FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2007
FY07-42
ORISE Renews Five-Year Agreement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
ORISE to continue providing radiological surveys and assessments in support of nuclear reactor and materials site decommissioning
OAK RIDGE, Tenn.—The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) recently renewed a five-year agreement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to continue providing technical assistance in the areas of radiological surveys and assessments. The agreement, worth $5.8 million, runs through 2012.
Specifically under the agreement, ORISE will serve as the sole source, independent contractor to address NRC regulatory activities related to the decommissioning of previously contaminated reactor and materials sites by performing laboratory analyses, document reviews, in-process inspections and confirmatory surveys. ORISE will also participate in special projects concerning nuclear facility operations and decommissioning, development of regulatory guidance and other projects related to radiological safety and health.
Since 1981, ORISE has made significant contributions to the NRC’s mission to regulate the nation's civilian use of byproduct, source and special nuclear materials to promote the common defense of and ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, security and the environment. ORISE has also assisted the NRC with the preparation of several NUREG-series publications, which encompass reports and brochures on regulatory decisions, results of research and incident investigations, and other technical and administrative information. Most notably, ORISE contributed to NUREG-1575, known as the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM), allowing ORISE to maintain an instrumental role in the development of the Computerization of MARSSIM for Planning and Assessing Site Surveys (COMPASS) software for the NRC.
"We are pleased to continue to serve as the sole contractor used by the NRC for independent verification of site decommissioning," said Eric Abelquist, director of ORISE’s Independent Environmental Assessment and Verification programs. "With more than 25 years experience in performing radiological surveys, we are committed to continue assisting the NRC with regulating the decommissioning of contaminated sites."
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is a U.S. Department of Energy institute focusing on scientific initiatives to research health risks from occupational hazards, assess environmental cleanup, respond to radiation medical emergencies, support national security and emergency preparedness, and educate the next generation of scientists. ORISE is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities.