The Future of Nuclear Materials Management: Lessons Learned and Preparation for the Next Generation of Plants

This paper provides insight into the future of nuclear materials management by discussing lessons learned from the 1980's procurement initiatives. The paper contrasts the traditional equipment specification practices of the 1960's and 1970's with the perceived requirements of next generation equipment. The paper discusses why the nuclear power industry will specify in the manner proposed and why suppliers will most likely comply with the new requirements. The paper also provides a few words of caution to the procurer about developing next generation plant equipment specifications. The key conclusion to be drawn from the evaluation is that the nuclear procurement initiatives of the 1980's will broaden equipment specification from a design/construct perspective to an operate/maintain perspective. This paradigm shift will impact next generation equipment specifications by requiring equipment suppliers to furnish a wider array of technical information in addition to the hardware itself.