Conducting the NCE

DOE-STD-3015-2004

As another example, a complete (stand-alone) analysis may be used to show that

implementation of the proposed change would not pose a threat to NES.

8.4.3 NCE PREPARARTION

NESSG personnel, and TAs participating in an NCE, will be given sufficient time and

resources to read and evaluate the change package. Because change proposals, or

NCEs of new information, vary widely in complexity, sufficient time for NCE

preparation will vary from a nominal preparation period following receipt of the

change package to no preparation, prior to commencing an NCE.

8.4.4 CONDUCTING THE NCE

Five elements central to the conduct of an NCE are briefings, demonstrations,

deliberations, documentation of results, and feedback. The need for briefings and

demonstrations are determined during the NCE planning, but may also be requested

by NESSG personnel during the conduct of the NCE. During the conduct of the

NCE, NESSG personnel determine if a proposed change, or new information, reduces

assurance of meeting any of the three DOE NES Standards and other NES criteria.

For a change proposal to address an approved NESSG finding, NESSG personnel

must also determine whether the proposed change adequately corrects the NES

deficiency.

An NCE must reach one of the following conclusions:

1. The proposed change does not reduce assurance of meeting the three DOE NES

Standards (i.e., no pre-start findings have been identified).

2. The proposed change reduces assurance of meeting the three DOE NES Standards

(i.e., pre-start findings have been identified).

During the conduct of the NCE, the chair may advise the originator of the change

proposal of any additional information required above and beyond the initial change

package submittal. This could result in suspension of the NCE until the additional