National Materials Program: Goals and Priorities
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Organization of Agreement States (OAS) Board will collaborate on an annual basis to set National Materials Program (NMP) goals and priorities, which are consistent with the mission and objectives of the NMP, as facilitated by the NMP Champions. The NRC and the OAS Board will determine the process and timing for the establishment and communication of the annual NMP goals and priorities. In conjunction with the development of the annual NMP goals and priorities, the NRC and the OAS Board will review and revise, as needed, the NMP activities that are tracked and monitored, and the quality measures used to measure NMP performance.
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• 2025 – 2026 National Materials Program (NMP) Priorities • Summary of Activities on 2024 - 2025 NMP Priorities
2025–2026 National Materials Program (NMP) Priorities
The 2025-2026 NMP Priorities have been crafted using the Be riskSMART framework. This collaborative tool ensures that the priorities remain focused on significant actions that deliver high-quality benefits aligned with the NMP Mission.
The NMP Priorities are set at the OAS Annual Board Meeting each spring and are updated annually to reflect current priorities. The following priorities are the focus from spring 2025 to spring 2026.
1. Strengthen Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness
- The purpose of our efficiency and effectiveness efforts within the National Materials Program is to ensure the safe, secure, and sustainable regulation of radioactive materials. By optimizing processes and leveraging innovative solutions, we aim to enhance regulatory performance, reduce administrative burdens, and maintain the highest standards of safety and compliance.
- Ensure consistent application of compatibility requirements during revisions to NRC regulations: Work with Agreement States through the Standing Committee on Compatibility to minimize impact from proposed changes.
- Develop and issue a desk guide for incorporating regulations by reference: Provide guidance for Agreement States to use when incorporating regulations by reference to assist with the process.
- Streamline IMPEP reviews: Develop ways to simplify the 2026 NRC IMPEP review and Agreement State IMPEP reviews.
- Synchronize WBL/NSTS systems: Ensure that the Web-Based Licensing System (WBL) and National Tracking System (NSTS) are synchronized.
- Leverage resources across the NMP: Use the Standing Committee for Sealed Source and Device (SS&D) Expertise to assist with reviews as needed.
2. Advance Safe and Effective Regulation for Emerging Technologies
- The purpose of our emergent technical activities, including fusion and medical initiatives, within the National Materials Program is to advance the safe and effective regulation of nuclear materials. By fostering innovation and addressing emerging technologies, we aim to enhance public health, safety, and environmental protection while supporting the development and application of cutting-edge nuclear technologies.
- Fusion Activities:
- Continue development of rulemaking and licensing guidance: Develop and distribute for comment risk informed guidelines for the use, possession, and production of byproduct material in fusion machines.
- Engage Agreement States in training sessions: Develop, organize and conduct training sessions for license reviewers and inspectors.
- Launch and manage the Standing Committee on Fusion Oversight: Establish the committee and schedule regular meetings to advise the NMP on fusion activities.
- Coordinate and host public meetings with States: Plan and host public meetings with Agreement States during the public comment for the proposed rule.
- Medical:
- Emergent Technical issues: continue to partner on fusion machines, medical subjects, security, and other emerging issues as needed.
3. Implement Monitoring and Evaluation Program Improvements to Drive Performance
- The purpose of our program performance efforts within the National Materials Program is to ensure the precise and effective regulation of radioactive materials. By implementing rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes, we aim to identify and address areas for improvement, streamline regulatory procedures, and enhance compliance with safety and security standards. Additionally, we prioritize transparent information sharing to foster collaboration, support informed decision-making, and promote public trust. Our goal is to achieve measurable advancements in operational efficiency, public safety, and environmental protection.
- Share self- audit tools across the NMP: Distribute and promote the use of self-audit tools among NMP members.
- Issue and implement updated strategy and guidance in SA-1001: Provide updated SA-1001, Implementation of Management Directive 5.7, "Technical Assistance to Agreement States," to assist States with performance issues requiring immediate attention.
- Schedule and conduct Champions Chats on financial assurance and Decommissioning Funding Plans (DFP): Organize and hold Champions Chats to discuss financial assurance and DFP.
- Develop strategies to forecast staff shortfalls and address training needs: Implement a pilot SharePoint site to forecast retirements and attrition and address training needs.
4. Leverage Technology to Advance Regulatory Capabilities
- The purpose of our technology initiatives within the National Materials Program is to leverage advanced tools and innovative solutions to enhance the regulation of nuclear materials. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, we aim to improve data accuracy, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen safety and security measures. Our commitment to technological advancement ensures that we remain at the forefront of regulatory excellence, fostering a safer and more efficient environment for the management of nuclear materials.
- Web-Based Licensing (WBL):
- Onboard States to WBL: Continue to successfully onboard States to the WBL system.
- Improve and support the NMP's licensing and inspection capabilities: Continuously enhance the NMP's licensing and inspection capabilities and encourage Agreement State participation through activities such as the Agreement State WBL Stakeholders meetings.
5. Provide Training to Support Effective Regulation
- The purpose of our training initiatives within the National Materials Program is to ensure that all personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively regulate nuclear materials. By providing comprehensive and ongoing training, we aim to enhance competency, ensure adherence to safety and security protocols, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Consistent and effective training is crucial for maintaining high standards of regulatory performance, protecting public health and safety, and ensuring environmental stewardship.
- Deliver technical training courses: Ensure sufficient numbers of qualified inspection and license reviewers for all NMP members and future Agreement States.
- Provide IMPEP team member and team leader training: Ensure consistent and risk-informed evaluations.
- Review and revise refresher training in IMC 1248: Update and improve the training materials.
- Deliver Sealed Source and Device Review Workshop: Organize and conduct the workshop.
- Develop and conduct NMP training for new Radiation Control Program Directors: Create and deliver an introduction to NMP training for new Program Directors and future leaders of OAS and introduce them to the monthly NMP call agenda.
2024-2025 National Materials Program (NMP) Accomplishments
Comprehensive
- Expanded the use of Agreement State instructors for NRC courses (G-108 and G-109)
- Added the NRC payment of travel expenses for other States to attend “State Delivered Paid by NRC” courses
- Continued use of NRAN rotational assignments to include placement in Agreement State programs
- Established a new Standing Committee for Sealed Source and Device Expertise
- Established NRC-Agreement State Uranium Recovery Remediation Working Group to develop a licensing guidance for the remedial of abandoned uranium mine waste.
- Updated SA-500 with additional jurisdictional items
Fusion
- Section 205 working group includes three Agreement State members from Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee
- May 13, 2024, RCPD-24-004 Agreement State review of the draft proposed rule
- August 28, 2024, G2G meeting to discuss Agreement State comments
- October 23, 2024, Section 205 public meeting
- December 11, 2024, SECY-24-0085 to Commission
- February 27, 2025, G2G with Agreement States on Options in SECY-24-0085 Enclosure 5 for particle accelerator definition and OAS Board survey
- March 5, 2025, Public meeting providing updates on Section 205(c) of the Advance Act (fusion machine mass-manufacturing)
- March 11, 2025, Issuance of "Vision and Strategy: Regulating Fusion Machines Across the National Materials Program"
- March 12, 2025: Issuance of a revision to proposed draft NUREG-1556, Volume 22: Consolidated Guidance for Specific Licensing of Fusion Machines
WBL
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Agreement State adoption of WBL
- 13 states are fully using WBL.
- Three states (ME, NY, and VA) are in the process of transitioning and working through data migration and training.
- Ohio initially completed its data upload but opted out due to incompatibility between WBL and their new billing system.
- Illinois and Arizona have expressed interest in joining, and discussions are ongoing to assess their needs and potential integration timeline.
- Connecticut is receiving WBL support in preparation for their transition to an Agreement State in September 2025.
- California discussions are on hold while SMPB staff resources are prioritized for other agency projects.
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Agreement State representation in WBL development
- Amber Schmidt has volunteered to serve as the Agreement State representative to help manage and prioritize state-related enhancements and modifications to WBL.
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WBL enhancements
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QR Code functionality:
- Originally developed for Category 3 license verification, but the project was paused for ~8 months due to the “Category 3” rulemaking not being approved.
- The project has now resumed with an expanded scope and States using WBL will have the option to implement this functionality when available.
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External portal for licensee submissions (a.k.a. Form 313):
- Project timeline was delayed by approximately 3 months due to feedback received after a system demonstration.
- Deployment is now tentatively scheduled for September 2025 to allow for necessary modifications and user testing.
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WBL integration with NSTS:
- Currently in the data verification phase to ensure consistency between WBL and NSTS records.
- This integration will impact all Agreement States, as license information will no longer be maintained in NSTS.
- States will be required to add or modify NSTS license data through WBL once the integration is in place.
- Deployment timeline is still to be determined (TBD), but training, demos, and documentation will be provided ahead of the rollout to ensure a smooth transition.
Working Groups
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Active Groups:
- 3 Standing Committees – Recently added Standing Committee for Sealed Source and Device (SS&D) Expertise
- 15 Working groups
- Over 100 NRC participants
- 30 Agreement State participants from 16 different States
Medical
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Request for Comments
- Opportunity to Provide Comments on Draft Licensing Guidance for the Akesis Galerty RTi and the LV Liberty Vision Corporation Model 1 YTTRIUM-90 Disc And iWAND® OPhthalmic System (RCPD-23-006).
- Opportunity To Comment On Draft Abk Biomedical, Inc. EYE90 Microspheres® Manual Brachytherapy Licensing Guidance (RCPD-23-005).
- Opportunity To Comment On NRC Draft Guidance For The Implementation Of 10 CFR Part 35 Training And Experience Requirements (RCPD-24-002).
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STC Letters
- Notification Of Issuance Of Akesis Galaxy RTi Gamma Stereotactic Radiotherapy Licensing Guidance (STC-24-051). (ADAMS ML24239A780)
- Notification Of Issuance Of EYE90 Microspheres® Licensing Guidance. (STC-24-065). (ADAMS ML24325A439)
- Notification Of Issuance Of Alpha Dart Revision 1, Manual Brachytherapy Licensing Guidance (STC-25-009). (ADAMS ML25057A263)
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Pending release
- RefleXion
- Thorium Generators
- Liberty Vision
Communications
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Champions Chats (4)
- Sept 25, 2024 – Exempt Products
- Dec 10, 2024 – RadioCat
- Jan 15, 2025 – Radiopharmaceuticals and Deceased Individuals
- April 10, 2025 – NRC’s Updated Mission Statement, ADVANCE Act, Materials Licensing
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Government to Government meetings (4)
- Aug 28, 2024 – Feedback on Agreement State Comments on Fusion Rulemaking and Guidance
- Feb 26, 2025 – Abandoned Uranium Mine Remediation Licensing Guidance Development
- Feb 28, 2025 – Fusion IOAS Survey Results and Fusion Rulemaking
- March 26, 2025 – ADVANCE Act Section 205
STC Letters Issued March 2024 – March 2025
- Issuance Of A Federal Register Notice Requesting Comments On Proposed Rule "Advance Tribal Notification Of Category 1 Quantities Of Radioactive Material" (STC-24-018). (ADAMS ML24058A195)
- Applicability Of Title 10 Of The Code Of Federal Regulations Part 71 Requirements During The Movement Of Radioactive Material Within A Temporary Jobsite (STC-24-023). (ADAMS ML24114A233)
- Proposed Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program Schedules For NRC Fiscal Years 2025–2027 (STC-24-025). (ADAMS ML24100A820)
- Notification Of The U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission Secy-24-0035,"Advancing The Use Of Artificial Intelligence At The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission"(STC-24-029). (ADAMS ML24142A146)
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Memorandum Of Understanding With The U.S. Department Of Defense Regarding Remediation Of Unlicensed Radioactive Material (STC-24-026). (ADAMS ML24122C685)
- Notice Of Annual Organization Of Agreement States And Conference Of Radiation Control Program Directors Commission Briefing (STC-24-044). (ADAMS ML24214A263)
- Notice Of Request For Comment: Alternative Physical Security Requirements For Advanced Reactors - Proposed Rulemaking (STC-24-045). (ADAMS ML22045A054)
- Availability Of Revisions To Procedure SA-300 And The Handbook On Nuclear Material Event Reporting For The Agreement States (STC-24-035). (ADAMS ML22251A240)
- Notification Of Issuance Of Akesis Galaxy RTi Gamma Stereotactic Radiotherapy Licensing Guidance (STC-24-051). (ADAMS ML24239A780)
- Notification Of Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP) Team Member Roster Update (STC-24-049). (ADAMS ML24157A371)
- Annual Count Of Active Radioactive Material Licenses In The National Materials Program (STC-24-060). (ADAMS ML24291A116)
- Issuance Of Proposed Rule And Notice Of Availability Of The Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement For Licensing Of New Nuclear Reactors (STC-24-058). (ADAMS ML21274A151)
- Notification Of Issuance Of Eye90 Microspheres® Licensing Guidance (STC-24-065). (ADAMS ML24325A439)
- Reminder To Share Information On Additional Protocol Forms With Licensees To Assist In Meeting International Atomic Energy Agency Treaty Obligations (STC-24-069). (ADAMS ML24337A235)
- Availability Of Final Revisions To Procedure SA-300 And The Handbook On Nuclear Material Event Reporting For The Agreement States (STC-24-068). (ADAMS ML24332A087)
- Issuance Of A Federal Register Notice On Final Rule: Non-Power Production Or Utilization Facility License Renewal (STC-24-067). (ADAMS ML24291A048)
- Notification Of The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission "Implementation Plan For The Future Of The National Materials Program Working Group And Working Group To Assess The Ability To Monitor National Material Program Performance" (STC-25-001). (ADAMS ML25013A190)
- Notification Of The Law Enforcement Response In Power Reactor Physical Protection Programs Proposed Interpretive Rule (STC-25-003). (ADAMS ML25024A103)
- Announcement Of June 24-25, 2025, State Liaison Officer Conference (STC-25-010). (ADAMS ML25044A303)
- Results Of The Annual Count Of Active Radioactive Material Licenses In The National Materials Program (STC-25-007). (ADAMS ML25042A599)
- Notification Of The Fiscal Year 2025 Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program Team Member Training (STC-25-011). (ADAMS ML25050A517)
- Notification Of Issuance Of Alpha Dart Revision 1, Manual Brachytherapy Licensing Guidance (STC-25-009). (ADAMS ML25057A263)
- Proposed Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program Schedules For NRC Fiscal Years 2026–2028 (STC-25-016). (ADAMS ML25076A432)
RCPD Letters issued March 2024 – April 10, 2025
- Early Copy of Final Rule “Advance Tribal Notification Of Category 1 Quantities Of Radioactive Material” (RCPD-25-002).
- Resolution of Recent Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP) Findings Regarding Medical Personnel Training and Experience Verification with Potential Impacts to Licensing Activities in other Agreement State Programs (RCPD-25-001).
- Opportunity to Comment on the Regulatory Basis Document for Financial Assurance Requirements for Disposition of Category 1–3 Byproduct Material Radioactive Sealed Sources (RCPD-24-007).
- Opportunity to Comment on the Revision to Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Procedure SA-10, “Oversight Of The National Materials Program” (RCPD-24-006).
- Opportunity to Comment on the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Draft Rulemaking Plan: Physical Protection of Radioactive Materials (RCPD-24-005).
- Opportunity for Advance Review and Comment on the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Draft Proposed Rule: Regulatory Framework for Fusion Systems (RCPD-24-004).
- Opportunity to Comment on the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Draft Proposed Rule: Reporting Nuclear Medicine Injection Extravasations as Medical Events (RCPD-24-003).
- Opportunity to Comment on NRC Draft Guidance for the Implementation of 10 CFR Part 35 Training and Experience Requirements (RCPD-24-002).