Project engineering work requires a huge effort over a relatively short period of time. This can be done either by the utility itself or by its architect — engineer or main contractor or by a combination of efforts from some of the participants. In any case, the minimum involvement of the utility (review and approval) will amount to about 50,000 engineering man-hours.

The conceptual design task can involve from 20 to 30 experienced engi­neers and technicians for a period of up to 2-1 years. It is a task that should normally be completed about seven years before commercial operation of the plant. For the independent review, a total effort of at least 2000 man­hours would normally be required.

The next task of design engineering can be divided into two: basic and detailed design. Basic design engineering can involve 300,000 to 500,000 man-hours for a period of 6-12 months. The task of detailed design engi­neering involves about 2,500,000 man-hours of effort during a period of some 3-5 years. For specifications work there should be at least 10-12 engineers.

Adequate physical protection of the plant and nuclear material requires mainly administrative and security functions.

Procurement could also be handled directly by project management or by project engineering. A minimum number of professionals and techni­cians would be required for a centralized independent procurement unit.