Quality Assurance Blog
The latest source for industry and GQA news.
2011 NUPIC Vendor Meeting
Posted by asantiago on Jun 27, 2011 at 04:33 PM
The NUPIC meeting was jam packed with useful information. General topics included the annual reports from NUPIC, NRC, and NIAC. Other hot topics were covered, such as Commercial Grade Software Dedication, 10 CFR Part 21, Fukushima, New Units, Nuclear Safety, and more. Please find a link to the presentations below. You can also find a permanent link to this year’s presentations and 2010’s at our website.
NEI’s Response to AP Report
Posted by asantiago on Jun 27, 2011 at 04:25 PM
On June 20, 2011, the Associated Press (AP) released an investigative report regarding the United States Nuclear Industry. On June 21, 2011, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) released a criticism of said report.
NEI is the Nuclear Energy Industry’s representatives. They have done an excellent job in their representation of our industry, especially since being under the gun in the past few months. A lot of the updates found on our Twitter and Facebook pages are directly from NEI, or NEI Smartbrief.
Thank you NEI for doing such a great job!
Latest Snapshot of GQA
Posted by asantiago on Jun 27, 2011 at 04:22 PM
Debbie Borland was recently caught on the job
Check our Facebook page for more great GQA pictures.
Did you know?
Posted by asantiago on Jun 27, 2011 at 04:16 PM
We are planning to have a booth at this year’s Nuclear Energy International, co-hosting with PowerGen Are you planning to be there?
Catching up at the 20th Annual NUPIC Supplier meeting in Chicago
Posted by asantiago on Jun 16, 2011 at 08:12 AM
The annual NUPIC meeting is a great place to get caught up on industry news - and industry contacts!
Debbie had a great dinner with Ryan, Earl and Brad.
World’s Greatest!
Posted by asantiago on Jun 13, 2011 at 02:48 PM
I am so excited to announce to everyone that a client and friend of ours is to be featured in an Ion Network program, “World’s Greatest!”
Whiting Corporation is being featured in this coming week’s show. “World’s Greatest!” tours the world looking for “amazing and unique companies” to feature in each of their shows. The episode featuring Whiting is set for its first airing on Wednesday, June 15, and will be repeated the following Thursday and Friday.
The times differ based on your location, check with the Ion Network in your area to find the time of this show. In most locations the show should be airing in the mornings.
Added Dates for our Training Courses
Posted by asantiago on Jun 13, 2011 at 02:43 PM
GQA enjoyed meeting everyone that attended our May classes.
If you missed these courses, no need to worry, we will be teaching them again in Orlando soon, please see the dates listed below:
August 15th-19th
*NEW* October 17th-21st
Visit our Website to sign up.
Latest Snapshot of GQA
Posted by asantiago on Jun 13, 2011 at 02:38 PM
GQA was recently audited by the NUPIC team - we managed to talk them into standing still for a quick photo opportunity.
Check our Facebook page for more great pictures of GQA.
Did you know?
Posted by asantiago on Jun 13, 2011 at 02:37 PM
We now offer Fitness For Duty/Access Authorization audits! Send us if you would like an estimate for your business.
Latest Snapshot of GQA
Posted by asantiago on Apr 21, 2011 at 01:14 PM
We were recently audited by CH2M-Hill.
It was great to see you again Bobbie!
NUPIC Newsletter
Posted by asantiago on Apr 21, 2011 at 11:12 AM
We like to make sure you are informed of what is going on in the industry. With that in mind, please follow the link below to get NUPIC’s latest newsletter.
There is not a continuous theme throughout this current newsletter, but it is packed with great information. The first page touches on the subject that has been at the forefront of all of our minds lately, the tragedy in Japan, and how it affects our industry.
I am sure this subject will be a hot topic at the 20th Annual NUPIC/Vendor Meeting this June, which is also detailed in this newsletter. Including a short agenda, topics to be covered, hotel information, transportation, the Vendor dinner, and more. NUPIC has include the registration form in the newsletter as well.
After discussion about the meeting, there are several great articles in this newsletter:
•Improving Audit Closure Timeliness and Quality by Darlene Stimart with Xcel Energy
•New Membership by John Larson of Nebraska Public Power District
•Commercial Software Dedication - More Information also by John Larson
•Did you know? by Jim Johns of First Energy Corporation
•Audit Scheduling How’s and What’s also by Jim Johns
Finally, the newsletter includes the NUPIC Audit Schedule for July-December.
Be sure to download this highly informational newsletter.
Regulatory Information Conference – RIC 2011
Posted by asantiago on Apr 21, 2011 at 10:31 AM
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) held their 23rd Annual Regulatory Information Conference (RIC) in Bethesda, MD on March 8-10, 2011. There were approximately 3,400 participants from twenty-one (21) countries. The NRC staff is currently at 4,056 full time employees and as presented in the Technical Sessions, they are involved with evaluating, reviewing and preparing for the construction of new nuclear power plants.
The NRC has made several improvements to their website including, a Blog that can be accessed by clicking the NRC Blog Icon at http://www.nrc.gov. Also, the ADAMS information system located in the NRC website has been upgraded.
During the conference, the NRC announced that the Design approvals for the AP1000 and EBWR Reactors is scheduled for this summer, as well as the first hearing on the first Reactors to be built since the 1970’s. New Reactor applications have been submitted for 12 Construction and Operation Licenses (COL) for a total of twenty (20) units. Six (6) COL’s were suspended due to business decisions and changes.
The NRC and industry personnel presented topics that covered the areas of Nuclear Reactors (both current and new), Fuel Processing Plants, Construction of New Plants, Regulatory Issues, Reactor Oversight Inspections, Fire Protection Issues and Safety Concerns. From these topics, the RIC developed forty-two (42) Technical Sessions that expanded these areas of discussions. During the Conference, I attended the following four (4) Technical Sessions to gain new and updated information: 10CFR Part 21 and Commercial Grade Dedication; Construction Inspection Program; Regulatory Challenges in New Reactor Technical Reviews; and New Reactors Licensed Under 10CFR Part 52, “License, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants”: Changes during Construction (CdC) and Post-Combined (COL) Licensing Basis Maintenance.
The following is a brief summary from the Technical Sessions that I attended:
-10CFR Part 21 and Commercial Grade Dedication:
• The NRC will conduct panel sessions to discuss issues involving the implementation of the commercial grade dedication process.
• The NRC will review recent staff clarifications related to the application of the reporting requirements of 10CFR Part 21.
• Discussions will be held on experiences with the dedication process and compliance with 10CFR Part 21.
The vision is to clarify 10CFR Part 21, eliminate questions and develop a commission paper on recommendations. The NRC will work to close GAPs, evaluate potential changes, develop language that maximizes the likelihood of misunderstandings, work together and have everyone on the same page. You can check for updates to 10CFR Part 21 on the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov.
- Construction Inspection Program
This session provided updates on regulatory activities in the areas of construction and vendor inspection program development and implementation. The discussions provided insights from current domestic and international construction experiences as well as ongoing industry initiatives. The following topics of interest were provided: Inspection Program; Inspections Underway; Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria (ITAAC), Lessons Learned, and Future Initiatives.
• Inspection Program will consider:
-Cross Training of Inspectors
-Oversight Inspections will assure that plants are constructed as designed
-The NRC will verify ITAAC and perform verification inspections
• Inspections Underway
-Vendor Inspections (Sample of vendors)
-Design verification inspections
-Limited Work Authorization (LWA) Inspections at Votgle
• Held Vendor workshops for problems identified – More workshops to come
-Will include 10CFR Part 21 and Commercial Grade Dedication
• ITAAC
-Developed from 10CFR 52.103
-Regulatory Guide 1.215 (includes NEI-08-01) for closure of ITACC’s
• Lessons Learned
-IT Infrastructure
-Closure letter for ITACC’s
-Levels of detail in Tech Reports and availability of the NRC
-Refinement of Regulatory Guide 1.215
• Future Initiatives
-Reactor Access Oversight Process
-Pre COL Inspection Program
-Advance Reactor Inspection Program Development - Small Modular Reactors
-Counter/Fraudulent/Suspect items
-Regulatory Challenges in New Reactor Technical Reviews
The NRC is currently reviewing multiple applications for design certifications and combined license in accordance with 10CFR 52, “License, Certifications and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants”. These applications will take advantage of the current NRC’s operating experience as well as technological advances in many areas. As a result of these applications, the NRC is addressing new and sometimes significant regulatory challenges.
-New Reactors Licensed Under 10CFR Part 52, “License, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants”: Changes during Construction (CdC) and Post-Combined (COL) Licensing Basis Maintenance
Once the NRC completes the Licensing process and receives a combined License (COL), the applicant will become an NRC Licensee. The principal impact of the transition from construction to operation is the establishment of the licensing basis and a licensee’s immediate assumption of responsibility for maintaining that basis. This responsibility will be from the date of the COL issuance through the construction and into the operational status and for the duration of the license term. Maintenance of the licensing basis during construction will be a new experience for both the NRC and the licensee. Some of the challenges facing the NRC and the Licensee will be: screenings, exemptions, amendments to license, construction permits and Early Site Permits (ESPs).
Conclusion
The NRC, licensee’s and industry participants face big challenges in the coming years involving the construction of the new nuclear plants. These participants are taking a proactive attitude in meeting these challenges ahead by conducting meetings, workshops, developing or revising codes and standards and clarifying 10CFR Part 21 to implement the commercial grade dedication process.
If you are interested in attending an NRC Regulatory Information Conference (RIC), visit the NRC website and look for information on the next RIC scheduled for March 13-15, 2012.
Nuclear Supplier Information Session - April 5 - Rock Hill, SC
Posted by asantiago on Mar 24, 2011 at 02:25 PM
The Carolinas Nuclear Cluster, on behalf of our SBA ‘Innovative Economies’ Project, is holding a Nuclear Industry Supplier Information Session. Details about the event:
What it is:
Purpose: This is an afternoon session that will provide detailed information about the kinds of products that are most likely to be needed in the nuclear industry. There will be an emphasis on the quality assurance requirements to qualify as a supplier in the nuclear industry.
What you will learn:
---- The status of the nuclear industry in the Carolinas
---- Basic requirements of nuclear suppliers
---- How procurement officers in the industry operate
---- Important quality control certification issues
---- Availability of advanced business training that can aid entering the nuclear market
Why the session is being held: The Carolinas Nuclear Cluster desires to enhance the supply chain for the nuclear energy industry so it can serve our state and also serve national and international suppliers to the industry. Small business are, in our opinion, of critical importance for the economic development of our state and our industry.
Where: Our session is at the Baxter M. Hood Center, York Technical College, 452 S. Anderson Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730. The session will be in the Bridges, Rockwell and Palmetto rooms at the Hood Center.
When: Tuesday, April 5. We will meet from 1:30 - 4:00. We will start promptly at 1:30.
Who:
Firms that could be possible suppliers can benefit from this short seminar:
MANUFACTURERS: Pipes, valves, fittings, electrical systems, HVAC, construction materials, stainless steel.
SERVICES: Machine shops, electrical/mechanical/HVAC maintenance, waste, clean-up, office maintenance, hazmat, painters, radiological protection, quality control, lab services, records management.
Speakers/instructors: The session will include experienced nuclear energy supply chain professionals, quality assurance experts and small business development coaches who can assist in your business development. The work with business development experts can be an ongoing relationship for firms interested in entering the nuclear energy industry.
How: There is no cost for the session. TO REQUEST INFORMATION AND AN INVITATION: E-mail with the following information: Your name, title, company, mail address, phone, e-mail and description of your product or service.
This event is organized by the Carolinas Nuclear Cluster, a part of New Carolina. The Carolinas Nuclear Cluster supports the economic development of the Carolinas through emission-free nuclear energy. Registration questions? Contact
2011 NUPIC Vendor Meeting Dates Announced
Posted by asantiago on Mar 24, 2011 at 02:18 PM
We received notification of the dates for this year’s NUPIC Vendor Meeting.
“The 2011 NUPIC Vendor Meeting will be held on Wednesday June 15 and Thursday June 16, 2011 at the Doubletree Hotel Chicago-Oak Brook, Oak Brook, IL. Monday June 13th and Tuesday June 14th are for nuclear utility personnel only.” NUPIC Website
If you are currently a vendor in the industry, or would like to be - this is the conference to attend. Global Quality Assurance (GQA) attends each year to stay current on industry issues as identified by the utilities (NUPIC) and the government regulatory group (NRC). Typically you will find QA Professionals from all of the 104 utilities in attendance, as well as 300-400 vendor respresentatives, just like GQA. We find the time very will spent with the informational sessions; however, if you are unnable to attend, we will be providing an update after the event through our newsletter.
Please go to the Future NUPIC Meetings section of the NUPIC.com website, from there you will be able to download the registration form.
Also, April 5 the Carolina Nuclear Cluster will be holding a Nuclear Industry Supplier Information Session in Rock Hill, SC. Please contact for more information, please be sure to include: your name, title, company, mailing address, phone, e-mail and description of your product or service.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 888-322-3330 if you have any questions or concerns.
Nuclear Training in the Carolinas
Posted by asantiago on Feb 24, 2011 at 09:13 AM
The courses mentioned belowed are being offered buy CPCC and SBDC, not GQA. If you would like to attend these courses you will need to contact them.
In March and April Global Quality Assurance (GQA) will be teaching our two of our Nuclear training courses at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Please download their brochure and contact CPCC if you would like to attend.
In conjunction with the South Carolina Small Business Center (SBDC), Global Quality Assurance (GQA) is presenting the following course:
Nuclear Supplier Seminar
Designed Especially for SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS who want to expand their business
Thursday, March 10, 2011
9:30 am-11:30 am
This seminar will explain the process that small businesses need to follow in order to qualify as suppliers to the nuclear industry. Tools and techniques will be provided so that the small business owner knows how to:
Establish and implement a Nuclear Quality Program
Procedure & Manual Requirements
Resource Needs
Production and Quality Independence
Training
Ongoing audits
Cost
Other Accreditations
Opportunities for Safety-Related (nuclear) and Non-Safety (commercial) Work at Nuclear Plants
Utility, NRC, OEM and EPC Discussion and Clarification
Presenter:
Global Quality Assurance, Inc. (GQA)
Deborah K. Borland, VP of Business Development
http://www.globalqualityassurance.com
GQA is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC) company.
________________________________________________________________________
WORKSHOP LOCATION
Charleston SBDC
5th floor Conference Room
5900 Core Drive, Charleston, SC 29406
Call (843) 740-6160 to register
REGISTRATION:
FREE
Page 1 of 3 pages 1 2 3 >