Summary
Demystifying Becoming a Nuclear Supplier: A Conversation with ASME (long version)
What does it take to become a supplier in the nuclear industry? And how can manufacturers prepare to meet the quality, certification, and technical requirements needed to participate in the nuclear supply chain? In this video, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), through its Manufacturing Initiative, partners with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to demystify the process of becoming a nuclear supplier and help manufacturers better understand the opportunities and requirements of the nuclear energy industry. Through five key topics, this conversation explores the role of ASME’s standards and codes, the certification process, nuclear quality assurance, and the practical steps companies can take to prepare for nuclear industry opportunities.
Becoming a Nuclear Supplier Video Series
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Explore how ASME codes and standards, certification programs, training, and technical resources support the nuclear industry. Learn how manufacturers, material suppliers, engineering firms, and other organizations may leverage their existing capabilities to explore opportunities in the nuclear supply chain. -
Discover where manufacturers should begin when considering entry into the nuclear market. Learn what to evaluate before pursuing certification, including intended scope of work, applicable codes and standards, quality program requirements, potential costs, timelines, and available industry resources. -
Learn about ASME N-type Certificates of Authorization and the ASME NQA-1 Quality Program Certificate. This discussion explains the differences between product-related certifications and quality program certifications, who may need an NQA-1 program, and the distinctions between compliance, qualification, and certification. -
Understand how NQA-1 differs from ISO 9001 and what it takes to develop and implement a nuclear quality assurance program. Explore common gaps manufacturers may encounter, including supplier controls, design verification, personnel qualifications, traceability, corrective actions, and documentation. Learn why effective implementation and objective evidence are essential. -
Explore how manufacturers can assess their readiness for external audits, prepare quality records, demonstrate program effectiveness, and maintain certification requirements over time. Learn why ASME certification does not automatically qualify a supplier with every nuclear customer and why understanding additional customer-specific requirements is important.
The path to becoming a nuclear supplier starts with understanding the requirements, evaluating your organization's capabilities, and preparing the right quality assurance and certification programs. Manufacturers may already have valuable skills, systems, and experience that can serve as a foundation for exploring opportunities in the nuclear industry.
The NRC's Manufacturing Initiative and ASME are helping make these pathways easier to understand as the nation works to strengthen the domestic nuclear supply chain and support the safe deployment of American nuclear energy and technology.
Have questions or interested in becoming part of the nuclear supply chain?
Contact the NRC's Manufacturing Initiative at smallbusiness@nrc.gov.