Addressing Nuclear Security in the Procurement and Contracting for New Nuclear Power Plant Projects, including Advanced Reactors and Small Modular Reactors

Security-by-Design (SeBD) is an approach that integrates physical protection principles as early as possible in a facility’s lifetime. Essentially, the concept prioritizes security from inception through deployment of nuclear facilities. SeBD aids in reducing risks associated with malicious acts targeting nuclear material and facilities, such as theft or sabotage, throughout the lifecycle of a facility. SeBD becomes an even more prominent concept in the context of advanced reactors and small modular reactors (A/SMRs) deployments. A number of countries around the world are developing nuclear power programs and have committed to A/SMR deployments. Newcomer countries are collaborating with vendor states for the acquisition of A/SMRs. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has developed a Nuclear Contracting Toolkit to support newcomer states in in developing a procurement strategy, preparing and implementing a suitable bidding and evaluation process for the desired nuclear technology, and negotiating and managing a contract. Addressing nuclear security during the procurement and contracting process supports an effective consideration of SeBD principles and would save costs associated with retrofitting security measures after the construction of the facility. This paper will analyze existing procurement practices for A/SMRs and examine the IAEA nuclear contracting toolkit to identify modalities to consider SeBD in the procurement and contracting process for A/SMRs and describe the key nuclear security criteria to be addressed in this process.