IN RESPONSE, PLEASE
REFER TO: M970625A

June 30, 1997

MEMORANDUM TO: L. Joseph Callan
Executive Director for Operations
FROM: John C. Hoyle, Secretary /s/
SUBJECT: STAFF REQUIREMENTS - BRIEFING ON OPERATING REACTORS AND FUEL FACILITIES, 10:00 A.M., WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 1997, COMMISSIONERS' CONFERENCE ROOM, ONE WHITE FLINT NORTH, ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (OPEN TO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE)

The Commission was briefed by the NRC staff on the status of operating reactors and fuel facilities. The Commission believes there continue to be areas for improvement in the staff's evaluations and preparation leading to the Senior Management Meeting. Added focus needs to be given to the quality of information provided in the Senior Management Meeting background papers, the plant removal matrix, and the information matrix (pro/con charts).

(EDO) (SECY Suspense:  1/30/98)

The Commission suggested the use of graphs or charts to depict data which supports findings of a performance change and has resulted in plants being removed from or placed in Category 2. The NRC process should be timely, fair, objective, and as accurate as possible in evaluating plant performance.

(EDO) (SECY Suspense:  6/26/98)

Improvement should be made to help the public understand the linkages between the various evaluative mechanisms that the NRC uses.

(EDO) (SECY Suspense:  6/26/98)

The staff should determine the appropriate threshold, evaluation methods and criteria, and categorization schemes for discussing fuel cycle facilities and higher-risk material licensees at the Senior Management Meeting.

(EDO) (SECY Suspense:  1/30/98)

In addition, the staff should provide the Commission with a paper regarding superior performance recognition. The paper should include the pros and cons of continuing the practice of identifying superior performers, and if the process were to continue, how it should be formulated.

(EDO) (SECY Suspense:  6/26/98)
cc: Chairman Jackson
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Commissioner McGaffigan
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