Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: a5ee4c78-1135-4bb6-8d54-e974a3402f87
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: An Approach for Plant-Specific, Risk-Informed Decisionmaking: Graded Quality Assurance
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1221/ML12216A017.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.176
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 to describe how the requirements will be satisfied in a graded manner. While considerable flexibility may be exercised, the GQA program should be based on standards of performance that are clear, definite, and enforceable. Grading of QA activities will likely result in changes that reduce QA program commitments relating to SSCs of low safety significance. In that event, the NRC would expect the licensee to submit a QA program change to the NRC in accordance with 10 CFR 50.54(a), as discussed further in this section and in Regulatory Position 4. However, plant SSCs cannot be reclassified as non-safety-related solely on risk considerations. Regulatory requirements in Section VI(a)(I) of Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 100, 10 CFR 50.2, 10CFR50.49(b)(I), and 10 CFR 50.65(b)(1) pre- scribe the criteria for determining which SSCs are safety-related and are subject to the provisions of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50. However, GQA does allow for differences in QA controls for safety-related SSCs based upon their safety significance. GQA programs should not result in either intended or effective changes in the design, configuration, or technical requirements of plant systems. Such design or configuration changes would occur, for example, if QA program reductions result in a loss of confidence of the SSC's ability to perform its safety function. The licensee should ensure that changes to technical requirements are only made in accordance with applicable regulations. Other regulations, such as the requirements of 10 CFR Part 21, "Reporting of Defects and Noncompli- ance," including provisions related to basic compo- nents and commercial grade item dedication; 10 CFR 50.55(a), "Codes and Standards"; and 10 CFR 50.36, "Technical Specifications," remain in effect and may not be changed by means of the GQA program description. Licensee. commitments regarding QA are ad- dressed in a number of documents, including the FSAR, the QA Topical Report, and other