November 15, 1996

At the request of Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC) chairman John Sheffield, DOE Director Martha Krebs has revised the wording of the charge to FESAC regarding the review of the ITER Detail Design Report (DDR). Plans for the review remain as described in FPN-23. The new charge reads as follows:

"Are the ITER physics basis, technology base, and engineering design sound? Focus on the critical physics, technology, and engineering issues that affect the design while allowing for the R&D planned in each of these areas through the end of the EDA.

"Is ITER likely to meet its performance objectives as agreed upon by the four Parties and documented in the 1992 SWG-1 report? Evaluate predicted performance margins, comment on the range of operating scenarios, and identify opportunities to improve the performance projections.

"Do the design and operating plans adequately address environment, safety, and health concerns? Focus on the methodology used by the Joint Central Team to address the concerns.

"Are the proposed cost estimates and schedules for the construction project and subsequent operations, exploitation and decommissioning credible, and are they consistent with the procurement methods and staffing arrangements recommended by the ITER director? Focus on the methodology used to prepare the estimate.

"Are there any cost effective opportunities for pursuing modest extensions of the current design features in order to enhance operational flexibility and increase scientific and technological productivity of ITER? Focus on areas where cost effectiveness of any design extensions would be high."

For more information, contact: Stephen O. Dean