The US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) recently posted guidelines on its continued operations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While NNSA personnel are mostly working remotely, the agency is otherwise operating business-as-usual. This means that certain essential personnel remain “on call” to return to their offices if needed, and that industry needs to continue to file reports for Part 810 activities as detailed in the regulations and as required in specific authorizations.
The guidelines also confirmed that the pandemic has not affected the agency’s ability to process Part 810 applications and requests for determination:
- NNSA will continue to accept and process applications as expeditiously as possible in a manner consistent with US government operating conditions
- NNSA staff will remain available for consultations with applicants in a manner consistent with US government operating conditions
We have separately confirmed that NNSA is accepting documents signed using digital signature software. We recommend using any e-signature software with an auditable trail that can confirm the validity of the signature if questioned in the future.
The guidelines request that any questions be sent to part810@nnsa.doe.gov.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Task Force
For our clients, we have formed a multidisciplinary Coronavirus COVID-19 Task Force to help guide you through the broad scope of legal issues brought on by this public health challenge. We also have launched a resource page to help keep you on top of developments as they unfold.
