2021-19179. Seeks Qualified Candidates for the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards

AGENCY:

Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION:

Request for resumes.

SUMMARY:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) seeks qualified candidates for the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS). Submit resumes to Ms. Makeeka Compton and Ms. Jamila Perry, ACRS, Mail Stop: T2B50, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, or email [e-mail] and [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The ACRS is a part-time advisory group, which is statutorily mandated by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. The ACRS provides independent expert advice on matters related to the safety of existing and proposed nuclear reactor facilities and on the adequacy of proposed reactor safety standards. Of primary importance are the safety issues associated with the operation of commercial nuclear power plants in the United States and regulatory initiatives, including risk-informed and performance-based regulation, license renewal, power uprates, and the use of mixed oxide and high burnup fuels. An increased emphasis is being given to safety issues associated with new reactor designs and technologies, including passive system reliability and thermal hydraulic phenomena, use of digital instrumentation and control, international codes and standards used in multinational design certifications, materials, and structural engineering, nuclear analysis and reactor core performance, and nuclear materials and radiation protection.

In addition, the ACRS may be requested to provide advice on radiation protection, radioactive waste management, and earth sciences in the agency's licensing reviews for fuel fabrication and enrichment facilities, and for waste disposal facilities. The ACRS also has some involvement in security matters related to the integration of safety and security of commercial reactors. See the NRC website at https://www.nrc.gov/​about-nrc/​regulatory/​advisory/​acrs.html for additional information about the ACRS.

Criteria used to evaluate candidates include education and experience, demonstrated skills in nuclear reactor safety matters, the ability to solve complex technical problems, and the ability to work collegially on a board, panel, or committee. The Commission, in selecting its Committee members, also considers the need for specific expertise to accomplish the work expected to be before the ACRS. ACRS Committee members are appointed for four-year terms with no term limits. The Commission looks to fill one vacancy as a result of this request. Candidates for this position must have extensive experience in nuclear fuel cycle chemistry, structural integrity, and/or metallurgy applicable to nuclear facilities and/or nuclear power plant systems or components. It would be useful if candidates also have experience in seismic analysis. The candidates must also have at least 20 years of education and experience and a distinguished record of achievement in one or more areas of nuclear science and technology or related engineering disciplines. Candidates with pertinent graduate level experience will be given additional consideration.

Consistent with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Commission seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds, so that the membership on the Committee is fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented and functions to be performed by the Committee. Candidates will undergo a thorough security background check to obtain the security clearance that is mandatory for all ACRS members. The security background check will involve the completion and submission of paperwork to the NRC.

Candidates for ACRS appointment may be involved in or have financial interests related to NRC-regulated aspects of the nuclear industry. However, because conflict-of-interest considerations may restrict the participation of a candidate in ACRS activities, the degree and nature of any such restriction on an individual's activities as a member will be considered in the selection process. Each qualified candidate's financial interests must be reconciled with applicable Federal and NRC rules and regulations prior to final appointment. This might require divestiture of securities or discontinuance of certain contracts or grants. Information regarding these restrictions will be provided upon request. As a part of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012, which bans insider trading by members of Congress, their staff, and other high-level federal employees, candidates for appointments will be required to disclose additional financial transactions.

A resume describing the educational and professional background of each candidate, including any special accomplishments, publications, and professional references should be provided. Candidates should provide their current address, telephone number, and email address. All candidates will receive careful consideration. Appointment will be made without regard to factors such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disabilities. Candidates must be citizens of the United States and be able to devote approximately 100 days per year to Committee business, but may not be compensated for more than 130 calendar days. As a part of ACRS' transformative practice, appointees may be able to virtually devote some of the 130 days to Committee business. Resumes will be accepted until December 7, 2021.

Dated: September 1, 2021.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Annette L. Vietti-Cook,

Secretary of the Commission.