NRC INSPECTION MANUAL FCSE

INSPECTION MANUAL CHAPTER 2604

LICENSEE PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Issue Date: 09/20/16 i 2604

2604-01 PURPOSE............................................................................................................ 1

2604-02 OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................... 1

2604-03 APPLICABILITY.................................................................................................... 1

2604-04 DEFINITIONS....................................................................................................... 1

04.01 Performance Areas. ................................................................................................. 1

04.02 Assessment Period. ................................................................................................. 2

04.03 Program Adjustment Reviews .................................................................................. 2

04.04 Safety-significant...................................................................................................... 2

04.05 Security-significant ................................................................................................... 3

04.06 Significant assessment inputs .................................................................................. 3

04.07 Cross-cutting issue................................................................................................... 3

04.08 Area Needing Improvement...................................................................................... 3

2604-05 RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES............................................................ 4

05.01 Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS). ....................... 4

05.02 Regional Administrator, Region II. ............................................................................ 4

05.03 Director, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety, Safeguards, and Environmental Review

(FCSE). .................................................................................................................... 4

05.04 Director, Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR).......................... 4

05.05 Director, Division of Fuel Facility Inspection (DFFI). ................................................. 5

05.06 Director, Division of Construction Projects (DCP). .................................................... 5

05.07 Chief, Cognizant Program Support Branch, FCSE. .................................................. 5

05.08 Chief, Cognizant Branch, DFFI................................................................................. 6

05.09 Chief, Cognizant Branch, DCP. ................................................................................ 6

05.10 Chief, Plant Support Branch 2 (PSB2), Division of Reactor Safety (DRS), Region II. 6

05.11 Chief, Cognizant Licensing Branch, FCSE. .............................................................. 7

05.12 Chief, Material Control and Accounting Branch (MCAB), FCSE. .............................. 7

05.13 Chief, Cognizant Branch, NSIR. ............................................................................... 7

2604-06 REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................. 7

06.01 Process Overview. ................................................................................................... 7

06.02 Performance Review Scheduling.............................................................................. 7

06.03 Program Description................................................................................................. 8

06.04 Review Process.......................................................................................................12

2604-07 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................14

EXHIBIT 1 Schedule for LPR Activities..............................................................................E1-1

EXHIBIT 2 LPR Facilitiy Assessment Package..................................................................E2-1

EXHIBIT 3 Inspection and Licensing Responsibilities During Assessment Period .............E3-1

EXHIBIT 4 LPR Enclosure Format.....................................................................................E4-1

Attachment 1 - Revision History for IMC 2604.....................................................................Att1-1
Issue Date: 09/20/16 1 2604

2604-01 PURPOSE

This inspection manual chapter provides guidance for reviewing licensee1 performance at fuel 

cycle facilities to assess adequate protection of public health and safety, the protection of the 

environment, and the common defense and security at the facility. This inspection manual 

chapter (IMC) should:

01.01 Enable the staff to provide an overview of licensee performance to the U.S. Nuclear 

Regulatory Commission (NRC) management in a clear and efficient manner. 

01.02 Describe the review process in an open and transparent manner to the licensee, public, 

and the NRC staff. 

01.03 Provide a basis for adjusting the fuel cycle facility inspection programs including areas 

such as focus, frequency, and site-specific inspection and licensing resources.

2604-02 OBJECTIVES

02.01 To describe the processes for reviewing and assessing fuel cycle facility performance. 

02.02 To ensure the consistency of the performance review process for all fuel cycle facilities. 

02.03 To ensure that the performance reviews are performed in a timely, effective, and 

efficient manner. 

02.04 To ensure that the performance reviews are focused on determining whether safety and 

safeguards have been adequately maintained during the assessment period.

2604-03 APPLICABILITY

This guidance is applicable to operating fuel cycle facilities and to the operating portion of fuel 

cycle facilities which have both construction and operation. 

2604-04 DEFINITIONS

04.01 Performance Areas.

A performance area relates to a technical discipline at the plant and may be comprised 

of one or more inspectable areas. The performance areas are evaluated during the 

Licensee Performance Review (LPR) to identify Areas Needing Improvement (ANIs). 

Each performance area is defined below. 

 

1 The term licensee as used in this Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) also applies to certificate holders.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 2 2604

a. Safety Operations. The safety operations performance area includes the inspectable 

areas pertaining to plant operations, nuclear criticality safety, and fire protection.

b. Safeguards. The safeguards performance area includes the inspectable areas 

pertaining to material control and accounting (MC&A), physical protection of special 

nuclear material, and classified material and information security. 

c. Radiological Controls. The radiological controls performance area includes the 

inspectable areas pertaining to radiation protection, environmental protection, waste 

management, and transportation. 

d. Facility Support. The facility support performance area includes the inspectable areas 

pertaining to maintenance and surveillance of safety controls, management 

organization and controls, operator training, emergency preparedness, emergency 

exercise evaluation, and permanent plant modifications.

e. Other Areas. This performance area is intended to include special issues that may 

arise on an occasional basis, but are not included in the review on a routine basis 

unless the significance of the issue rises to a level that is perceived to affect the quality 

of licensee performance. Examples include quality of licensing submittals, deviations 

from commitments in confirmatory action letters or confirmatory orders, licensing of new 

processes at an existing facility, and labor difficulties.

04.02 Assessment Period.

The assessment period will be 24 months for all fuel cycle facilities except in the 

following cases where the assessment period may be reduced to 12 months:

 Those facilities with an ANI identified during the previous assessment period.

 Those facilities that are concurrently operating and constructing under an NRC 

license. The performance assessment for the construction portion of such 

facilities is covered under Reference 07.03, 07.04, or 07.05 as applicable.

04.03 Program Adjustment Reviews.

The Region may develop internal procedures to conduct timely adjustments to 

inspection plans to address plant performance. This Program Adjustment Review 

helps to ensure that recommendations to the Director, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety 

and Safeguards (FCSE) for adjustments to the inspection program accurately reflect 

emergent licensee performance issues that may reveal themselves between the normal 

24 month performance assessment period. The goal of a Program Adjustment Review 

is not to formally identify ANIs, as these are typically identified during the 

comprehensive 12 or 24 month LPR. 

04.04 Safety-significant.

A term used in this IMC applicable to inspection findings to qualify them as having an 

impact on safety, whether through risk-analysis or other means, that exceeds the risk 
Issue Date: 09/20/16 3 2604

criterion commensurate with a 10 CFR Part 70 high-consequence event.

04.05 Security-significant.

A term used in this IMC applicable to a finding – whether self-revealing, identified 

through inspection, audit, damage assessment or other means – that degrades a 

security measure or function and creates a vulnerability that meets the criteria for 

escalated enforcement.

04.06 Significant Assessment Inputs.

Information considered in the assessment process to determine appropriate NRC 

actions. 

04.07 Cross-cutting Issue.

An assessment issue that extends across two or more performance areas and/or 

across two or more areas within a single performance area.

04.08 Area Needing Improvement2.

Performance area with a single safety-significant or security-significant issue or 

significant recurring or cross-cutting issue(s), requiring substantive corrective actions or 

actions to prevent recurrence.

a. Whether an ANI exists should be determined by assessing the significance of the plant 

issues and/or cited violations with a common cause or theme which indicate a need for 

additional focus by the licensee or NRC.

b. Examples:

1. A single safety-significant issue in one or more performance areas.

2. A single security-significant issue in one or more performance areas.

3. The occurrence of three or more documented SL IV violations in the same 

performance area, if the causes are similar, unless the licensee has an 

NRC-acceptable corrective action program.

4. A significant issue that impacts two or more areas within a performance area 

(i.e., criticality and fire protection in the Safety Operations performance area; or 

MC&A and physical protection in the Safeguards performance area).

 

2 Area Needing Improvement (ANI) does not apply to licensing action in this IMC.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 4 2604

2604-05 RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES

05.01 Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS).

a. At the Director’s discretion, he/she may request briefing from staff on licensee 

performance if an ANI is identified.

b. Participates in LPR Public/Safeguards meetings for subject facilities with two or more 

ANIs or an ANI in the same performance area over two consecutive assessment 

periods. 

05.02 Regional Administrator, Region II. 

a. At the Regional Administrator’s discretion, he/she may request briefing from staff on 

licensee performance if an ANI is identified.

b. At the Regional Administrator’s discretion, he/she may meet with licensee senior 

management, after being briefed by NRC staff, to discuss results of the review.

c. At the Regional Administrator’s discretion he/ she may participate in LPR 

Public/Safeguards meetings for subject facilities with two or more ANIs or an ANI in the 

same performance area over two consecutive assessment periods.

05.03 Director, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety, Safeguards, and Environmental Review (FCSE). 

a. Maintains this IMC by revising it periodically on behalf of NMSS (program office).

b. Provides for the appropriate branch-level personnel to participate in licensee 

performance reviews of the fuel cycle facilities in coordination with the regional staff. 

c. Coordinates with the Director, Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR) 

and the Director, Division of Fuel Facility Inspection (DFFI) in the event that technical 

expertise is required.

d. Comments and concurs on the LPR Letter. 

e. Participates in LPR Public/Safeguards meetings for subject facilities with one or more 

ANIs. 

f. Establishes and approves modifications to the LPR program.

g. Evaluates the effectiveness of the LPR process and provides guidance/direction in the 

implementation of the program and provides periodic updates as necessary.

05.04 Director, Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR). 

Provides support to NMSS in the event technical expertise is required.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 5 2604

05.05 Director, Division of Fuel Facility Inspection (DFFI). 

a. Coordinates scheduling of licensee performance review activities in accordance with 

this IMC for operating fuel cycle facilities or for the operating portion of the facilities 

which have both operation and construction. 

b. Leads and provides for the appropriate branch-level personnel to conduct licensee 

performance reviews of fuel cycle facilities. 

c. Signs and approves the final LPR Letter for all facilities.

d. At the Director’s discretion, participates in the LPR Public/Safeguards Meetings for 

subject facilities with one or more ANIs. 

05.06 Director, Division of Construction Projects (DCP)3. 

a. Coordinates scheduling of licensee assessment activities in accordance with 

References 07.03, 07.04, or 07.05 as applicable for the construction portion of the fuel 

cycle facilities that are in both operation and construction.

b. Leads and provides for the appropriate branch-level personnel to conduct licensee 

performance reviews of applicable fuel cycle facilities for the construction portion. 

c. At the Director’s discretion, participates in the combined (DFFI and DCP) LPR 

Public/Safeguards Meetings, if applicable, for subject facilities with one or more ANIs. 

05.07 Chief, Programmatic Oversight and Regional Support Branch (PORS).

a. Reviews the LPR program and recommends modifications to the program, as 

necessary, to the Director, FCSE. 

b. Coordinates performance review input from FCSE staff in response to the LPR Facility 

Assessment Package and assures staff involvement in the support of the LPR 

Development Meeting. 

c. Comments and concurs on the LPR Letter.

d. Coordinates FCSE participation in the LPR Public/Safeguards Meetings for the subject 

facility, if applicable. 

e. Maintains/updates this IMC by providing necessary staff.

 

3

 DCP is responsible (has the lead) for all fuel facility construction oversight and assessments, unless the 

lead is assigned to another Division.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 6 2604

05.08 Chief, Cognizant Branch, DFFI. 

a. Coordinates licensee performance reviews in accordance with this IMC. 

b. Delegates appropriate personnel to participate in the LPR for each facility.

c. Leads coordination with DCP regarding licensee performance assessment inputs for 

fuel facilities which were inspected by both DFFI and DCP during the assessment 

period.

d. Develops the LPR Letter in accordance with this IMC.

e. Leads the LPR Public/Safeguards meetings for subject facilities with one or more ANIs. 

May delegate the leadership of the LPR public or safeguards meetings for subject 

facilities with no ANI to DFFI staff.

f. Leads or delegates to DFFI staff the performance assessment Public/Safeguards 

meetings for the operation portion of the facilities that have both operation and 

construction. For facilities that are operating and constructing at the same time, it is 

optional to have a combined Public/Safeguards (DFFI and DCP) meeting by mutual 

coordination with DCP3.

g. Makes available to the public the Public Meeting Notification and the performance 

information presented by the licensee and the NRC at the public meeting in the Public 

Meeting Summary.

h. Recommends modifications to the program, as necessary, to the Chief, Programmatic 

Oversight and Regional Support Branch.

05.09 Chief, Cognizant Branch, DCP. 

a. Compiles licensee performance assessment inputs in accordance with 

References 07.03, 07.04, or 07.05 as applicable for the construction portion of the 

facilities that have both operation and construction.

b. Delegates appropriate personnel to participate in the performance assessment for each 

facility.

c. Leads or delegates to DCP staff the performance assessment Public/Safeguards 

meetings for the construction portion of the facilities that have both operation and 

construction. For facilities that are operating and constructing at the same time, it is 

optional to have a combined Public/Safeguards (DCP and DFFI) meeting by mutual 

coordination with DFFI.

05.10 Chief, Plant Support Branch 2 (PSB2), Division of Reactor Safety (DRS), Region II.

a. Coordinates staff involvement in the support of the Safeguards section of the LPR 

assessment.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 7 2604

b. Concurs on the LPR Safeguard Letter.

05.11 Chief, Cognizant Licensing Branch, FCSE. 

a. Coordinates staff involvement in the licensing discussions related to the licensee 

performance review processes in accordance with this IMC. 

b. Comments and concurs on the LPR Letter for licensing issues.

05.12 Chief, Material Control and Accounting Branch (MCAB), FCSE.

a. Coordinates staff involvement in the support of the Safeguards section of the LPR 

assessment.

b. Concurs on the LPR Safeguard Letter.

05.13 Chief, Cognizant Branch, NSIR.

a. Provides support to NMSS as requested by NMSS and/or the NSIR Office Director in 

the event technical security expertise is required. 

b. In coordination with NMSS, conducts program and document reviews with respect to 

security as it relates to this IMC. 

2604-06 REQUIREMENTS

06.01 Process Overview. 

The process described in this IMC is designed to provide an assessment of licensee 

performance during the assessment period to NRC management, licensee 

management, and the general public. 

06.02 Performance Review Scheduling. 

a. The time to complete the LPR process should be approximately 8 weeks from the time 

staff is initially notified to begin the assessment process until the LPR Letter is 

transmitted to the licensee. An example of a generic schedule is provided in Exhibit 1, 

"Scheduling for LPR Activities." 

b. The LPR Letter shall be sent to the licensee at least 30 days in advance of the LPR 

Public Meeting.

c. The 12- or 24-month assessment period for the LPR process is established by the NRC 

based on 04.02. DFFI shall coordinate the scheduling of licensee performance reviews 

with the program office to minimize undue impacts on the workloads of the participating 

organizational units.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 8 2604

d. Program Adjustment Review. DFFI and/or DCP4 may conduct Program Adjustment 

Reviews as defined in 04.03 to recommend to the Director, FCSE adjustments to the 

inspection program as necessary for any emergent licensee issues in the normal 

24-month performance assessment period, 

06.03 Program Description. 

a. DFFI shall notify participants of the initiation of the LPR process. DFFI shall 

communicate the Schedule of LPR Activities, Part 1, LPR Assessment to all applicable 

staff and management in DFFI, FCSE, and PSB2 with assigned due dates for each 

activity. Exhibit 1 provides an example of an LPR Schedule. 

b. The DFFI senior fuel facility inspector (SFFI), with assistance from FCSE counterparts, 

shall confirm all relevant inspection data is properly documented in Reactor Power 

System (RPS). The SFFI shall conduct an inspection plan verification to ensure that 

the inspection plan for the calendar year is entered into RPS and is current.

c. The applicable DFFI Branch shall conduct the initial review of each fuel cycle licensee's 

performance. The point of contact for each facility’s LPR assessment should be 

designated by the DFFI Chief that has oversight responsibility for the fuel facility. The 

points of contact should begin compiling enforcement information applicable to the 

assessment period for each facility undergoing LPR assessment. The points of contact 

should begin to develop the LPR Facility Assessment Package, as presented in 

Exhibit 2 and with guidance in Section 06.04, for each facility undergoing review.

Supporting references (e.g., inspection report numbers, event report numbers) and a 

succinct summary shall be specified for each issue in the LPR Facility Assessment 

Package.

d. Outside of the LPR process, significant safety and safeguards performance issues 

should be identified and addressed in a timely manner through the normal inspection 

and enforcement process. Within the context of the LPR, if significant issues need to 

be addressed at a higher management level, then staff and Chiefs should recommend 

management involvement.

e. The SFFI shall evaluate the licensee’s performance in regards to the Agency Action 

Review Meeting (AARM) evaluation criteria given in Management Directive (MD) 8.14, 

Agency Action Review Meeting, Section F. The DFFI Chief shall determine, in 

coordination with FCSE if it is appropriate to recommend the licensee for AARM. This 

information is not required to be entered into the LPR Facility Assessment Package.

f. The SFFI shall distribute the LPR Facility Assessment Package to the staff of DFFI, 

FCSE, and PSB2 with inspection or licensing responsibilities at the applicable facility 

during the assessment period. The chart in Exhibit 3, “Inspection and Licensing 

Responsibility During Assessment Period,” should accompany the LPR Facility 

Assessment Package for each facility and communicate to the DFFI, FCSE, and PSB2 

 

4

 If applicable
Issue Date: 09/20/16 9 2604

staff the areas to focus their review. The LPR Facility Assessment Package shall also 

be distributed to the applicable Branch Chiefs in DFFI, FCSE, and PSB2.

g. The LPR Facility Assessment Package should be distributed to the applicable staff two 

business weeks prior to the scheduled LPR Development Meeting.

h. Upon receipt of the LPR Facility Assessment Package, the DFFI and FCSE inspection 

and licensing staff, for the facility being assessed, shall provide feedback to the SFFI 

including input regarding the determination of an ANI.

i. The SFFI should revise the LPR Facility Assessment Package to incorporate the 

assessment information collected from the staff. The SFFI should distribute the revised 

LPR Facility Assessment Package for each facility to the Chief, Program Support 

Branch, FCSE Project Manager, and Chiefs of the applicable DFFI branch and FCSE

licensing and MC&A branch, prior to the LPR Development Meeting. Branch Chief

alignment is not required prior to the LPR Development Meeting. 

j. LPR Development Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to develop and finalize the 

assessment and conclusions for the Licensee Performance Review. DFFI shall 

coordinate the LPR Development Meeting with an invitation to the appropriate staff and 

branch chiefs from DFFI, FCSE, and PSB2. The revised LPR Facility Assessment 

Package and the draft LPR Enclosure (provided in Exhibit 4, “LPR Enclosure Format”) 

should be distributed to meeting participants.

The participants of the LPR Development Meeting shall discuss facility activities and the 

quality of performance during the assessment period for each of the specific 

performance areas. The participants may discuss a comparison of the current results 

to the previous LPR. A discussion for closing out the previous ANIs shall be included. 

For each performance area, participants should evaluate licensee performance using 

the factors provided in Section 06.04. Discussion of performance should be supported 

by specific references to the licensing reviews or inspection findings distributed over the 

assessment period. 

Conclusions regarding licensee performance shall be reached by consensus of those in 

attendance. Where divergent opinions are expressed, and no clear consensus on a 

particular issue is reached, the diverging opinions should be summarized, documented, 

and presented together with the other results of the LPR Development Meeting during 

subsequent management (Director) briefings. 

k. The SFFI shall document the conclusion and recommendations reached at the LPR 

Development Meeting, relevant supporting data presented, and any other significant 

result of the review. The SFFI should revise LPR Facility Assessment Package and 

LPR Letter Enclosure, based on the meeting results.

Emphasis should be placed on safety. The results of the LPR Development Meeting 

should be communicated in terms of ANIs for the safe and secure operation of the 

facility. Meeting results and conclusions should be limited to safety or safeguards 

issues and minor issues will not be aggregated. 
Issue Date: 09/20/16 10 2604

l. The SFFI shall coordinate with staff, FCSE, and licensee management in the 

scheduling of the LPR public meeting to develop a tentative LPR Public Meeting date.

m. Director Briefing. The DFFI chief with oversight of the facility shall present the 

information, conclusions, and recommendations developed at the LPR Development 

Meeting to the Directors of DFFI and FCSE. The DFFI chief should present the draft 

LPR Enclosure or the LPR Facility Assessment Package, the tentatively scheduled LPR 

meeting dates, the proposed attendee list and the results of the AARM evaluation and 

recommendations.

n. The SFFI shall arrange a public and a closed meeting, if applicable, with licensee senior

management and internal stakeholders in accordance with Management Directive 3.5; 

Attendance at NRC Staff-Sponsored Meetings. The SFFI shall finalize the LPR public 

meeting date and location and subsequently communicate to applicable staff and 

licensee management and issue the Public Meeting Notice in coordination with the 

regional Office of Public Affairs.

o. The DFFI Chief with oversight responsibility shall designate appropriate due dates and 

distribute the Schedule for LPR Activities, Part 2; LPR Meeting in Exhibit 1 to applicable 

staff members.

p. LPR Letter and Enclosure. The LPR Letter shall be in the form of a brief cover letter 

containing a summary of the significant results of the review, with an enclosure, in 

bullet-style format, that presents the more detailed results of the review. The 

information provided should describe NRC action during the review period, e.g., number 

of violations, deficiencies, etc., for each performance area. If an ANI is identified, then 

the references to specific enforcement items, supporting the results of the review, 

should be provided. If an ANI is not identified, the references of specific findings are 

not applicable. The SFFI should complete the enclosure to the LPR Letter using the 

format provided in Exhibit 4. The LPR Enclosure should separately address 

performance in each of the performance areas. A recommendation shall be included 

for the NRC to continue the current inspection program for the facility or to modify it in a 

specified way. 

The LPR Letter and Enclosure should describe licensee performance areas that are 

candidates for changes in the NRC inspection and licensing programs, including 

possible changes in focus, emphasis, or inspection frequency. The LPR Letter and 

Enclosure should include specific steps that the licensee and NRC should take to 

remedy the ANI. The Letter may discuss overall history patterns in performance that 

may affect performance areas. The Letter, however, should not commit to making 

specific changes in the inspection program in quantitative terms, pending a broader 

consideration of safety risk and licensee performance at other facilities, and of overall 

use of NRC inspection, safeguards, and licensing resources. 

In the case that the LPR assessment includes security-related information, a separate 

LPR Safeguards Letter and Enclosure should be composed to include all applicable 

information that is not appropriate for issuance on the public docket. 
Issue Date: 09/20/16 11 2604

The LPR Letter shall include an attachment of the facility-specific NRC inspection 

schedule for the remainder of the calendar year. The attachment should be generated 

using RPS.

For facilities that are in operation and construction at the same time, there will be two 

separate letters, one for the operating portion per the guidance in this section of this 

IMC and another for the construction portion per the guidance provided in 

References 07.03, 07.04, or 07.05 as applicable. 

q. The LPR Letters shall be reviewed and approved by the applicable DFFI Chief and 

signed by the Director, DFFI. The cognizant Branch Chiefs and Director, FCSE, shall 

provide official concurrence on the LPR Letters. The PSB2 Chief, and MCAB Chief 

should provide concurrence on LPR Safeguards Letters.

r. Following approval by the applicable directors, the LPR Letters will be transmitted to the 

licensee's senior management and to the public, and the results of the review will be 

discussed at meetings with the licensee. 

s. LPR Public Meeting. The results of the LPR assessment, appropriate for the public 

docket, shall be communicated to the licensee senior management in a public meeting. 

The public meeting shall be an NRC Category 1 public meeting. The meeting can 

either be conducted in person or remotely (e.g., Webinar) depending on the anticipated 

level of participation and other logistical factors deemed appropriate by DFFI and FCSE 

management and staff.

The level of NRC participation in the meeting will be a function of the number of the 

ANIs to be presented. An LPR Public Meeting conveying no ANIs may be conducted 

by a designee of the DFFI Chief. An LPR Public Meeting conveying one or more ANIs 

should be conducted by the DFFI Chief. Multiple performance issues, including a 

number of identified ANIs, may result in meeting participation by higher levels of NRC 

management, according to Table 1 below. 

For facilities that are both constructing and operating at the same time, DFFI and DCP 

have the option of combining the Public meeting, by mutual coordination. The 

licensee’s performance assessment for the construction portion of such facilities shall 

follow guidance provided in Reference’s 07.03, or 07.04, or 07.05 as applicable.

Table 1 ANIs and Level of NRC Management Participation

Number of 

ANIs

LPR Public/ Safeguards 

Meeting Led by

NRC Senior Manager Participation

0 DFFI Branch Chief or staff 

designee 

N/A

1 DFFI Branch Chief Up to Division Directors (DFFI and FCSE)

2 or more DFFI Branch Chief Up to RA (Region 2) and Director (NMSS)
Issue Date: 09/20/16 12 2604

t. LPR Safeguards Meeting. The results of the LPR assessment which contain securityrelated information shall be communicated to the licensee’s senior management in a 

closed meeting. The level of NRC participation in the meeting should be a function of 

the number and significance of the ANIs. In the instance that there are no ANIs 

pertaining to the Safeguards performance area and the results of the LPR assessment 

can be clearly and efficiently communicated through the LPR Safeguards Letter, the 

cognizant DFFI Chief should evaluate if an LPR Safeguards Meeting is necessary.

u. The DFFI Chief shall issue a Public Meeting Summary after the LPR Meeting in 

accordance with MD 3.5.

v. After the LPR Meeting, the results of the LPR assessment should be used to update the 

inspection and licensing program for the facility. The changes to the inspection and 

licensing program should focus on the most efficient use of NRC resources. The DFFI 

and FCSE branches shall incorporate program changes into the Master Inspection Plan 

which is maintained in RPS.

w. Closing out an ANI.

DFFI should verify that the licensee has taken actions to resolve the ANIs identified in 

the previous assessment period. If the licensee has taken adequate corrective actions 

or actions to prevent recurrence on the issue, then it should be recorded in the LPR 

Assessment Package as closed. This subject should be discussed in the LPR 

Development meeting. There should be discussion in the current assessment period 

LPR Letter on whether the licensee has either adequately resolved the issue or it 

remains open awaiting action.

06.04 Review Process. 

a. The SFFI should collect information applicable to the facility’s assessment period. The 

DFFI staff should organize the information into the LPR Facility Assessment Package 

provided in Exhibit 2. The information assembled should include:

1. All enforcement actions issued during the assessment period:

(a) Notice of Violations

(b) Escalated Enforcement

(c) Non-Cited Violations

(d) Confirmatory Action Letter

(e) Confirmatory Order

(f) Notice of Deviation

2. Enforcement items not yet finalized by the end of the assessment period should

also be included for consideration. The enforcement items must be issued prior 

to the issuance of the LPR Letter in order to be included in the LPR.

3. The LPR Facility Assessment Package shall not include Unresolved Items,

Inspector Follow-up Items, Licensee Event Reports, Notices of Enforcement 
Issue Date: 09/20/16 13 2604

4. Discretion (NOEDs), or minor violations. The LPR Facility Assessment Package 

shall not include enforcement actions issued during the assessment period if it 

was assessed as an exception, Section 06.03(w) or Section 06.04(a)(2), during 

the last LPR. 

5. Information on prior assessment period ANI and what actions the licensee has 

taken or is taking to address them to decide if they are closed or remain open.

b. Area Needing Improvement (ANI). The assessment of the ANI shall be conducted for 

each performance area of each fuel facility undergoing the licensee’s performance 

review for inspection activities. The ANI assessment should evaluate the enforcement 

actions issued during the assessment period and determine if a trend exists in the 

licensee’s violations (for inspection). The assessment shall address performance in 

each of the performance areas, as well as discuss overall history and patterns in 

performance that may affect multiple performance areas. The staff should maintain 

predictability and consistency of assigning issues to performance areas over the 

assessment period. The assessment of the ANI should address the definition of ANI 

provided in 04.08 of this IMC and identified ANI items should be discussed and agreed 

upon by consensus between DFFI, FCSE and PSB2 as indicated in 06.03 (j).

c. In the identification of an ANI, the staff should evaluate the amount of inspection 

resources that should be recommended for the current or upcoming inspection 

schedule. Staff should discuss the types of inspections that may be necessary to 

address an ANI (i.e., additional hours to the inspection program, Problem Identification 

and Resolution (PI&R), Safety Culture inspection, etc.). Staff should recommend 

changes to the NRC inspection program, as described in IMC 2600, including focus, 

inspection emphasis, resources, and inspection frequency.

d. Cover Letter specifics. The staff shall specify, if applicable, if any significant changes to 

the planned inspection program, known at the time of issuance, should be included in 

the LPR cover letter. The cover letter should include significant enforcement follow-up 

or event follow-up. The cover letter should include planned reactive and/or 

supplemental inspections, as described by IMC 2600. The staff should include 

information pertaining to known generic safety issue inspections or program 

adjustments as described by IMC 2600. If applicable, address the planned NRC 

response to a major challenge (i.e., strike preparations) for the licensee. The cover 

letter shall discuss closing out of any previous ANI, if applicable. The letter shall 

include the length of the assessment period for the next LPR.

In the cover of the LPR Letter, the staff should include a reference to significant 

changes in the inspection program which may have occurred between the beginning of 

the current assessment period and the issuance of the LPR Letter.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 14 2604

2604-07 REFERENCES

07.01 Management Directive 3.5, “Attendance at NRC Staff Sponsored Meetings” 

07.02 Inspection Manual Chapter 2600, “Fuel Cycle Facility Operational Safety and 

Safeguards Inspection Program”

07.03 Inspection Manual Chapter 2630, “Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility Construction 

Inspection Program”

07.04 Inspection Manual Chapter 2694, “USEC Inc. Gas Centrifuge Facility Construction and 

Pre-Operational Readiness Review Inspection Programs”

07.05 Inspection Manual Chapter 2696, “Louisiana Energy Services Gas Centrifuge Facility 

Construction and Pre-Operational Readiness Review Inspection Programs”

07.06 Management Directive 8.14, “Agency Action Review Meeting”

07.07 Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Appendix B to Part 50, “Quality Assurance 

Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants, Section XVI”

07.08 Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Part 70, “Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear 

Material”

07.09 NRC Enforcement Policy, Section 6.2, “Fuel Cycle Operations”

END

Exhibits: 

1. Schedule for LPR Activities

2. LPR Facility Assessment Package

3. Inspection and Licensing Responsibilities during Assessment Period

4. LPR Enclosure Format

Attachment:

1. Revision History for IMC 2604
Issue Date: 09/20/16 E1-1 2604

EXHIBIT 1

SCHEDULE FOR LPR ACTIVITIES

Schedule, Part 1: LPR Assessment

Assigned

Due Date

Time Since

Review Initiated Task Description

LPR assessment period ends for designated 

sites. 

Start

Distribute the LPR schedule, Part 1, to all DFFI, 

FCSE, and PSB2 staff.

SFFI with assistance from FCSE will initiate 

actions to confirm that all relevant inspection 

data is properly documented in RPS. 

Begin to develop supporting information to 

create the LPR Facility Assessment Package 

for each applicable facility involved in the LPR 

process.

Week 4

Distribute the LPR Facility Assessment 

Packages to the DFFI, FCSE, PSB2 branch 

chiefs and staff who had inspection and 

licensing responsibilities at the specific facilities 

during the assessment period. 

Week 5

After reviewing the LPR Facility Assessment 

Packages, the staff and branch chiefs should 

provide their inputs to the DFFI point of contact 

(SFFI).

Week 5

Distribute the revised LPR Facility Assessment 

Package to the relevant DFFI, FCSE, PSB2 

branch chiefs, FCSE Project Manager, and 

DFFI Project Inspector before the LPR 

Development Meeting.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 E1-2 2604

Week 6

LPR Development Meeting with relevant Branch 

Chiefs and relevant staff from DFFI, FCSE, and 

PSB2. (Revised LPR Facility Assessment 

Package, template in Exhibit 2, draft LPR 

Enclosure should be distributed to meeting 

participants.)

Week 7

Brief DFFI and FCSE Directors on the LPR 

assessments and with recommendations for 

each site.

Week 7

Schedule LPR public meetings for each site and 

distribute Part 2 of LPR Schedule.

Week 8

Issue LPR Letters to licensees and ensure RPS 

is updated to include any current changes to the 

NRC inspection program for each site.

The LPR Meetings, both Public and Safeguards, if applicable, will occur between Week 12 and 

18.

Schedule Part 2: LPR Public Meeting Preparation

Due Date Task Description

Issue the Public Meeting Notice in accordance with MD 3.5.

Complete briefing book, if required.

Submit LPR Public Meeting briefing slides for Division Director or 

Senior Management review. 

Brief Division Director or Senior Management on LPR Public 

Meeting presentation.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 E1-3 2604

LPR Public Meeting

LPR Safeguards Meeting

Issue Public Meeting Summary after the LPR Public Meeting in 

accordance with MD 3.5.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 E2-1 2604

EXHIBIT 2

LPR FACILITY ASSESSMENT PACKAGE

FACILITY: 

ASSESSMENT PERIOD: 

LENGTH OF NEXT ASSESSMENT PERIOD: 

COVER LETTER SPECIFICS: 

POINT OF CONTACT: 

Please review this information for the performance areas in which you inspected or licensed 

during the LPR assessment period. The lead responsible parties for each performance area are 

given in the chart below. Please verify that all applicable inspection report findings have been 

included and accurately characterized per the guidance given in Inspection Manual Chapter 

(IMC) 2604, “Licensee Performance Review.” Comments should be returned to the designated 

contact no later than close of business on [date].

Staff and branch chief-level management will meet on [dates] to finalize the licensee 

performance assessment. Participants should be prepared to discuss their assessments and 

recommendations for modifying the NRC inspection program at each facility. 

PERFORMANCE AREA: SAFETY OPERATIONS

This area is comprised of plant operations, nuclear criticality safety, and fire protection.

Plant status 

 [Overall plant status relative to the performance area if abnormal. Facility conditions 

that resulted in special or reactive inspections conducted during the review period. 

Provide bulleted summary with some detail. State “none” if not applicable.]

Notable Inspection Findings

 [Summarize findings that were issued during the assessment period. Include the 

actions that were identified or closed and those actions that remain open during the 

review period. This includes escalated enforcement, NOVs, NCVs, Confirmatory 

Action Letters, and Confirmatory Orders. Briefly explain each finding with only a few 

sentences of detail, avoiding generalizations. Each finding should have its own 

bullet and reference. State “none” if not applicable.]
Issue Date: 09/20/16 E2-2 2604

Performance Analysis for Area Needing Improvement (ANI)

 [Identify whether performance warrants an identification of an ANI. Summarize 

performance concerns along with a basis for the conclusion. Justify why ANI is not 

warranted if multiple references are listed above. Delete section if no inspection 

findings are listed above.]

Inspection Effort Recommendation 

 [Provide an estimate of changes in NRC inspection effort (e.g. focus, emphasis, 

resources, frequency) for this performance area. Delete section if not applicable.]

 [Provide an estimate of resources necessary to address any ANIs. Delete section if 

not applicable.]

Results from previous Licensee Performance Reviews

 [Briefly summarize results from last LPR letter. Discuss about prior review period 

ANI if any. Identify ANI and note what action licensee has taken or is taking to 

resolve the issue or prevent recurrence. Delete section if an ANI or increased 

resources were not applicable.] 

Repeat sections above for the Performance Areas of Safeguards, Radiological Controls, and 

Facility Support.

PERFORMANCE AREA: OTHER AREAS

This area is comprised of special issues.

Notable Issues



Recommended Inspection Effort 



Results from previous Licensee Performance Reviews

[Include discussion on previous review period ANI if any. Indicate the ANI and how the 

licensee has taken action or is taking action to resolve the issue or to prevent 

recurrence.]
Issue Date: 09/20/16 E3-1 2604

EXHIBIT 3

INSPECTION AND LICENSING RESPONSIBILTIES

DURING ASSESSMENT PERIOD

PERFORMANCE AREA LEAD RESPONSIBILITY

(FCSE)

LEAD RESPONSIBILITY

(RII)

Safety Operations

Plant Operations

Nuclear Criticality Safety

Fire Protection

Safeguards

Material Control & Accounting

Physical Protection of SNM

Classified Material and 

Information Security

Radiological Controls

Radiation Protection

Environmental Protection
Issue Date: 09/20/16 E3-2 2604

PERFORMANCE AREA LEAD RESPONSIBILITY 

(FCSE)

LEAD RESPONSIBILITY 

(RII)

Waste Management

Transportation

Facility Support

Maintenance/Surveillance

Management Organization & 

Controls

Operator Training

Emergency Preparedness

Permanent Plant Modifications

Other Areas

Licensing

MANAGEMENT

Branch Chief, FCSE Licensing Branch

Branch Chief, FCSE Program Support 

Branch
Issue Date: 09/20/16 E3-3 2604

MANAGEMENT

MC&A Branch Chief, if applicable

DCP Branch Chief, if applicable

DFFI Branch Chief

PSB2 Branch Chief, if applicable

NSIR, Cognizant Branch Chief, if 

applicable

OTHER CONTACTS

DFFI Senior Fuel Facility inspector

NSIR, Technical Contact, if applicable
Issue Date: 09/01/16 E4-1 2604

EXHIBIT 4

LPR ENCLOSURE FORMAT

The standardized format should be used as an enclosure to the LPR Public Letter. A similar 

format should be used for the Safeguards Performance Area in the Non-Public Letter. The 

information provided should describe NRC action during the review period, e.g. number of 

violations, deficiencies etc. for each performance area. In the identification of an Area Needing 

Improvement (ANI), the description should be clearly communicated in the enclosure with a list 

of the enforcement items and their descriptions used in the determination. A formatting 

example of an ANI is provided in the Safety Operations Performance Area. Formatting 

examples of a Performance Area without an ANI is provided in Radiological Controls, Facility 

Support and Other Areas.

LICENSEE PERFORMANCE REVIEW FOR 

[FACILITY NAME]

ASSESSMENT PERIOD: [Date] to [Date]

The following is a summary of the performance of [Facility Name] in the conduct of NRC 

licensed activities.

PERFORMANCE AREA: SAFETY OPERATIONS 

This area is comprised of plant operations, nuclear criticality safety and fire safety.

During the Licensee Performance Review (LPR) assessment period, the following enforcement 

items were issued in the area of Safety Operations: 

 The [licensee/ NRC] identified a failure to [specifics]. [Short summary] This finding 

was tracked as Severity Level III Violation [XX-XXX/201X-XXX-0X].

 The [licensee/ NRC] identified a failure to [specifics]. [Short summary] This finding 

was tracked as Severity Level IV Violation [XX-XXX/201X-XXX-0X].

 The [licensee/ NRC] identified a failure to [specifics]. [Short summary] This finding 

was tracked as Non-Cited Violation [XX-XXX/201X-XXX-0X].

Program Areas Needing Improvement

 An Area Needing Improvement was identified in Safety Operations, due to a safety 

significant issue [specifics]. 

Recommended NRC Inspection Effort 

 The core inspection program will be adjusted to [specifics].
Issue Date: 09/01/16 E4-2 2604

PERFORMANCE AREA: RADIOLOGICAL CONTROLS

This area is comprised of radiation protection, environmental protection, waste management, 

and transportation.

Program Areas Needing Improvement

 No specific Area Needing Improvement was identified in Radiological Controls.

Recommended NRC Inspection Effort 

 Maintain the core inspection effort in Radiological Controls.

PERFORMANCE AREA: FACILITY SUPPORT

This area is comprised of maintenance and surveillance of safety controls, management 

organization and controls, operator training, emergency preparedness, emergency exercise 

evaluation, and permanent plant modifications

Program Areas Needing Improvement

 No specific Area Needing Improvement was identified in Facility Support.

Recommended NRC Inspection Effort 

 Maintain the core inspection effort in Facility Support.

PERFORMANCE AREA: OTHER AREAS 

This area is comprised of special issues.

Program Areas Needing Improvement

No specific Area Needing Improvement was identified in Other Areas.

Recommended NRC Inspection Effort

 No areas were identified as needing improvement. Maintain the current inspection

effort.
Issue Date: 09/20/16 Att1-1 2604

Attachment 1 - Revision History for IMC 2604

Commitment 

Tracking 

Number

Accession Number

Issue Date

Change Notice

Description of Change Description of 

Training Required and 

Completion Date

Comment and 

Feedback Resolution 

Accession Number

(Pre-Decisional, NonPublic Information)

N/A ML12220A027

10/11/12

CN 12-023

Complete re-write of document to 

align with IMC 040 and to 

incorporate feedback from NMSS 

and R-II. Provided revised guidance 

to clarify roles and responsibilities, 

to update definition of ANI, to modify 

the Exhibits and the description of 

the LPR process. Added guidance 

for facilities that are operating and 

constructing at the same time. 

Added this revision history page.

N/A ML12244A189

N/A ML16160A413

09/20/16

CN 16-023

Added the option to conduct LPR 

public meetings remotely (e.g.., via 

Webinar) to facilitate participation 

and improve efficiency.

N/A ML16232A192