MPR is leading the integrated risk management program for the CFPP LLC, ensuring project stakeholders are aware of key threats and opportunities and their implications, and appropriate actions are being taken to mitigate threats and capture opportunities. MPR is also responsible for the oversight of NuScale, particularly the development and deployment of the NuScale Power Modules. Additional oversight responsibilities include the potential operator and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing activities. MPR will provide industry leading subject matter expertise as needed to support technical oversight of the contractors, design, procurement, and construction activities. The team is leading CFPP LLC’s stewardship and development of the project’s financial model needed to present to the CFPP LLC member(s), lenders, and the Department of Energy. To further support the project, MPR will assist Burns & McDonnell in oversight of Fluor, particularly the interfaces with NuScale, while also coordinating the engagement with the Department of Energy to effectively leverage the CFPP LLC’s cost-share award.
MPR Experience
MPR is the industry leader for specialty technical, project management, and risk management services. Founded almost 60 years ago by the key leaders who developed the naval nuclear propulsion program under Admiral Rickover, MPR has maintained a focus on nuclear power, regularly working for every nuclear power plant in the U.S. and numerous others world-wide. In recent decades MPR has been at the forefront of the development and deployment of new nuclear technology, leading and making key contributions to industry, utility, EPRI, and Department of Energy projects with the mission to enable program and industry success.
MPR’s broad and deep experience provides a strong foundation to support project success. MPR brings experience on “all sides” of new nuclear technology projects, with corresponding insights and understanding of stakeholder perspectives: owner, constructor, operator, technology supplier, and lender. They demonstrate expertise with all key disciplines and areas in a new nuclear technology project, including project development, design, licensing, procurement, construction, and start-up. MPR has experience leading and facilitating collaborative project teams leveraging strength in project management and a risk mitigation focused approach. While showcasing hands-on experience leading a new nuclear technology project, they have deep and influential engagement in the origins of the NuScale SMR program and development of the NuScale Power Module design. MPR has served as the lead contractor of EPRI and Department of Energy programs that set foundation for successful new nuclear technology projects, while demonstrating a passion for influencing success of the project and a legacy of commitment to excellence and the success of all industry stakeholders.
MPR Key Personnel
Bob Coward
Bob Coward is Principal Officer of MPR, responsible for all aspects of MPR performance in all engineering disciplines and all business sectors. Prior to becoming Principal Officer, Bob was responsible for leading all MPR’s services to the nuclear power sector worldwide.
During his career at MPR, he has worked on over 100 electric generating plants worldwide, including 58 of the 65 U.S. nuclear power plants. He has also provided strategic technical and management support to key Department of Energy projects and programs. Mr. Coward participates on industry leadership committees and is recognized as an industry leader in the safe and reliable operation of the existing U.S. nuclear power plants. He has also had important and influential industry roles in the design, licensing and development of new nuclear power plants, with leadership roles on the EPRI Advanced Light Water Reactor Program, the DOE NP2010 Program, the STP 3&4 ABWR project (including as Project Director for the entire project), as well as the AP1000, TerraPower, NuScale and other new plant programs.
Mr. Coward regularly engages with nuclear industry executive leadership to be knowledgeable of industry needs and guide MPR to address those challenges and contribute to industry success. Mr. Coward regularly serves on “blue ribbon panels” in support of clients and industry groups addressing important design, regulatory, and operational challenges regarding advanced reactor systems, extended power uprates, safety system performance, significant event evaluations, and new plant projects. A particular skill is leading multi-organization and multi-discipline teams to achieve their missions and deliver excellence, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
Jim Bubb
Jim Bubb leads MPR’s Owners Engineering practice and has deep experience in the successful execution of capital-intensive projects. He understands project success elements, including integration of multi-disciplinary project teams across various contractors, as well as empowering and promoting accountability from project stakeholders. He has a unique combination of expertise in both the technical and commercial elements associated with first-of-a-kind nuclear projects, and a risk-focused approach that directs decision-making on elements of projects that have the most impact on the project’s cost and schedule.
Mr. Bubb has led many owners and lenders engineering engagements, including nuclear projects, Department of Energy nuclear capital facilities, and numerous first-of-a-kind power projects involving energy storage, offshore wind, high-voltage transmission, carbon capture, and other novel power production technologies. He is also actively shaping EPRI guidance to set a foundation for successful deployment of advanced nuclear projects.
Michael Fowler
Mr. Michael Fowler leads MPR’s New Nuclear Deployment group with experience in the development and execution of nuclear and other large capital-intensive projects. His work focuses on establishing a strong foundation for successful project completion, including development of project execution strategies and management plans, implementation of risk management programs, and project team integration. Mr. Fowler leverages his experience across engineering, regulatory, and program management to deliver technically sound, risk-informed, and cost-effective solutions enabling project success.
Prior to joining MPR, Mr. Fowler was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy’s Naval Reactors program, where he led multi-disciplinary teams of engineers, shipbuilders, plant operators, and senior executives to develop innovative solutions to complex engineering and programmatic challenges in the Navy’s nuclear fleet.
Matt Greschuk
Mr. Matt Greschuk is a Senior Engineer leading projects in MPR’s Owners Engineering practice. He facilitates the development of business-critical projects with a deep understanding of project economics, governance, project controls infrastructure, and contracting strategy. He also leverages his diverse knowledge in risk management and analysis, contractor oversight, and project engineering to enable successful execution of multi-year capital-intensive projects across several industries.
During his career at MPR, Mr. Greschuk has provided strategic and technical support for first-of-a-kind nuclear projects, Department of Energy nuclear facilities, and high-voltage transmission infrastructure projects. He has also developed technoeconomic analysis tools that empower executives across the country to make informed decisions on augmenting existing nuclear fleet capacity.