARA Guidance. 

Note: PDF/A (ISO 19005) is an acceptable file format provided it also meets the 

specifications contained in this guidance document. 

Note: If you are using an Adobe® Acrobat product we recommend that you check 

Adobe's website at http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates to get the latest 

updates prior to preparing documents for submission to the NRC.

Note: Additional guidance on PDF settings, as well as PDF generation, can be found on 

the NRC’s “Reference Materials for Electronic Submissions” Web page: 

http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html. This information is 

available in PDF document form to assist users in preparing PDFs in compliance 

with NRC guidelines. Additionally available are pre-configured PDF Adobe Distiller 

profiles for Adobe Acrobat versions 5–11. 

Required settings for PDFs generated from Native Applications using Adobe Acrobat*

*Adjudicatory documents will not be accepted in native format and must be converted to PDF 

with the exception of MS Excel spreadsheets. 

 

Criteria 

Optimized for Fast Web View 

Embedded Fonts 

Searchable Text 

Security Method = “No Security” 

File size ≤ 1,000 MB (except for single image or data file) 
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Required settings for PDFs generated from scanned images

2.2 File Naming Convention 

Unless otherwise instructed (e.g., by the presiding officer in an adjudicatory proceeding), files 

submitted to the NRC should be named using the following guidelines: 

• File names (not to be confused with Document Titles) have specific requirements based 

on the type of submission: 

o General submissions cannot exceed 239 characters, including spaces and the 

three-character file name extension; and 

o EIE Adjudicatory submissions cannot exceed 85 characters, including spaces 

and the three-character file name extension. 

• The first three characters of the file name should always be used to identify the correct 

sequential order of the submitted files (e.g., 001, 002, 003, etc.). 

• The filename should reflect, to the extent possible, the chapter or section number (based 

on the logical breakpoint used for segmentation of the document), and the title of the file 

or segment being submitted. 

• When segmenting a large file for a multi-part submission, each part must identify the part 

number and the total number of parts. For example, if the file was segmented into three 

parts, the name ending of the first part would be Part 1 of 3; the second, Part 2 of 3; and 

so on (see File Naming Example Table below). 

• The file name must retain the default three-character file extension associated with the 

format. 

Example: 001 Estimate of Long-Term Geochemical Behavior Section 1.pdf 

Example explanation: 001 belongs to the first document attached to the submission; 

therefore, the next document attached would begin with 002. Estimate of Long-Term 

Geochemical Behavior is the title of the document. Section 1 is Section 1 of the 

document; therefore, the next document attached would be Section 2. .pdf is the file 

extension of portable document format file. 

 

Criteria 

Optimized for Fast Web View 

Resolution ≥300 ppi 

Searchable Text by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) process 

(http://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1014/ML101440354.pdf, “PDF Document 

Submittal Checklist”) 

Lossless Compression 

Security Method = “No Security” 

File size ≤ 1,000MB (except for single image or data file) 
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FILE NAMING EXAMPLE TABLE 

Document Title File Name 

Multiple-Part (Bundle) File Document Examples 

Chapter 1, Estimate of Long-Term Geochemical Behavior 001 Chapter 1 Estimate of Long-Term 

Geochemical Behavior Part 1 of 3.pdf 

Chapter 2, Estimate of Long-Term Geochemical Behavior 002 Chapter 2 Estimate of Long-Term 

Geochemical Behavior Part 2 of 3.pdf 

Appendix A Estimate of Long-Term 

Geo-chemical Behavior 

003 Appendix A Estimate of Long-Term 

Geochemical Behavior Part 3 of 3.pdf 

Single File Document Examples

Attachment II, CAL-EBS-NU-000017 

Rev 003 Calculation, Radiolytic Specie 

Generation from Internal Waste 

Package Criticality 

001 Attachment 2 CAL-EBS-NU-000017 Rev 003 

Calculation Radiolytic Specie Generation from 

Internal Waste Package Criticality.pdf 

List and Schedule for Model Validation 

Reports related to Criticality 

001 List and Schedule for Model Validation 

Reports related to Criticality.pdf 

2.3 File Size Limitations for EIE Submissions 

Electronic submissions to the NRC, whether a single file or multiple files provided as one 

submission, cannot exceed 1,000 MB. When submitting files to the NRC, the use of 

compression techniques (zipped files, downsized files, etc.) is discouraged. Electronic 

submissions larger than 1,000 MB must be submitted on OSM or through multiple electronic 

submissions. See Section 3.2.1 for guidance on submissions on OSM. 

For specific information on adjudicatory submissions, please see Section 3.1.3. 

2.4 Security and Access Settings 

Submissions must not contain any security settings, password protections, or any other 

attributes that would preclude full NRC access to, and use of the files. The NRC’s internal 

security and archival processes will maintain the integrity of the materials that are submitted. 

2.5 Use of Color 

Color should be used only in limited circumstances where, for example, the use of color 

contributes to a reader’s understanding of the material being presented (e.g., maps, graphs, 

charts, and engineering documents), or does not appreciably increase a file’s size (e.g., 

company logos). Excessive or unnecessary use of color can significantly increase file 

size, which may result in files that exceed the 1,000 MB limit of the EIE system. 

 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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2.6 Hyperlinks (File Links) 

Links within a single electronic document or file is acceptable. When dealing with multiple files 

that contain links between each file, the files should be combined into a single file to ensure 

links remain operable upon submission to the NRC. Links between multiple documents or any 

other linking between electronic files are not allowed, as the links will become inoperable upon 

submission to the NRC. 

For adjudicatory documents (pleadings and exhibits), parties are discouraged from using 

hyperlinks because of concerns about the integrity of the hearing record. If an adjudicatory 

document does include hyperlinks nonetheless, parties must follow 10 CFR § 2.1013(c)(vi) and 

include an appropriate disclaimer (Section 2.6.1) to the effect that the hyperlinks are either 

inoperable or are not essential to using the filing and that any referenced material that is 

necessary to the completeness of the filing has been included as part of the submission, either 

in its entirety or as an attachment to the filing. 

 

For non-adjudicatory documents containing hyperlinks to other documents and/or Internet 

websites, the appropriate disclaimer (Section 2.6.1) should be included. 

2.6.1 Required Disclaimers 

For a submission in an adjudicatory proceeding, include the following in the body of the 

submission if the document contains hyperlinks to other documents or websites: 

This submission contains hyperlinks to other documents or to Internet websites. 

These hyperlinks are either inoperable or are not essential to the use of the filing. 

Any material referenced by hyperlinks to a document or to Internet websites that 

is necessary to the completeness of the filing has been included as part of the 

submission, either in its entirety in the filing or an attachment to the filing.

For a non-adjudicatory submission (including License applications that consists of more than 

one document (including License Applications*), include the following in the transmittal 

memorandum if one or more documents contain hyperlinks to other files or to Internet websites: 

This submission contains files, one or more of which contains hyperlinks to other 

files or to Internet websites. These hyperlinks are either inoperable or are not 

essential to the use of the filing. Any material referenced by hyperlinks to Internet 

websites that was essential for use of this filing has been submitted as part of 

the filing. Any material referenced by a hyperlink to another file that was 

essential for the use of this filing has either been included by reference or 

submitted as part of this filing. 

 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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For a non-adjudicatory submission (including License applications*) that consists of a single

document, include the following in the body of the submission if the document contains 

hyperlinks to other documents or to Internet websites: 

This file contains hyperlinks to other files or to Internet websites. These 

hyperlinks are either inoperable or are not essential to the use of the filing. Any 

material referenced by hyperlinks to Internet websites that was essential for 

use of this filing has been submitted as part of the filing. Any material 

referenced by a hyperlink to another file that was essential for the use of this 

filing has either been included by reference or submitted as part of this filing. 

2.7 Viruses 

Files received by the NRC will be checked for viruses before acceptance. Any submission 

marked as having a virus will be rejected and returned to the submitter with an explanation for 

the rejection. 

2.8 Macros 

Macros in Microsoft® Excel documents are sometimes detected as viruses. Although macros 

are accepted, they should be limited. 

2.9 Segmentation of Large Documents 

Segment large documents at logical breakpoints, such as: 

• Chapters 

• Sections 

• Subsections 

• Appendices 

• Exhibits or attachments 

• Charts, tables, or formulas 

• For large transcripts, the end of a witness’s testimony or session recess 

Note: License Applications only 

 Disclaimers for hyperlinks contained within a License Application submission 

must also provide the exact location of the linked file along with all applicable 

information, such as the revision, chapter, and version number. 

 See the “Packing Slip Wizard User’s Guide”, which can be found on the NRC’s 

Electronic Submittals Application Web page (http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/esubmittals.html) for more information. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Consideration should be given to placing graphics within a document as an appendix or 

attachment. If a graphic or binary large object (BLOB) cannot logically be divided to meet 

submission file size limitations, then it must be submitted on OSM. 

When submitting OSM, use folders to organize the contents at the chapter level, consistent with 

the file name guidance. The numeric portion of the file name should be sequential across all 

folders. Other guidance includes: 

• Each chapter should have its own folder, which should then contain all files associated 

with that chapter including sections, subsections, and graphics (either embedded within 

those sections or subsections or provided separately). 

• The sections and subsections should be placed in logical sequential order within a 

folder. 

• Separate folders may be created for appendices, exhibits, or attachments. Each item 

should comply with the file name guidance in Section 2.2 and, if possible, have a file 

name that reflects the folder where it resides. 

2.10 Transmittal Letters (Non-Adjudicatory) 

For non-adjudicatory submissions, each submission of two or more files (regardless of size) 

should include a transmittal letter that provides explanatory information that will enable the NRC 

to ensure the completeness and integrity of the submission. 

The first page of the transmittal letter must include: 

• Organization or individual name and the address of the author.

• Docket number (if applicable). 

• Subject line (a non-sensitive, brief, descriptive narrative of the subject of the 

submission). 

• Any requests for withholding from public disclosure in accordance with applicable NRC 

regulations. 

The last page of the transmittal letter must include: 

• The name, mailing and E-mail addresses, and phone number of a point of contact. 

• A complete list of the submission’s components (electronic files and physical objects), 

listed in the order in which they are submitted including: 

o Filename (including file extension) 

o Size of the file 

o Sensitivity level (e.g., publicly available, proprietary, classified, etc.) 

o An indication of whether the component is being submitted electronically, on 

OSM, or by both 

o A file that provides a non-sensitive description of all electronic components 

characterized as binary large objects (BLOBs) or other physical objects 

o Any special instructions or information necessary to view or use the information, 

such as using the OSM*, computer operating system, or software requirements 

for data files, computer models, etc. 

* If OSM is used, the component listing should include the total number of OSM 

submitted. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 10 

• A detailed statement describing any deviation among the submitted files from approved 

formatting. 

• A disclaimer statement for any files that may have links to other files or to Internet 

websites. 

3. SUBMISSION METHODS 

The following are acceptable methods for submitting documents to the NRC: 

• EIE system (see Section 3.1)

• External Hard Drives and OSM (e.g., CD, DVD, etc.) (see Section 3.2) 

• E-mail (see Section 3.3) 

• Facsimile (see Section 3.4) 

Note: Under NRC regulations, submission methods other than the EIE system or OSM 

(as specified in 10 C.F.R. § 2.302(g)(1)) are not permitted in adjudicatory 

proceedings unless an exemption is granted by the presiding officer. 

3.1 Electronic Submissions through NRC’s EIE System 

The NRC’s EIE system (accessible at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html) was 

created to allow NRC stakeholders and participants in adjudicatory proceedings to securely 

submit and electronically sign electronic data and documents to the agency. The EIE system is 

the software application behind the Internet forms used to submit information for adjudicatory 

hearings, the criminal history program, and the general form submission program (which 

includes fitness for duty submissions). 

The EIE system receives submitted documents and forwards them to the NRC’s Document 

Processing Center (DPC) for processing. The EIE system uses a public key infrastructure and 

digital signature technology to authenticate submissions. 

Submissions that are required to be submitted under oath or affirmation (see Section 3.1.2) may 

be transmitted using the EIE system. 

Each individual who wishes to use the EIE system must obtain a digital ID certificate from the 

NRC. The digital ID certificate allows the submitter to digitally sign and submit the form used to 

transmit documents and, in the case of adjudicatory submissions, to retrieve documents. For 

additional guidance, see the NRC’s “Getting Started” page: (http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/esubmittals/getting-started.html). 

More information on the types of submissions that can be made through the EIE system can be 

found in the sections listed below: 

• Adjudicatory submissions (see Section 3.1.3) 

• Criminal history (see Section 3.1.4) 

• General submissions (see Section 3.1.5) 
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• Fitness for Duty submissions (see Section 3.1.5.1) 

For additional information, please see the descriptions provided within the Electronic 

Submission Systems section of the Electronic Submittals Application Web page: 

(http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html). 

3.1.1 Documents that may NOT be submitted via the EIE system 

The EIE system may NOT be used for the following types of submissions: 

• Documents containing classified information (i.e., national security information and 

restricted data) or safeguards information, which may only be submitted electronically on 

OSM. 

• “Immediate” or “prompt” notifications required by NRC regulations (e.g., 10 C.F.R. 

§§ 30.50(c)(1), 30.55(c), 50.36(c)(7), or 50.72). 

• Notice of filing of bankruptcy petition, whether voluntary or involuntary (e.g., 10 C.F.R. 

§ 30.34(h)(1)). 

• Documents served on the NRC as a participant in Federal court proceedings or in nonNRC administrative proceedings (such as administrative proceedings before the Merit 

Systems Protection Board). 

• NRC contractor proposals or invoices submitted in response to specific contractual 

requirements. Given statutory and Federal Acquisition Regulation requirements to use 

electronic commerce in Federal procurements whenever practicable or cost-effective (41 

U.S.C. § 2301; 48 C.F.R. (FAR) Subpart 4.5), guidance for electronic submittal of 

proposals and invoices will be addressed in individual procurements or through 

standardized NRC contract clauses. Further agency guidance for uniform submission of 

these documents will be issued at a later date. 

• Financial assurance instruments to meet decommissioning cost requirements prescribed 

by regulation at 10 C.F.R. § 30.35(e) and (f), 10 C.F.R. § 40.36(d) and (e), and 10 

C.F.R. § 70.25(e) and (f) (including surety bonds, letters of credit, lines of credit, and 

insurance). 

• Documents with special printing requirements, which may only be submitted 

electronically on OSM. 

3.1.2 Documents submitted under Oath and Affirmation 

Some documents filed with the NRC must be submitted under oath and affirmation. Many of these 

documents may be submitted through the EIE system, as discussed below. 

• If the submitter is located in the United States, then to satisfy the provisions of 28 U.S.C. 

§ 1746, they may submit through the EIE system: 

o A single document under oath or affirmation by including in the body of the document 

(normally at the end), the statement: 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 12 

“I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. 

Executed on (date) (Signature).” 

When the document is ready to be submitted through the EIE system, the person 

submitting the document must digitally sign the document by clicking on the 

Signed by button and then transmit the document through the EIE system by 

clicking on the Submit Document button. 

o For multiple documents requiring individual digital signatures by different persons 

one of the following methods may be used: 

 Each document may be submitted separately using the process described above 

for individual documents; 

 Each document may be electronically signed and provided in a single submission 

provided the electronic signing process has been approved by the NRC; or 

 Each document may be created in hard copy and physically signed in ink.. The 

original paper copies may then be scanned to create searchable image files of 

the original signature pages (for additional guidance on creating a searchable 

image file, see the “Reference Materials for Electronic Submissions” Web page: 

http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html). These documents may 

then be submitted using the EIE system. 

o Affidavits filed in adjudicatory proceedings may also be signed with the statement: 

 “Executed in Accord with 10 § C.F.R. § 2.304(d).” 

Affidavits can be submitted as single documents or batched with multiple documents 

according to the above guidance. 

Note: For a single document submission, when clicking the “Sign” button on the EIE 

system submission form, the submitter is actually digitally signing the document. 

In this case, signing the submission form meets the current requirements for 

submission. 

 For a multiple document submission, when clicking the “Sign” button on the EIE 

system submission form, the submitter is digitally signing the transmission only, 

so all documents should be signed before submission. This likewise satisfies 

requirements for submission.

• If the submitter is located outside the United States, then to satisfy the provisions of 28 

U.S.C. § 1746 a single document that must be submitted under oath or affirmation may 

be submitted through the EIE system by including the statement. 

 “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of 

America that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date) 

(Signature).” 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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3.1.3 Electronic Submissions in Adjudicatory Proceedings 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations require participants in adjudicatory 

proceedings to use the EIE system, or OSM in certain circumstances, to transmit submissions in 

the agency’s hearings, consistent with the requirements and specifications set forth in 10 C.F.R. 

Part 2. Persons wishing to submit adjudicatory documents using other methods (e.g., paper) 

must obtain an exemption pursuant to 10 C.F.R. § 2.302(g). 

The NRC’s regulations in 10 C.F.R. Part 2 provide specific requirements governing the 

submission of documents through the EIE system. For example, under 10 C.F.R. § 2.304(g), 

each exhibit or piece of written testimony must be submitted as an individual electronic file. 

Participants in the NRC’s adjudicatory proceedings are, among other things, expected to review 

and comply with the E-Filing requirements in 10 C.F.R. Part 2. 

See Section 2 for guidance on the parameters for electronic files submitted to the NRC. 

Note: Most documents submitted in adjudicatory proceedings will appear in the NRC's 

Electronic Hearing Docket (https://adams.nrc.gov/ehd/), which is available to the 

public. Therefore, hearing participants should not include personal privacy 

information, such as social security numbers, private telephone numbers, or 

home addresses, in their filings unless such information is required by agency 

regulations (see, for example, 10 C.F.R. § 2.309(d)(1)(i)) or other legal 

requirements. 

 Further, several types of documents are (1) required to be withheld from public 

disclosure or (2) may contain information that is exempt from disclosure and thus 

the documents may be withheld in whole or in part under the procedures in 10 

C.F.R. § 2.390. 

 As discussed in Section 4.2 and 4.3, classified and SGI information may not be 

submitted using the EIE. 

3.1.4 Criminal History Submissions 

The Criminal History form is used to transmit licensee personnel information to conduct criminal 

history record checks to obtain unescorted access to nuclear power facilities, non-power reactor 

facilities, category 1 or category 2 quantities of radioactive material, or access to SGI. It is used 

for transmitting Criminal History applications to the NRC. This process supports enhanced 

security requirements and improves information flow between licensees subject to criminal 

background check requirements under 10 C.F.R. Part 37, “Physical Protection of Category 1 

and Category 2 Quantities of Radioactive Material,” or 10 C.F.R. Part 73, “Physical Protection of 

Plants and Materials,” and the NRC. 

Note: Refer to the “Criminal History User’s Guide”, which can be found on the NRC’s 

Electronic Submittals Application Web page: 

http://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1518/ML15182A294.pdf. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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3.1.5 General Electronic Submissions 

The general submission form is used for transmitting reports or other electronic filings to the 

NRC. 

Note: Submissions intended for a specific Region should have the Region listed in the 

“Comment” field contained on the General submission form. 

See Section 2 for guidance on the parameters for electronic files submitted to the NRC. 

3.1.5.1 Fitness for Duty Submissions 

Licensees who wish to use electronic submissions to satisfy 10 C.F.R. Part 26, “Fitness for Duty 

Programs” reporting requirements should use the general submissions form found at: 

http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html. 

Note: Before submitting Fitness for Duty (FFD) reports, please read the FFD reporting 

information at: http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/fitness-forduty-programs/submit-ffd-reports.html. 

3.1.6 Electronic Submissions for License Applications 

The process of submitting license applications including Combined Operating License 

Applications (COLAs), Design Control Documents (DCDs), and Early Site Permits (ESPs), was 

streamlined by implementing the Packing Slip Wizard tool. To use this tool, the Applicant 

should closely coordinate their actions with their internal NRC Project Manager or Point of 

Contact. 

Note: Refer to the “Packing Slip Wizard User’s Guide”, which can be found on the NRC’s 

Electronic Submittals Application Web page http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/esubmittals/packing-slip-wizard-user-guide-v1.1.pdf. 

3.1.7 Electronic Forms and Payments 

Payments required by NRC regulations can be submitted electronically. To obtain the 

authorization to do so, please complete NRC Form 629, Authorization for Payment by Credit 

Card. This form can be found at: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/forms/.

Payments by credit card of civil penalties, Part 170 licensing and inspection fees, Part 171 

annual fees, and other fees, may be done after completing NRC Form 629 (Authorization for 

Payment by Credit Card) included with the invoice or civil penalty. 

3.2 External Hard Drive and Optical Storage Media (OSM) Submissions 

There are a number of external hard drives and OSM to choose from, including tapes, compact 

discs read-only memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Discs or Digital Video Discs (DVD), or 

external hard drives. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 15 

It is recommended that large documents made up of multiple files, folders, etc., be transmitted 

on OSM. Oversize drawings and other files with special printing requirements, regardless of the 

file size, should be provided on OSM. 

Software used to produce the OSM should be configured to ensure that OSM submitted to the 

NRC is “read only” before its delivery to the NRC. This requirement does not apply to external 

hard drives submitted to the NRC. 

Note: There are a number of external hard drives and OSM* to choose from. The NRC 

will accept compact discs read-only memory (CD-ROM), or Digital Versatile Discs 

or Digital Video Discs (DVD). 

 The NRC will also accept external hard drives* as long as they are USB 2.0-

compatible. 

*External hard drives and OSM should NOT be encrypted or submitted with any 

sort of security protection. If they are, the submitter must provide the password or 

encryption key to the NRC or it will be rejected. 

3.2.1 Optical Storage Media Submission Criteria 

3.2.1.1 Adjudicatory Filings on OSM 

When an adjudicatory filing contains information or files that cannot be transmitted through the 

EIE system, the filing must be submitted in accordance with the requirements in 10 C.F.R. 

§ 2.302(g)(1). Under this section, any files that can be submitted through the system must be 

sent using EIE. Then, separately, the participant must submit OSM containing the entire filing, 

i.e., the material submitted via the EIE system, and any additional material that could not be 

filed electronically. Service of the filing will be considered complete only after both the 

transmission of documents using the EIE system and the OSM is deposited with the 

delivery service provider. See 10 C.F.R. § 2.302. 

OSM should be used for adjudicatory filings in the following circumstances: 

• The documentary material cannot be transmitted via the EIE system (e.g., due to file 

size or the complexity of the document). 

• A document segment cannot be submitted via the EIE system although the remaining 

document portions can be transmitted electronically. 

• The document contains safeguards information or classified information (i.e., national 

security information or restricted data). 

3.2.1.2 General Submissions via OSM 

General submission documents may be submitted on OSM except as noted in Section 3.2.1.3. 

There are also documents that should only be submitted using OSM, such as documents that 

contain special printing requirements. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 16 

Documents containing classified information (i.e., national security information and restricted 

data) and safeguards information may only be submitted electronically on OSM.

3.2.1.3 Information that may not be submitted on OSM 

The following type of information may not be submitted to the NRC on OSM: 

• “Immediate” or “prompt” notifications required by NRC regulations (e.g., 10 C.F.R. 

§ 30.50(c)(1), § 30.55(c), § 50.36(c)(7), or § 50.72). 

• Notice of filing of bankruptcy petition, whether voluntary or involuntary (e.g., 10 C.F.R. 

§ 30.34(h)(1)). 

• NRC contractor proposals or invoices submitted in response to specific contractual 

requirements. Given statutory and Federal Acquisition Regulation requirements to use 

electronic commerce in Federal procurement whenever practicable or cost-effective (41 

U.S.C. § 2301; 48 C.F.R. (FAR) Subpart 4.5), guidance for electronic submittal of 

proposals and invoices will be addressed in individual procurements or through a 

standardized NRC contract clauses. Further agency guidance for uniform submission of 

these documents will be issued at a later date. 

• Financial assurance instruments to meet decommissioning cost requirements and 

prescribed by regulation at 10 C.F.R. §§ 30.35(e) and (f), 10 C.F.R. §§ 40.36(d) and (e), 

and 10 C.F.R. §§ 70.25(e) and (f) (including surety bonds, letters of credit, lines of credit, 

and insurance). 

3.2.1.4 Documents submitted on OSM under Oath or Affirmation 

If executed within the United States, the OSM submitter’s signed original paper transmittal 

letter should, to satisfy the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 1746, contain the oath and the signature of 

the person swearing to or affirming the accuracy of the information submitted. Specifically, the 

letter should include the following statement: 

“I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. 

Executed on (date) (Signature).” 

If executed outside of the United States, the OSM submitter’s signed original paper transmittal 

letter should contain the oath and the signature of the person swearing to or affirming the 

accuracy of the information submitted. Specifically, the letter should include the following 

statement: 

 

“I declare under penalty of perjury under the law of the United States of 

America that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date) 

(Signature).” 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 17 

3.2.2 How to Submit the OSM 

OSM submitted to the NRC should be accompanied by a signed paper transmittal letter that 

provides a detailed list of what is contained on the OSM. It is recommended that the letter and 

OSM be sent to the NRC by expedited delivery service. Given the importance of submission 

and document integrity and fidelity, expedited delivery of the OSM is strongly encouraged to 

ensure coordinated processing if any companion documents are transmitted through the EIE 

system. 

For adjudicatory submissions, service of the submission is considered “complete” when the 

participant has complied with the requirements in 10 C.F.R. § 2.302(d)—for documents 

submitted by mail or expedited delivery service, service is complete when the document 

is deposited with the delivery service provider. When a participant uses multiple 

submission methods, service is considered complete when service by each method is 

complete. See 10 C.F.R. § 2.302(d). 

For non-adjudicatory submissions, the submission is considered complete when the 

entire package is received by the NRC mail room. 

Note: Incoming mail addressed to the Federal government may be irradiated before 

delivery. Irradiation of OSM may result in damage to the media and its contents. 

Therefore, packages containing OSM submission should be clearly marked 

“CONTENTS CONTAIN OPTICAL STORAGE MEDIA—DO NOT IRRADIATE!”

Note: Due to security measures, any mailed submissions will be delayed by at least one 

week. 

For electronic submissions on OSM that contain classified information (i.e., national security 

information and restricted data), Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI), 

safeguards information, or non-public documents, additional requirements apply as described in 

Sections 4.2 (Classified Information) and 4.3 (Safeguards or Sensitive Information). 

3.2.3 Files with Special Printing Requirements 

The following should only be submitted on OSM as separate files: 

• Documents that contain electronic files with special printing requirements (e.g., oversize 

drawings or graphics that require a paper size larger than 11 inches by 17 inches, etc.). 

• Documents that require using a plotter or other special equipment to print. 

• Documents that contain other enhancements (e.g., 3D images, etc.). 

If special software components (e.g., printer drivers) are necessary, include those components, 

their configuration parameters, and any hardware configuration requirements on the same 

OSM. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 18 

3.2.4 Packaging and Labeling 

The OSM should be labeled with the transfer media configuration (e.g., drive transfer rate) as 

well as any numbering, exterior marking, or labeling used to reference the submission as it is 

provided through the EIE system. If appropriate, the document’s version number should also be 

included. 

The mailing package containing the OSM with documents comprising proprietary, personal 

privacy, or Official Use Only information should be an opaque envelope with no external 

markings describing the presence of SUNSI, in accordance with the recommendations for 

handling documents set forth in Attachment 1 of the NRC’s RIS-2005-31, “Control of SecurityRelated Sensitive Unclassified Non-safeguards Information Handled by Individuals, Firms, and 

Entities Subject to NRC Regulation of the Use of Source, Byproduct, and Special Nuclear 

Material”: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/regissues/2005/ri200531.pdf. 

Packages containing safeguards information must comply with the requirements of 

10 C.F.R. § 73.22(e), (g), and (h), as appropriate. 

OSM containing classified information (i.e., national security information or restricted data) must 

be packaged and submitted to the NRC in accordance with the requirements contained in 

10 C.F.R. §§ 95.37, 95.39, and 95.41. 

3.2.5 Where to Submit the OSM in Adjudicatory Proceedings 

In accordance with 10 C.F.R. § 2.302, use either of the following two addresses for delivering 

OSM (along with the signed paper copy transmittal letter) to the NRC via: 

First Class Mail Courier, express mail, and 

expedited delivery services 

Office of the Secretary 

U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

Washington, DC 20555-0001 

Attention: Rulemakings and Adjudications 

Staff 

Office of the Secretary, Sixteenth Floor 

One White Flint North 

11555 Rockville Pike 

Rockville, MD 20852-2738 

Attention: Rulemakings and Adjudications 

Staff 

Participants making OSM filings should also serve copies of the OSM on the other Service List 

parties in accordance with any protective order or other directions from the presiding officer 

governing the submission. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 19 

3.2.6 Where to Submit OSM for General Submittals 

Use the following address for delivering OSM (along with the signed paper copy transmittal 

letter) to the NRC by courier, express mail, and expedited delivery services: 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

Attention: Document Control Desk 

11545 Rockville Pike 

One White Flint North 

Rockville, MD 20852-2746 

3.3 E-mail 

Files sent by E-mail should be sent as an attachment to the E-mail message to retain the 

original formatting of the documents. Multiple document E-mail attachments are acceptable but 

the E-mail cannot exceed 10MB. For non-adjudicatory E-mail submissions, the message 

should include: 

• Name of a contact person who can respond to questions about the submission. 

• Contact person’s daytime phone number, physical mailing address, and E-mail address. 

• A list describing each document attached to the E-mail message. 

• A list describing the formats used to generate each of the attached file. 

3.3.1 What Can Be Submitted via E-mail 

Documents submitted by E-mail, including the text of the E-mail, should contain only information 

that could be made available to the public. E-mail submissions should not include personal 

privacy information, such as social security numbers, home addresses, or home or personal 

mobile phone number(s), unless an NRC regulation or other law requires submission of such 

information. The following types of submittals may be made by E-mail: 

• Rulemaking petitions and comments in rulemaking proceedings, which will be made 

publicly available at https://regulations.gov as well as Public ADAMS, as stated in the 

“Privacy Considerations” section of the EIE Adjudicatory Submissions Web page: 

http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/adjudicatory-sub.html. 

Note: NRC does not remove identifying or contact information from rulemaking 

documents before public release. 

• Requests for enforcement action under 10 C.F.R. § 2.206 may be sent to: 

Petition.Resource@nrc.gov. 

• All FOIA and Privacy Act requests and appeals may be submitted electronically by Email. 

• Responses to Federal Register notices or other agency communications where the NRC 

has provided a specific E-mail address. 

• Information from export and import license applicants and licensees. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 20 

3.3.2 Where to Submit E-mail 

E-mail may be addressed to: 

• Specific individuals named as contacts or to the office specified in the regulation or 

communication specific to the documents being submitted. 

• E-mail addresses listed on the NRC’s website (http://www.nrc.gov/) within the Contact 

Us link (located at the top of the screen). 

• The Office of Public Affairs: opa.resource@nrc.gov. 

• The Office of the Secretary of the Commission 

o For rulemaking comments: RulemakingComments.Resource@nrc.gov. 

o For adjudicatory (hearing) matters: hearingdocket@nrc.gov

• The Office of the Executive Director for Operations for petitions under 10 C.F.R. § 2.206: 

Petition.Resource@nrc.gov. 

3.4 Facsimile Submittals 

Facsimiles should include the name of a contact person who can respond to questions about 

the submission, along with the contact person’s daytime phone number and physical mailing 

address or E-mail address. 

3.4.1 What Can Be Submitted by Facsimile 

Documents submitted by facsimile should contain only information that could be made available 

to the public and may be used for: 

• Rulemaking petitions and comments in rulemaking proceedings. 

• Requests for enforcement action under 10 § C.F.R. 2.206. 

• FOIA and Privacy Act requests and appeals (requests submitted by facsimile may not 

reveal personal privacy information). 

• Responses to Federal Register notices or other agency communications where NRC 

has provided for response by facsimile. 

• Information from export or import license applicants and licensees. 

3.4.2 Where to Submit Facsimiles 

The NRC has established centralized receipt points for official submissions transmitted by 

facsimile to NRC headquarters and each of the regional offices. All official transmissions should 

be sent to one of these official receipt points to ensure they are captured as official records of 

the agency. 

 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 21 

FACSIMILE LOCATIONS AND USER ASSISTANCE 

LOCATION: FAX NUMBER: USER ASSISTANCE and 

VERIFICATION 

Headquarters 

(24-Hour Operation) 301-415-7010 301-415-7000 

Office of International Programs 301-415-2395 301-287-9056 

Office of the Secretary 301-415-1101 301-415-1977 

Freedom of Information Act and 

Privacy Act Officer

301-415-5130 301-415-7169 

Region 1 610-337-6941 800-432-1156 

Region 2 404-997-4900 800-577-8510 

Region 3 630-515-1078 800-522-3025 

Region 4 817-200-1210 800-952-9677 

4. OTHER SUBMISSION CONSIDERATIONS 

4.1 Other 10 C.F.R. Part 2 Submissions 

Rulemaking comments filed in rulemaking proceedings may be submitted by e-mail, delivery 

service, or in person, but NOT through the EIE system. 

Requests for enforcement action under 10 C.F.R. § 2.206 may be submitted by e-mail, FAX, 

EIE system (as a General Submission or OSM), delivery service, or in person. 

4.2 Classified Information 

Documents containing classified information may not be submitted via the EIE process; OSM is 

the only acceptable means for the electronic submission of classified information. 

 

OSM containing classified information must be processed and produced on systems approved 

under the provisions of 10 C.F.R. § 95.49, “Security of Automatic Data Processing Systems.” 

Each OSM must be clearly labeled as containing classified information. OSM containing 

classified information (i.e., national security information or restricted data) shall be packaged 

and submitted to the NRC in accordance with the requirements contained in 10 C.F.R. § 95.37, 

“Classification and Preparation of Documents”; § 95.39, “External Transmission of Documents 

and Material”; and § 95.41, “External Receipt and Dispatch Records.” 

Note: If OSM contains both classified and unclassified information, two separate OSM 

submissions must be filed. One OSM filing should include both the unclassified 

and classified/Safeguards Information (SGI). The second OSM filing should 

include only the unclassified or publicly available information (the information in 

this filing may be made publicly available in ADAMS). 

 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 22 

Classified documents submitted as part of an adjudicatory proceeding must be processed and 

submitted in accordance with the procedures in 10 C.F.R. Part 2, Subpart I, “Special 

Procedures Applicable to Adjudicatory Proceedings Involving Restricted Data and/or National 

Security Information.” 

4.3 Safeguards or Sensitive Information 

Documents containing safeguards information may not be submitted via the EIE process. 

Documents with Safeguards Information (SGI) may be transmitted on OSM. The mailing 

package containing OSM with documents containing safeguards information must be 

processed, marked and transmitted in accordance with the requirements set forth in 10 C.F.R. § 

73.22(e), (g), (h), and (f), as appropriate. 

If a document contains information that is deemed SUNSI, it may be electronically submitted 

through the EIE process or on OSM. Transmittal documents used to transmit one or more 

documents containing SUNSI must be marked to show SUNSI is contained in the documents 

being transmitted. A header marking must be placed on each page of the transmittal document 

showing the type of SUNSI (i.e., “Security-Related Information—Withhold under 10 C.F.R. § 

2.390,” or “Proprietary Information—Withhold under 10 C.F.R. § 2.390.”) Note that the NRC’s 

internal procedure for these documents is to mark them as “Official Use Only—Security-Related 

Information,” or “Official Use Only—Proprietary Information.” Additionally, if the transmittal 

document does not contain SUNSI and only the enclosures contain SUNSI, the following 

marking must be placed at the bottom of the first page: “Enclosure(s) transmitted herewith 

contain(s) SUNSI. When separated from enclosure(s), this transmittal document is 

decontrolled.” Other Federal agencies submitting documents should follow the above guidance 

regarding transmittal documents; however, they should use their markings for designating 

sensitive information. 

If it is not practical to submit a large document containing SUNSI through the EIE system, 

submit the document on OSM. Submissions made on OSM should be accompanied by a 

transmittal letter that contains information regarding the sensitivity level of the transmitted 

documents. The transmittal letter should not have a SUNSI header unless SUNSI is contained 

in it. 

When submitting documents on OSM that contain both publicly and non-publicly available files, 

two copies of the OSM should be provided. One copy should contain both the non-public and 

public files. The second copy, provided on separate OSM, should contain only the publicly 

available files. Each OSM should be clearly labeled showing the information it contains 

(“Publicly Available,” SGI, or SUNSI). Files contained on OSM labeled as “Publicly Available” 

will be released to the public. 

For more information on the procedures for marking and control of SUNSI, the following 

documents are available on the NRC public website: 

• http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/reg-issues/2005/: 

o NRC Regulatory Issue Summary 2005-26, “Control of Sensitive Unclassified NonSafeguards Information Related to Nuclear Power Reactors,” dated 

November 7, 2005; 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

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Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 23 

o NRC Regulatory Issue Summary 2005-31, “Control of Security-Related Sensitive 

Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information Handled by Individuals, Firms, and Entities 

subject to NRC Regulation of the Use of Source, Byproduct and Special Nuclear 

Material,” dated December 22, 2005;and 

• http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/reg-issues/2007/: 

o NRC Regulatory Issue Summary 2007-04, “Personally Identifiable Information 

Submitted to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” dated March 9, 2007. 

In addition to the above guidance, other Government agencies may designate, mark, and 

control information according to their own procedures. Such information, if not safeguards 

information or classified information, will be handled by the NRC as SUNSI or per 10 C.F.R. 

Part 1017, when submitted to the NRC without requiring additional markings. 

4.4 Accessibility 

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the accessibility standards in the implementing 

regulations require Federal agencies to provide people with disabilities meaningful and equal 

access to electronic and information technology. In support these standards, the NRC strives to 

implement tools and plug-ins in its electronic and information technology systems. Authors of 

documents submitted to the NRC should consider accessibility issues during document 

authoring. To improve the NRC’s ability to make electronic submissions comply with Section 

508, authors should use simple layouts, consistent styles, accessible table formats, alternate 

text for images, and English (U.S.) language selection. For more information, please go to 

https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it. The NRC will 

not reject electronic submissions based on Section 508. 

4.5 Copyright Information 

Submitting information to the NRC constitutes authority for the NRC to reproduce and distribute 

sufficient copies internally to carry out its official responsibilities. NRC use of the information 

specified herein does not constitute authority for others to use the information outside the 

applicable requirements of copyright law. 

Submitters are expected to identify, as part of the submission process, copyright information. 

Copyrighted information will not be placed on the NRC public access database without a 

release from the copyright holder or a statement by the submitter that the information may be 

publicly released under applicable requirements of copyright law. Even with a copyright release, 

the NRC reserves the right to withhold information from public disclosure based on content if it 

presents a security or safety risk, or until it can verify a submitter’s statement that such 

information may be publicly released.

4.6 Copies 

Paper copies of documents do not need to be provided when the documents are submitted 

electronically. When the NRC requires a paper copy for accessibility or other reasons, the NRC 

will make every effort to produce the copy using the electronic version of the document. 

 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 24 

However, in those instances where the agency is unable to generate an accurate paper copy 

from the electronic submission, the NRC may request a paper copy from the submitter. This will 

be handled on a case-by-case basis. 

Many NRC regulations require submission of copies of documents to multiple NRC locations 

(e.g., headquarters, regional offices). Electronic submission through the EIE system does NOT

require submission to multiple locations. However, OSM submissions require that the licensee 

or vendor submit a single copy to each location that requires the information, as specified by 

your NRC Point of Contact. 

4.7 Living Document Updates 

Historically, many large documents submitted to the NRC have been maintained as living 

documents and have used a page-replacement approach when updated, such as an Updated 

Final Safety Analysis Report (UFSAR), or Technical Specifications. Paper submissions can still 

use this approach for providing updates to living documents. 

However, revised sections of a document will not be accepted when the document is only 

submitted electronically. If changes to the submitted document are necessary: 

• The submission (including all of the electronic files and electronic objects that comprise 

the submission) may be re-submitted through the EIE system if the total file size does 

not exceed the 500MB limit; otherwise, the submission should be re-submitted on OSM. 

• The transmittal letter accompanying the submission should describe the revised parts 

(e.g., chapter, section, or graphic) as well as the general scope of the change. 

• The document should be identified as a new version with conforming file identification 

information. 

• Each changed page should include the following: 

o A change indicator (track changes) for the area changed (for example, a bold line 

vertically drawn in the margin adjacent to the portion actually changed). 

o A page change identification including either: (1) the date of change, (2) a change 

number, or (3) both. 

4.8 Rejection of Submissions 

Per the guidance provided within Section 2—Parameters for Electronic Files Submitted to the 

NRC—when electronically submitting documents to the NRC via any method, failure to follow 

the guidance outlined in this document may result in rejection of the submission. Rejected 

submissions must be resubmitted to the NRC. 

The following issues may result in rejection: 

• Inconsistencies between the description of the submitted files or physical objects in the 

transmittal letter and the files or physical objects received. 

• Failure to apply additional sensitive information requirements to a submission in which 

the OSM contains classified information (i.e., national security information and restricted 

data), SGI, SUNSI, or non-public documents. 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 25 

• Portable document format (PDF) documents created using the PDF Portfolio feature. 

• Virus-infected files. 

• Compressed files. 

• Encrypted files. 

• Unknown file formats. 

• Corrupt or unreadable files. 

• Disabled fast Web view. 

• Macros that are marked as potential viruses. 

• File formats other than those listed in Section 2.1. 

• OSMs that contain both publicly and non-publicly available files on a single OSM, unless 

a second OSM with only publicly available information is also provided. 

• OSMs containing object linking and embedding (OLE), dynamic data exchange (DDE), 

or any other object linking. 

• Fonts not embedded (originated by Native Applications such as Microsoft® Word, 

PowerPoint, not from a scanned source). 

• Non-searchable text. 

• Scan source PDF files created at less than 300 dots per inch. 

• Incorrect file naming conventions. 

• Individual files that exceed 500MB, or E-mails with attachments that exceed 10MB, with 

the exception of single page files. 

The NRC may reject any submission if any inconsistencies are found and will inform the 

submitter of the rejection. 

5. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

5.1 User Assistance 

To obtain instructional information, navigate to the following NRC’s Web pages: 

• “Electronic Submittals Application” Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/esubmittals.html

• “Getting Started” Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/gettingstarted.html 

• “Reference Materials for Electronic Submissions” Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/sitehelp/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html 

• “Adjudicatory Submissions” Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/esubmittals/adjudicatory-sub.html 

• “Obtain a Digital ID Certificate” Web page: https://pki.nrc.gov/rudimentary/ 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 26 

• “Fitness for Duty” Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/opsexperience/fitness-for-duty.html and Fitness for Duty reporting information at: 

http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/fitness-for-duty-programs/submitffd-reports.html

To obtain general information or discuss problems concerning making an electronic adjudicatory 

filing or a general submission; accessing documents filed electronically (viewing, printing, and 

downloading); or formatting a document, contact the Electronic Filing Help Desk during the 

operating hours specified below by any of the following means: 

Telephone: 1-866-672-7640 

E-mail: MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov

Operating Hours of the Electronic Filing Help Desk: 

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, Monday thru Friday; closed on Federal holidays 

Additional contact information: 

• For general help in finding the correct NRC point of contact, contact the Office of Public 

Affairs: OPA.Resource@nrc.gov

• For digital ID certificate assistance: DigitalID.RequestResource@nrc.gov

• For Criminal History program specific assistance: CrimHist.Resource@nrc.gov

• Individual program offices may be contacted through the NRC website at www.nrc.gov

by selecting specific contact programs from the Contact Us link at the top of the home 

page. 

• For assistance with ADAMS, contact the Public Document Room (PDR): 

Telephone: 1-800-397-4209 or 301-415-4737 

TTY (hearing impaired): 1-800-635-4512 

Facsimile: 301-415-3548 

E-mail: PDR.Resource@nrc.gov 

U.S. Mail: Public Document Room, (O1F21) 

 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

Washington, DC 20555-0001 

Onsite at the PDR: One White Flint North 

 11555 Rockville Pike (First Floor) 

 Rockville MD 

5.2 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act Requests 

All FOIA and Privacy Act requests and appeals may be submitted, as follows: 

• Facsimile: 301-415-5130. 

• E-mail: FOIA.Resource@nrc.gov
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 27 

5.3 References 

• NRC, “Electronic Submittals Application” Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/esubmittals.html

• National Archives, Records Manager’s Web page: http://www.archives.gov/recordsmgmt/ 

• Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10 (10 C.F.R.), Energy, which can be found at: 

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/ 

• Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C 552. 

• Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C 552a. 

• 10 C.F.R. Chapter I, RIN 3150-AH33, “Electronic Maintenance and Submission of 

Information”, which can be found at: http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/10cfr1.pdf 

• NRC Fitness for Duty: https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/fitnessfor-duty.html 

• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, https://www.section508.gov/content/learn/lawsand-policies 

6. APPENDIX—NARA GUIDANCE 

Subject Website URL 

NARA 2014-04: Appendix A, Revised Format 

Guidance for the Transfer of Permanent Electronic 

Records – Tables of File Formats

https://www.archives.gov/recordsmgmt/bulletins/2014/2014-04.html 

NARA Information and FAQs on Electronic Media 

Storage 

This guidance is provided to Federal agencies to 

assist them in meeting their records management 

responsibilities under 44 U.S.C. Chapter 31 

http://www.archives.gov/frc/flyers/ervfaq.pdf 

Textual, Micrographic and Cartographic Records, 

Posters and Illustrated Materials 

https://www.archives.gov/preservation/

products/reformatting/text-carto.html 

Technical Information Paper No. 12, 

Digital-Imaging and Optical Digital Data Disk 

Storage Systems: Long-Term Access Strategies 

for Federal Agencies 

July 1994 

http://www.archives.gov/preservation/te

chnical/imaging-storage-appendix.html

Transfer of Electronic Records 

This overview on the transfer of electronic records 

is taken from NARA's regulations in the Code of 

Federal Regulations (36 C.F.R. §§ 

1235.44/.46/.48/.50). For more specific details, 

see Part 1235. 

http://www.archives.gov/recordsmgmt/initiatives/transfer-records-tonara.html

NARA Technical Guidelines for Digitizing Archival 

Materials for Electronic Access: 

Creation of Production Master Files – Raster 

Images 

http://www.archives.gov/preservation/te

chnical/guidelines.html 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC Page 28 

Subject Website URL 

For the Following Record Types- Textual, Graphic 

Illustrations/Artwork/Originals, Maps, Plans, 

Oversized, Photographs, Aerial Photographs, and 

Objects/Artifacts 

June 2004 

Expanding Transfer Options for Electronic 

Records 

[Federal Register: December 30, 2002 (Volume 

67, Number 250)] 

[Rules and Regulations] 

[Page 79517-79520] 

From the Federal Register online through GPO 

Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] 

[DOCID:fr30de02-3]

http://www.archives.gov/recordsmgmt/initiatives/transfer-regulation.html