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Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards

The Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS) enables the safe and secure use of nuclear technologies that can be used commercially in the United States through licensing and inspection activities that enable for the safe and secure production of nuclear fuel used in commercial nuclear reactors; reprocessing, the safe storage, transportation and disposal of low and high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel; and the transportation of radioactive materials regulated under the Atomic Energy Act. Ensures safety and security through, assessment of licensee performance, events analysis, enforcement, and identification and resolution of generic issues. Develops and implements NRC licensing and inspection program for facilities utilizing radioisotopes, decommissioning facilities, and uranium recovery.  Responsible for oversight of the agency’s Agreement State and tribal liaison program. Leads development of rulemaking for the agency. Has lead responsibility within NRC for domestic and international safeguards policy, including material control and accounting. 

Tribal Relations Team (TRT) 

Leads the implementation of the NRC’s Tribal Liaison Program and serves as the primary point of contact for all federally recognized Tribes and non-federally recognized Tribes (e.g., State-recognized, intertribal agencies, Tribal organizations, and Alaska Native Corporations). Coordinates and leads policy and procedure development related to the Tribal Policy Statement. Facilitate government-to-government meetings and consultation on NRC’s regulatory actions that have substantial direct effects on one or more Tribal government. Conducts and promotes outreach efforts to encourage Tribal participation in NRC’s regulatory processes. Maintains training materials to support NRC staff in conducting informed and respectful engagements with Tribes. Sustains the agency’s communication tools by managing the Tribal contact database and list servers. 

Leadership

  • Andrea Kock

    Director, NMSS

  • Jamie M. Pelton

    Deputy Office Director for Regional Oversight/Chief Nuclear Materials Inspector

  • Kathryn M. Brock

    Deputy Office Director for Nuclear Materials Users, Decommissioning, Waste, Financial, and Rulemaking Programs

  • Shana R. Helton

    Deputy Office Director for Fuel Facilities, Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation, and Environmental Programs

  • Jared K. Heck

    Division of Federal Materials Programs

  • Ladonna B. Suggs

    Division of Fuel Cycle and Materials Oversight

  • Dafna E. Silberfeld

    Division of Materials Safety, Security, and State Programs

  • Jane E. Marshall

    Division of Decommissioning, Closure, Analysis, and Financial Oversight

  • Melissa Ralph

    Division of Guidance, Rulemaking, Economic Analysis, and Technical Editing

  • Cinthya Roman

    Division of Fuel Cycle

  • Kimyata Savoy

    Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Tranportation

Divisions

Regional Oversight/Chief Nuclear Materials Inspector 

Division of Federal Materials Programs (DFMP) 

The Division of Federal Materials Programs (DFMP) enables the safe and secure use of radioactive materials in medical, industrial, and academic applications through efficient and reliable licensing and inspection. It provides technical direction and policy oversight for materials licensing and inspection programs, responds to events involving NRC-licensed radioactive materials, and maintains the agency’s enforcement program. DFMP also provides technical expertise and programmatic support for spent fuel storage and transportation, fuel cycle, decommissioning, and low-level waste programs. 

Inspection and Licensing Branches 1, 2 and 3 (ILB1, 2 and 3) 

The Inspection and Licensing Branches license and inspect nuclear materials safety and security for medical, veterinary, commercial, academic, industrial, and research facilities. The branches administer Master Materials Licenses for federal agencies, manage reciprocity requests, implement enforcement and allegations programs for nuclear materials users, evaluate financial assurance submissions, and provide event response and reactive inspection capabilities. The branches also coordinate with licensees during adverse conditions to protect public health, safety, and the security of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials. 

Program Support Branch (PSB) 

The Program Support Branch develops and maintains inspection procedures and manual chapters as well as other program documentation for NMSS inspection, licensing, and enforcement programs, including the Enforcement Policy and the Enforcement Manual. The branch reviews enforcement actions to ensure consistent implementation of Commission policy and develops the NRC Annual Enforcement Report. The branch monitors the performance of licensing and inspection programs, performs self-assessments to support continuous programmatic improvement, and assists with training and knowledge management for inspectors and license reviewers within NMSS business lines. The branch also coordinates with agency incident response and continuity-of-operations programs.  

Division of Fuel Cycle and Materials Oversight (FCMO) 

Implements, directs, and integrates a national program for the oversight and inspection of fuel cycle facilities, including operating and construction activities, independent spent fuel storage installations, and decommissioning and closure activities for reactor and materials licensees. Ensures consistent, risk-informed, and performance-based execution of inspection activities across a nationally aligned inspection workforce in accordance with the NRC’s Principles of Good Regulation. 

Oversees inspection planning, scheduling, and execution across fuel cycle, spent fuel storage, and decommissioning programs, including construction inspection and operational readiness activities for fuel facility applicants, inspections of spent fuel storage systems and transportation package vendors, and oversight of decommissioning, license termination, and site closure activities. Evaluates licensee and applicant performance to support the agency’s assessment, licensing, and enforcement processes. Ensures appropriate regulatory response, including enforcement, allegation follow-up, and event response, and manages oversight of classified information security programs associated with fuel cycle and materials activities. 

Supports integrated, agency-wide oversight of fuel cycle, spent fuel storage, and decommissioning activities by providing inspection insights, operational experience, and risk-informed perspectives. These inputs support fuel facility licensing reviews, regulatory authorization decisions, pre-operational readiness determinations, spent fuel storage and transportation oversight, and decommissioning/closure determinations, and inform program improvements and regulatory decision-making. 

Supports domestic and international standards development and engages in international cooperation activities related to fuel cycle facilities, spent fuel storage, transportation, and decommissioning, as appropriate. 

Spent Fuel Storage Oversight Branch (SFSOB) 

Plans, schedules, and implements oversight and inspection activities for independent spent fuel storage installations, spent fuel storage systems, transportation package vendors, and associated certificate holders and general licensees. Conducts inspections to assess compliance with applicable regulations, licenses, and certificates, and evaluates performance to support the agency’s assessment and enforcement processes. 

Implements inspection activities within the national oversight framework established by the division and in coordination with agency peers to ensure effective integration of licensing and oversight for spent fuel storage and transportation systems. Supports allegation follow-up, event response, and regulatory decision-making through inspection findings and technical evaluations. 

Provides technical expertise and support for domestic and international standards development in the areas of quality assurance, spent fuel storage, and transportation, and maintains engagement with national and international organizations and foreign regulators, as appropriate.  

Decommissioning and Closure Oversight Branch (DCOB) 

Plans, directs, and implements oversight and inspection activities for reactor and materials decommissioning and closure, including final status surveys, license termination activities, and associated site remediation efforts. Conducts inspections and technical evaluations to assess compliance with regulatory requirements and supports the agency’s assessment and enforcement processes. 

Implements inspection activities within the national oversight framework to ensure effective integration of licensing and oversight for decommissioning and closure activities. Provides oversight of uranium recovery inspection activities, as applicable, and supports technical review and licensing interfaces related to materials decommissioning. 

Supports allegation follow-up, event response, and regulatory decision-making through inspection findings and technical assessments.  

Fuels Oversight Branches 1 and 2 (FOB1 and 2) 

Plans, directs, and implements oversight and inspection activities for fuel cycle facilities and facility clearance holders, including operating and construction activities, to assess compliance with NRC requirements and license conditions. Conducts construction inspections and supports oversight of fuel facility applicants, including pre-operational readiness activities, to inform licensing and authorization decisions. Executes core, supplemental, and reactive inspections and evaluates licensee and applicant performance to support the agency’s assessment, licensing, and enforcement processes. 

Implements inspection activities within the national oversight framework and coordinates with agency peers to ensure alignment between licensing and oversight functions, specifically supporting fuel facility licensing activities by providing timely inspection results, construction insights, and operational readiness evaluations to inform regulatory decision-making. Supports allegation follow-up, event response, and regulatory actions through technically sound inspection results and evaluations. 

Provides supervision, direction, and technical guidance to inspection staff, including senior resident inspectors where applicable. Coordinates with the NRC nuclear security and incident response organizations and other stakeholders on security and safeguards-related oversight activities and supports standards development and international cooperation activities. 

Nuclear Materials Users, Decommissioning, Waste, Financial, and Rulemaking Programs 

Division of Materials Safety, Security, and State Programs (MSSS) 

MSSS oversees and implements the National Materials Program to enable the safe and secure use of radioactive materials in medical, industrial, commercial, and academic applications for beneficial civilian purposes. The division is responsible for the programmatic oversight of nuclear materials licensing, including management of fusion, medical use, sealed source and device, general license, master materials license, and exempt distribution licensing programs. Provides technical expertise for guidance development for the licensing of radioactive materials in medical, industrial, commercial, and academic settings; supports materials rulemaking; and handles related allegations. MSSS oversees event assessment, including the Nuclear Materials Events Assessment Database and also oversees the development, implementation, and integration of source security, including program enhancements, and management of the Integrated Source Management Portfolio (Web-Based Licensing, National Source Tracking System, License Verification System.) Responsible for coordination with Agreement States on Section 274i Agreements, policy issues, and the interface for safety and security issues. Reviews Agreement State programs for continued adequacy to protect public health and safety and evaluates compatibility with the NRC's regulatory program through the Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program. Establishes and maintains effective communications and working relationships between the NRC and States, local governments, and other Federal agencies to promote greater awareness and mutual understanding of the policies, activities, and concerns of all parties involved. 

Medical Safety and Events Assessment Branch (MSEB) 

Provides programmatic direction and policy development for the medical use of radioactive materials. Supports NMSS and Agreement States with licensing and inspection activities and assists the State Agreement and Liaison Programs Branch with new Agreement State applications, IMPEP reviews, and regulation reviews involving medical uses. Works with the Materials Safety and Licensing Branch to maintain and update medical licensing guidance, Management Directives, regulations, and policy statements. Serves as the primary liaison to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) covering radioactive drugs and medical devices. Manages the Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI), oversees all committee activities and serves as the Designated Federal Officer. Evaluates reported byproduct material events, supports the Abnormal Occurrence determination process with the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, and disseminates event information internally and externally, including to the IAEA’s International Nuclear Events Scale database. Maintains the Nuclear Materials Events Database contract, analyzes event trends, and coordinates with the Department of Energy on source recovery under an MOU. Supports the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors' material disposition program for orphan sources. Assesses licensee performance against the Agency Action Review Meeting criteria, coordinates NMSS generic communications, and maintains the NMSS Technical Assistance Request database. 

Materials Safety and Licensing Branch (MSLB) 

MSLB is responsible for the programmatic direction of commercial, academic, and industrial use of radioactive materials and technical assistance to Agreement States. Leads the development of a regulatory framework for fusion machines, including approaches to mass manufacturing, and creates and implements technical and policy guidance for sealed sources and devices used by the NRC and Agreement States. Performs safety evaluation reviews for sealed sources, devices, and exempt distribution licenses, and oversees the general license program, including the generally licensed device registration program. Addresses allegations involving sealed sources, devices, exempt distribution activities, and online sales of radioactive materials. Coordinates division-wide updates to regulatory guidance, including regulatory guides, NUREG1556 volumes, and management directives, and drives licensing program efficiency improvements aligned with ADVANCE Act requirements. Collaborates with the Division of Guidance, Rulemaking, Economic Analysis, and Technical Editing to update regulations governing commercial, industrial, and academic uses of radioactive material. Supports the State Agreement and Liaison Programs Branch in new Agreement State reviews, IMPEP evaluations, and regulation reviews, and provides oversight for the master materials license program. Maintain materials licensing database systems, including the Sealed Source and Device Registry and the General License Tracking System. 

Source Management and Protection Branch (SMPB) 

Provides programmatic and technical leadership and support for the safety, security, and control of radioactive sources. Oversees the development and nationwide implementation and integration of the various initiatives to enhance source security. Coordinates the Radiation Source Protection and Security Task Force activities for NRC and leads or participates in associated Task Force subgroups. Oversees the implementation of the actions taken to ensure program effectiveness relating to source tracking and license verification, including the development, update, and maintenance of the Integrated Source Management Portfolio, including the National Source Tracking System, the License Verification System, and the Web-Based Licensing System. Provides primary agencywide interface on matters relating to safety and security of radioactive sources. Interfaces with the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Provides support to pertinent rulemaking and guidance development activities. Responsible for communications system support involving Agreement States, (e.g., State contacts database, list servers, and public website) and participating in the National State Liaison Officer bi-annual conference. Supports international engagements, including bilateral meetings, international guidance development, conferences, and training related to source security.  

State Agreement and Liaison Programs Branch (SLPB) 

Leads the Agreement State Program and establishes policies and procedures for evaluating Agreement State and NRC performance in materials licensing and inspection activities, including management of the Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP). Provides guidance to states seeking Agreement State status, reviews new Section 274b Agreement applications in coordination with other NRC offices and works with Agreement States to plan and conduct compatibility reviews of State regulations. Manages the NRC’s State Agreement Officer program, oversees Agreement State performance concerns, and serves as NRC’s liaison with the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors and the Organization of Agreement States. Responsible for safety and security interface issues between the NRC and Agreement States, supports training for NMSS and Agreement State licensing and inspection staff, and makes the Section 274c determination required before Agreement States terminate uranium milling licenses. Provides guidance on NRC–Agreement State jurisdictional issues and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders on State regulation of low-level waste. Works closely with the State Liaison Program as the primary NRC policy contact with State, local, and Federal agencies; develops NRC policy for intergovernmental consultation; and serves as the main interface with non-governmental interstate and professional organizations such as the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the National Governors Association, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. Supports information exchange with RSLOs on reactor and fuel cycle safety and security, collaborates with partners on contingency planning and incident response involving State communications, maintains State contact systems and the National Materials Program website, and represents NRC internationally within this scope. 

Division of Decommissioning, Closure, Analysis, and Financial Oversight (DECAF) 

The Division of Decommissioning, Closure, Analysis, and Financial Oversight (DECAF) oversees the safe decommissioning of nuclear facilities, cleanup of contaminated sites, management and disposal of lowlevel radioactive waste (LLW), and regulation of uranium recovery activities. The division coordinates closely with Federal agencies, States, Tribal Governments, licensees, and the public, and provides programmatic and technical support to Agreement States. DECAF also conducts financial qualifications oversight and ensures adequate decommissioning funding across all NRClicensed activities. 

Reactor Decommissioning Branch and Uranium Recovery and Materials Decommissioning Branch (RDB) and (URMDB) 

The Reactor Decommissioning and Uranium Recovery and Materials Decommissioning Branches regulate decommissioning of power reactors, research and test reactors, nonpower utilization facilities, uranium recovery facilities, and materials sites. They perform safety reviews, inspections, complex decommissioning oversight, license and amendment reviews, and license termination. The branches also oversee licensing and inspection of conventional mills and insitu recovery facilities, develop policy and regulatory requirements, review reclamation and groundwater protection plans, and prepare NEPA documentation in coordination with the Environmental Review Branch. 

Risk and Low-Level Waste Branch (RLLWB) 

The LLW and Performance Assessment Branch leads implementation and coordination of the LLW program. It conducts riskinformed performance analyses for nonHLW waste streams, reviews DOE incidental waste determinations, and implements statutory responsibilities under several laws governing radiological decommissioning, waste disposal, and site closure (LLRWPAA, UMTRCA, WVDPA, the NDAA, and NRC’s license termination criteria). The branch supports national and international waste management and decommissioning initiatives and ensures safe implementation of DOE remedial actions and longterm surveillance plans for UMTRCA Title I sites. 

Financial Assessment Branch (FAB) 

The Financial Assessment Branch provides financial oversight for the commercial nuclear sector, evaluating licensee financial qualifications, insurance coverage, foreign ownership considerations, and decommissioning funding assurance. The branch ensures that adequate financial resources are available throughout facility lifecycles to support safe decommissioning and final site closure. 

Division of Guidance, Rulemaking, Economic Analysis, and Technical Editing (GREAT) 

The Division of Guidance, Rulemaking, Economic Analysis, and Technical Editing (GREAT) provides project management and technical expertise for the agency’s rulemaking, guidance and publications, information collections, and technical editing programs. GREAT leads the development of the technical, financial, legal, and administrative rules the NRC issues to regulate operating and new commercial nuclear power reactors, advanced reactor technologies, non-power production and utilization facilities, and the use of nuclear materials. GREAT prepares regulatory analyses for rules and other regulatory decisions, manages information collection activities in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB’s) implementing regulations, and develops and implements policies and guidance for the NRC’s rulemaking program. The NRC’s Liaison Officer with the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) and Regulatory Second for interactions with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) are located in GREAT. GREAT also supports the priority scheduling and revision or development of Regulatory Guides (RGs) and draft RGs (DGs), supports and manages NRC’s Management Directives, Announcements, Technical Editing, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Issuances (NRCIs) programs. 

Rulemaking Projects Branches 1 and 2 (RPB1 and RPB2) 

The rulemaking projects branches lead the agency’s rulemaking functions across both the reactor and materials programs. They are responsible for developing, documenting, tracking, and reporting rulemaking activities that support agency decisionmaking and for providing project management for the development and issuance of regulatory bases, proposed rules, and final rules including the resolution of petitions for rulemaking. RPB1 and RPB2 develop new regulations, processes, and guidance, and support the evolution of existing requirements for rulemaking activities spanning operating reactors, advanced reactors, new reactors and the agency’s materials and corporate business lines, ensuring consistent implementation of applicable policies and procedures. 

Guidance and Publications Branch (GPB) 

GPB provides project management, coordination, and oversight, working closely with NRC offices and internal and external stakeholders, for the development, processing, and issuance of internal and external policy and guidance, including management directives, NUREGseries publications, and regulatory guidance. The Branch manages activities related to the creation, revision, withdrawal, and periodic review of agency guidance. GPB ensures highquality technical editing of NRC documents and correspondence and is responsible for the effective management of the agency’s Management Directives, Announcements, Technical Editing, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Issuances (NRCIs) programs. 

Economic Analysis and Liaison Branch (EALB) 

ELAB is responsible for preparing regulatory analyses that support NRC rules and other regulatory decisions, including developing agency policies and procedures for regulatory analysis used in rulemaking packages and guidance documents. The Branch serves as the NRC’s primary liaison with the Office of the Federal Register, ensuring accurate coordination and publication of Federal Register notices, draft and final rules, and associated regulatory documents. The Branch also leads agency coordination with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for Executive Order 12866 reviews, providing the required economic analyses, and ensuring that submissions meet applicable requirements. ELAB ensures NRC compliance with the Federal Register Act, Congressional Review Act, Regulatory Flexibility Act, Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, and the Plain Writing Act. Additionally, the Branch oversees the agency’s information collection activities under the Paperwork Reduction Act and OMB’s implementing regulations. This includes coordination with the OCIO Clearance Officer on matters concerning implementation of information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. ELAB staff facilitate OMB clearances for NRC rules and regulations and support publication and compliance activities across the agency. The NRC Federal Register Liaison is a member of this Branch. 

Fuel Facilities, Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation, and Environmental Programs 

Division of Fuel Cycle (DFC) 

The Division of Fuel Cycle provides regulatory oversight for the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle for current fuel cycle technologies as well as emerging and advanced fuel technologies. DFC regulates activities involving existing facilities and newly proposed facilities for uranium conversion, enrichment, deconversion, reprocessing, plutonium processing operations, and fuel manufacturing. The division is also responsible for the control and accounting for SNM, security for SNM, and implementation of domestic and international safeguards at NRC-regulated facilities. Maintains regulatory infrastructure to support licensing of fuel cycle facilities, including integrated safety analysis reviews of facilities. DFC directs NRC’s contingency planning and emergency response operations for accidents, events, incidents, threats, thefts, and radiological sabotage relating to licensed activities for fuel cycle facilities under its responsibility. Provides technical support to the Office of International Programs (OIP) for import and export licensing. Coordinates with other Federal agencies for the implementation of international safeguards in U.S. facilities. The division develops security programs and policy enhancements to prevent malevolent cyber acts against all licensed facilities regulated by NMSS.​ DFC also manages coordination with DOE on activities associated with advanced fuel demonstrations and the DOE fuel pilot program.   

Fuel Facility Licensing Branch 1 (FLB1)  

Leads management of the fuel cycle facility licensing program under 10 CFR Parts 40, and 70. Develops policies, practices, procedures, and the necessary infrastructure to support implementation, assessment, and continuous enhancement of this program. Plans, coordinates, and manages the overall development and implementation of policies and programs for NRC regulation of activities involving uranium fuel fabrication, plutonium processing and fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, medical isotope production, conversion, deconversion, reprocessing, microreactors, and other SNM facilities. Oversees the development and promulgation of regulatory requirements, development of policy, and the conduct of licensing reviews related to such facilities. Issues new, amended, and renewed licenses upon completion of staff review and finding of regulatory compliance. Provides technical support and guidance on licensing and inspection activities. Reviews programmatic activities and identifies technical and policy options for regulations, regulatory guides, and policy statements related to above facilities. Supports the development of licensee performance reviews and the screening process for the Agency Action Review Meeting. Manages policy and implementation issues associated with the handling of sensitive information. Manages the transition of DOE authorized facilities to NRC oversight. 

Fuel Facility Licensing Branch 2 (FLB2)  

Leads management of the fuel cycle facility licensing program under 10 CFR Parts 40, and 70. Develops policies, practices, procedures, and the necessary infrastructure to support implementation, assessment, and continuous enhancement of this program. Plans, coordinates, and manages the overall development and implementation of policies and programs for NRC regulation of activities involving uranium fuel fabrication, plutonium processing and fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, medical isotope production, conversion, deconversion, reprocessing microreactors, and other SNM facilities. Oversees the development and promulgation of regulatory requirements, development of policy, and the conduct of licensing reviews related to such facilities. Issues new, amended, and renewed licenses upon completion of staff review and finding of regulatory compliance. Provides technical support and guidance on licensing and inspection activities. Reviews programmatic activities and identifies technical and policy options for regulations, regulatory guides, and policy statements related to above facilities. Supports the development of licensee performance reviews and the screening process for the Agency Action Review Meeting. Manages policy and implementation issues associated with the handling of sensitive information. Manages the transition of DOE authorized facilities to NRC oversight. 

Technical Review Branch (TRB)  

Conducts the technical safety review on criticality safety for fuel cycle facilities under 10 CFR Parts 40, 50, and 70, including licensing of uranium oxide fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, medical isotope production, conversions, deconversion and other SNM facilities. Provides technical support for implementing the fuel cycle facility inspection program. Provides technical support for incident and emergency response, and events assessment. Conducts the technical safety review associated with the management measures, quality assurance, electrical, structural, chemical safety, and criticality safety for fuel cycle facilities.  

Materials Accounting, Safeguards, and Risk Assessment Branch (MASRB)  

Implements the application of IAEA safeguards for all NRC-licensed facilities and serves as the interface between licensees and the IAEA for safeguards. Represents the NRC on Federal interagency safeguards groups. Supports activities to enhance safeguards programs in other countries and promote nuclear non-proliferation. Provides technical support to OIP on imports and exports of nuclear material and nuclear technology transfers. In conjunction with the DOE/National Nuclear Security Agency, manages and supports the U.S. National Accounting System for tracking transfers and possession of nuclear material. Supports contingency planning and emergency response activities for safeguards events. Plans, coordinates, and manages the development and implementation of policies and programs for material controls and accounting (MC&A) for all NRC-regulated facilities. Conducts technical and regulatory reviews of MC&A programs and provides oversight support at all NRC-licensed facilities. Conducts the technical safety review and provides inspection support on integrated safety assessment for fuel cycle facilities under 10 CFR Parts 40, 50, and 70. Provides risk assessment, MC&A, and safeguards technical support for incident and emergency response and events assessment for facilities under our responsibilities. 

Materials Security Branch (MSB)  

Plans, coordinates, and manages the overall development and implementation of policies, guidance, and licensing for security at independent spent fuel storage installations, decommissioned power reactors, other licensed radioactive material, waste processing, storage and disposal facilities, and transportation security and physical protection of fissile material at nuclear fuel cycle facilities and risk-significant quantities of material. Conducts technical and regulatory reviews in support of regulatory programs, rulemakings, and licensing activities for the use, storage, and disposal of nuclear and radioactive materials. Assesses fuel cycle facility security event reports. Coordinates intergovernmental activities with DHS, DOE and the Department of State to exchange security-related information and support security initiatives; participates in domestic coordination activities with Federal, Tribal, State and local stakeholders. Participates in international activities, including International Atomic Energy Agency coordination, bilateral discussions with foreign nations on items of interest, and import and export notifications on nuclear materials and special nuclear materials transfers. Conducts physical protection and non-proliferation reviews of export license applications and foreign technical assistance requests. 

Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation (SFST) 

The Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation has regulatory responsibility for spent fuel storage and transportation; transportation of radioactive materials; and ultimate disposal of fuel. The division is also responsible for the certification of transportation packages for radioactive materials. Reviews and approves quality assurance programs for fabrication of transportation packaging and dry storage systems. Conducts environmental reviews for licensing actions, across the NMSS Business Lines, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and related statutes. Prepares Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments and coordinates with Federal, State, Local, and Tribal partners. 

Quality Assurance, Materials, and Structural Branch (QMSB) 

Conducts quality assurance, structural and materials safety reviews of commercial transportation package designs under 10 CFR Part 71 and storage package designs under Part 72.  For transportation packages, this includes UF6, fresh fuel, oxides, contaminated waste, sealed sources, and Naval Reactor shipments. For spent fuel storage cask designs, this includes the certification of storage systems under the general license provisions of Part 72.  This includes the licensing of nuclear utility specific spent fuel storage facilities and private spent fuel storage facilities for storage of spent fuel and reactor-related greater-than-Class-C waste. Coordinates with partners to conduct research and develop technical guidance for materials and structural performance of storage casks, transportation packages for new and spent fuel and fueled micro-reactors. Supports the materials inspection and oversite divisions to resolve technical issues and develop inspection guidance within its areas of technical expertise. Provides technical support for the development of policy and technical guidance for the design, analysis, fabrication, and operation of spent fuel and non-spent fuel shipping containers, spent fuel storage cask designs, and interim spent fuel and HLW storage facilities. Provides technical support for incident and emergency response and develops the technical bases for risk-informing regulatory programs for spent fuel transportation and storage.  

Containment, Thermal, Shielding, and Criticality Branch (CTSCB) 

Conducts the technical safety review, with focus on thermal, shielding, criticality, and containment areas, of commercial transportation package designs under 10 CFR Part 71, this includes transportation packages for spent fuel, UF6, fresh fuel, oxides, contaminated waste, sealed sources, and Naval Reactor shipments. Conducts the technical safety review of spent fuel storage cask designs under 10 CFR Part 72, including the certification of storage systems under the general license provisions of 10 CFR Part 72. Conducts the technical safety reviews of interim spent fuel and HLW storage facilities under 10 CFR Part 72, including the licensing of nuclear utility specific facilities and private facilities. Conducts the technical safety review of DOE applications for storage and transport systems. Develops technical guidance for the design, analysis, fabrication, and operation of spent fuel and non-spent fuel shipping containers under 10 CFR Part 71, and spent fuel storage cask designs, and interim spent fuel and HLW storage facilities under 10 CFR Part 72. Provides technical support for issuance of technical and policy guidance on transportation and spent fuel storage. Provides technical support for incident and emergency response.  

Storage, Transport, and Microreactor Licensing Branch (STMLB) 

Manages and coordinates the safety, security, and environmental reviews and issues initial licenses, renewals, and amendments for spent fuel storage cask designs under 10 CFR Part 72, including the certification of storage systems under the general license provisions of 10 CFR Part 72. Manages and coordinates the safety, security, and environmental reviews and issues initial licenses, renewals, and amendments for the interim spent fuel and high-level waste (HLW) storage facilities under 10 CFR Part 72, including the licensing of nuclear utility specific facilities and private facilities, and for storage of spent fuel and reactor-related greater-than-Class-C waste. Manages and coordinates the safety, security, and environmental reviews and issues licenses for DOE applications for storage and transport systems. Manages and coordinates the safety, security, and environmental reviews and issues certificates of compliance for transportation cask designs under 10 CFR Part 71. This includes transportation containers for fissile material and Type B quantities, such as spent fuel, UF6, fresh fuel, contaminated waste, sealed sources, and Naval Reactor shipments. Manages and coordinates the safety, security, and environmental reviews and issues certificates of compliance for transportation cask designs for transportable micro-reactors. Provides technical support for development of guidance for the design, analysis, fabrication, and operation of spent fuel and non-spent fuel shipping containers under 10 CFR Part 71, and spent fuel storage cask designs, and interim spent fuel and HLW storage facilities under 10 CFR Part 72. Coordinates and develops guidance with other U.S. Government and international agencies on transportation and spent fuel storage policy and safety and security issues and provides guidance to industry and the public. Participates in the development of international transportation and spent fuel storage safety and security standards. Supports international activities on transportation of radioactive materials. Coordinates with DRM, Environmental, and Financial Support for spent fuel storage and transportation rulemaking activities.   

Environmental Review Materials Branch (ERMB)  

The Environmental Review Materials Branch conducts environmental reviews for licensing actions across the NMSS Business Lines, in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and related statutes. Prepares Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments and Categorical Exclusion determinations. Coordinates with Federal, State, Local, and Tribal partners in developing NEPA documents and associated reviews. Conducts National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106) and Endangered Species Act consultations. ERMB also advances process efficiency and regulatory consistency, and provides environmental guidance and training related to decommissioning and uranium recovery, fuel cycle, spent fuel, and rulemaking activities, providing technical support as requested.