EVALUATING SECURITY SYSTEM PERFORMANCE THROUGH TACTICAL RESPONSE EXERCISES AT NRC CATEGORY I FUEL FACILITIES

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has amended its physical protection requirements in 10 CFR Part 73 for Category I fuel facilities which possess formula quantities of strategic special nuclear material (SSNM) to achieve security comparable to similar U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) fuel facilities. A major element in these revisions is the requirement for the establishment of tactical response teams with enhanced weaponry and training, and the conduct of security performance evaluations through tactical response exercises. To assist licensees in meeting these objectives, the NRC contracted for the development of guidance (NUREG/CR-5081) for planning and conducting tactical response exercises, establishing criteria for evaluating security system performance, and identifying tactical training needs for enhancing response capabilities. The guidance adapted the methodology used in testing, training, and evaluating security forces at DOE facilities through force-on-force and limited scope performance exercises. This paper outlines the requirements and guidance developed relating to this program.