Background
The Russian Federation decided to transform and reinforce its State System of Accountancy and Control (SSAC) of nuclear materials. The kernel of this improvement was the implementation of modern SSAC approaches based on international experience.
At the basis of the new system, following the example of other national or regional systems, it was planned to have an institutional framework of laboratories giving reference and traceability to national and international measurement standards. Methodological support and training were also planned as part of the NMA&C system.
One of the areas identified as a primary need for co-operative assistance was 'Education and Training', which was, at the time, considered a very important component for the future implementation of the new approach to nuclear safeguards in Russia. Considering the large number of nuclear plants in the RF and their large size, it was expected that several hundreds of nuclear material accountancy personnel and safeguards inspectors would need to become familiar with the application of the new concepts, regulations, techniques and procedures.
The Russian methodology and training centre (RMTC) had been established to provide education and training in NMA&C for a major part of the Russian fuel cycle. It was intended that this training and education should reflect and support the objectives of the Russian system.
Contract 23425 was the first phase of a project to establish the RMTC and its objective was to identify both the types of training which needed to be carried out in the training centre and the means, including equipment and tools, needed to provide this training. As part of the scope of the contract, the contractor prepared the Technical Specifications for the equipment that had been identified in the needs analysis. The equipment was then procured by the EC under TACIS funding. The equipment and instruments identified by the Consultant of contract 23425 for the RMTC were:
Lot 1: Computer equipment. Seven personal computers, complete with laser printers, 2 for the balance calibration laboratory and 5 for the computerised NMC&A training (complete with additional database management software).

Lot 2: Scales. Two mechanical scales (0-150 kg), 2 electronic scales (0-150 kg) and safe cabinet for storage of weights.

Lot 3: Neutron Counter Equipment. One passive neutron counter for bulk Pu assay, 1 active neutron counter for assay of U-235 in items such as bulk UO2, fuel pellets, etc, 2 shift registers for separating correlated from uncorrelated neutron signals and 2 personal computers.

Lot 4: Waste Drum Monitor. One waste drum monitor with passive neutron detector for the assay of Pu in 220 litre waste drums.

Lot 5: Frequency Analyser. One frequency analyser (multiplicity counter, time correlation analyser) for use with the waste drum monitor.

Lot 6: Uranium and Plutonium Detectors. Three HRGe detectors and 3 NaI (TI) detectors.

Lot 7: Measurement Equipment. Three notebook based MCA systems for both the HRGe and NaI detectors comprising notebooks and associated measurement software and electronics; two oscilloscopes.
 
Objective
The equipment was contracted through competitive tendering. The call for tender was launched during the last quarter of 1995 with the submission deadline at the end of 1995. Due to a number of issues and the need for contract negotiations, the tender evaluation and contracting was protracted. Contract negotiations lasted from November 1996 to March 1997 followed by contract preparation. All lots were contracted.
This contract was for Lot 2.
Results
The contract was signed 17 July 1997. The equipment was delivered and installed and the Provisional Acceptance Certificate was signed on 15 January 1999. The Final Acceptance Certificate was signed on 24 January 2000.