Initiating the Process cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1148-2002

An existing set of standards (for example, the current set of all applicable Department

directives) is no longer appropriate due to changes in mission, regulatory environment,

degree of hazards, performance expectation, or knowledge. For example, facilities that

are undergoing transitions from operations to decommissioning and deactivation will

require a transition to a different set of standards.

The applicable contract requires that the Process be used. The N&S Process may be

specifically called out in a new or modified contract.

A Stakeholder (or Interested Party) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Agreement

Parties that the existing set of standards is either not necessary or not sufficient to

provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection. Evidence provided should be

based on the set of standards, not on the way the standards are implemented. To meet

this criteria, two conditions are necessary:

(1)

input from a Stakeholder (or Interested Party), and

(2)

Agreement Parties agree that the Stakeholder (or Interested Party) has a

valid concern.

A Stakeholder complaint, regardless of validity, does not in itself satisfy this condition to

initiate the Process. However, all input from Stakeholders and Interested Parties should

be carefully evaluated to determine if the adequacy of current standards is at issue.