NQA-1 / ISO 19443
Independent audits, supplier coaching and audit, quality-program build-out, and role-based training for owners, engineers, procurement, receiving, and suppliers.
01 — Audits
Internal, supplier, survey, source verification, CGD methods, and program build.
Random sampling or 100% "shalls"
We plan and execute internal audits of your NQA-1 quality program. Statistically sound random sampling of records and activities, or line-by-line verification of 100% of applicable “shall” requirements. Findings with objective evidence, significance, and a path to close.
On-site NQA-1 or ISO 19443 supplier audits
Full supplier audits against a standard and your procurement documents. We examine the supplier’s quality program, implementation, and product/process control. Reports support qualification, maintenance of approved-supplier status, and corrective action.
Capability surveys and source inspection
Supplier surveys evaluate whether a commercial or nuclear supplier’s program is capable of meeting specified requirements. Source verification confirms that specified activities were performed correctly at the supplier’s facility before shipment. Used for qualification, CGD Method 3, and critical receipt activities.
Commercial Grade Dedication — commercial-grade survey
Method 2 commercial-grade surveys assess a supplier’s control of critical characteristics. We survey the item’s technical evaluation, sample implementation, and document whether the supplier’s processes can be credited in the dedication package.
Witness and verify at the source
Method 3 source verification witnessing and verification of critical characteristics at the manufacturer or distributor before the item is accepted. We work with the responsible engineering organization (REOs) to ensure successful dedication.
From current state to an implementable NQA-1 or ISO 19443 program
Structured gap analysis or creation of commercial nuclear quality assurance program. Deliverable is a gap matrix, recommended procedure set, and a quality system build plan. We can author or coach the program into existence with your staff. Experience creating and implementing the first USA-based ISO 19443 certified QMS program (TÜV SÜD).
02 — Training
General indoctrination and courses tailored to specific roles and activities.
All personnel performing or supporting quality-affecting work
Purpose of NQA-1, graded approach, organization and responsibilities, document control, records, nonconformances. Tailored to your program and job functions.
Engineering, QA, procurement, and fabrication personnel on Section III work
Overview of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section III and how it interfaces with NQA-1, N-stamp / certificate holder expectations and quality program alignment. Emphasis on what Quality and Engineering must get right together.
Design, systems, and responsible engineers
Design control, design inputs and outputs, independent review, computer software, design changes, and the engineer’s role in technical evaluation for commercial-grade items. This training is specifically for engineers, not for QA staff only.
Buyers, contract specialists, and supplier-quality staff
Procurement document control, supplier selection and evaluation, bid evaluation, changes, and what must be in a PO for nuclear and commercial-grade items. How procurement and QA share the approved-supplier list.
Receiving inspectors, warehouse, and material control
Receipt inspection, identification and control of items, handling and storage, conditional release, and what to do when the paperwork and the hardware disagree. Discussion of CGD methods acceptance process.
Engineering, QA, procurement, and dedication teams
When CGD is applied, technical evaluation, critical characteristics, acceptance methods 1–4, equivalency, like-for-like, and how a defendable plan and package is built and maintained. Cross-walks to EPRI guidance without treating guidance as regulation.
03 — CGD & Supplier coaching
CGD & coaching
Hands-on coaching for suppliers who must meet nuclear customer requirements for the first time — or who failed an audit and need a practical recovery path. We work procedure-by-procedure with the people who will live the program.
CGD & coaching
A structured way to decide whether an item is commercial-grade, what the safety function demands, which acceptance method is actually available, and how to keep dedication from becoming a paperwork nightmare. Coaching for teams standing up CGD for the first time.
04 — Program transition
ISO 9001 is process-based while NQA-1 is safety-based. We map your existing ISO system to NQA-1 requirements, identify nuclear-unique controls (design, special processes, M&TE, software, reporting of defects, and more), and sequence the upgrade so you do not rebuild what already works.
Start a transition assessment05 — Articles
Plain-language papers on Part 21, NQA-1 programs, commercial-grade dedication, distributor qualification, procurement, and software quality assurance.
Laura Suddath © 2026
When defects and failures to comply must be evaluated and reported to the NRC, including the timelines that apply to suppliers, dedicating entities, and licensees.
Read articleNQA-1 Experts
A plain-language overview of how buyers qualify distributors so nuclear parts stay genuine, traceable, and supported by the right documentation.
Read articleNQA-1 Experts
A phased path from conventional quality practices to an auditable NQA-1 program, including culture, controls, and readiness evidence.
Read articleLaura Suddath © 2026
A practical 10-step reference for quality, engineering, procurement, and supplier-oversight personnel who dedicate commercial items and services.
Read articleLaura Suddath © 2026
What procurement teams should know about nuclear suppliers, and how to find qualified partners for new build, life extension, and small modular reactor work.
Read articleLaura Suddath © July 2026
How to match software quality assurance to risk, including a beginner’s roadmap and commercial-grade dedication for software.
Read articleNQA-1 Experts
A comparison of safety-related buying and commercial-grade dedication on total cost, technical risk, schedule, and audit defensibility.
Read article06 — Contact
Tell us the plant or project, the NQA-1 edition you work to, and whether you need audit, CGD, training, or a program build.
