EDF’s robust qualification process
The qualification process is designed to evaluate a company’s ability to become a potential supplier of EDF for a given product or service.
The localization process is an essential condition for signing, and subsequently executing a contract according to EDF’s expectations:
1. Sourcing
- initiate first contact visits
- send request for information questionnaires (RFI)
2. Pre-selection
- preselect suppliers according to RFI feedback analysis
- visit suppliers for pre-assessment, with feedback
3. Pre-qualification
- implement development plan, including technical training courses and workshops
- carry out product or process qualification tests as necessary
- send a blank RFQ for detailed technical assessment
4. Qualification
- qualify supplier before the contract is signed (Approved Vendor List)
A collaborative approach based on lessons learned
Train to new codes
A graded approach toward quality requirements
EDF follows a graded approach depending on the equipment concerned:
| Safety Grade | Technical requirement Pressure Equipment |
Technical requirement Electrical Equipment |
Quality Requirements |
| Safety grade 1 (nuc) | Grade 1: RCC-M (Volume B) |
RCC-E | ISO 9001 supplemented by nuclear specific requirements - Based on ISO 19443 |
| Safety grade 2 (nuc) | Grade 2: RCC-M (Volume C) |
RCC-E | ISO 9001 supplemented by nuclear specific requirements - Based on ISO 19443 |
| Safety grade 3 (nuc) | Grade 4: RCC-M (Volume D) |
RCC-E | ISO 9001 supplemented by nuclear specific requirements - Based on ISO 19443 |
| Not classified | ISO standards / ASME VIII | (ISO-9001 strongly recommended) |
RCC philosophy
*AFCEN’s RCC codes (“Regulation and Construction Code”) offer accurate and practical rules for the design, construction and in service inspection of components for use in industrial or experimental nuclear facilities.
RCC codes take into account the continuous evolution of the nuclear industry while striving for standardization worldwide.
In order to promote RCC codes, dedicated training programs are put in place.
Understand RCC philosophy
Get prepared for the specific requirements of the project
Anticipate technical specifications
Become possible supplier for Balance of Nuclear Island scope
Quality and management systems requirements
EDF expects from the suppliers to be compliant with ISO 19443
- ISO 19443 – 2018 is a new standard written for the nuclear industry. It is specific to Important to Nuclear Safety (ITNS) products and services.
- The objectives of this standard is to help the suppliers:
- improve the understanding of nuclear quality requirements
- internationally standardise the quality requirements:
- IAEA guides
- national Regulations
- nuclear Codes
- ISO standards
- The standard adds requirements to ISO 9001:2015