Categories of CRGR Reviews
The CRGR conducts three reviews under the following three categories including:
- Routine Review
- Complex Review
- Complex Review with External Involvement
A Routine Review (Category 1) is one in which the matter does not appear to contain backfitting issues, is limited in scope and volume, and should be amenable to review by the CRGR on a short-turnaround basis. These reviews will generally be conducted among the membership via internal deliberations and or remote means (e.g., e-mail). Regulatory Issue Summaries (RIS), responses to Task Interface Agreements (TIA), and Interim Staff Guidance (ISG) are examples of those documents that may receive this type of review. If during the progress of the review, it becomes evident that the matter may be more than routine, the CRGR may choose to elevate the review to either Category 2 or 3 (discussed below).
A Complex Review (Category 2) is one in which it is obvious that the matter has significant technical and process complexity, and backfitting or potential backfitting issues are clearly involved or have been indicated during previous review of the matter. Rulemaking for which the staff has identified backfitting or a Generic Letter are examples of those documents that may receive this type of review. For a Category 2 review, the CRGR will meet formally with the NRC staff and may have continuing dialogue that may require an additional formal meeting prior to developing conclusions and recommendations.
A Complex Review with External Involvement (Category 3) has all the elements of a Category 2 review, as well as a request from external parties to meet separately with the CRGR. Alternatively, the CRGR or OEDO could decide to initiate the separate external meeting after concluding that the matter would benefit from the additional insights to be gained. The CRGR can also decide separately that an external engagement (requested by the external party) is not warranted and would discuss with the EDO whether a Category 2 review is appropriate. CRGR meetings with external parties will generally be conducted as public meetings unless otherwise indicated (e.g., matters involving Classified information, Security-Related Information, or Proprietary Information). The sponsoring staff is invited to attend this public meeting for the purpose of providing clarification, and responding to potential CRGR questions with regards to the relevant staff activities. The external public meeting will be transcribed.