Curriculum Development for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for State Nuclear Security Technology Center (China) Center of Excellence

Due to several factors, availability of certified reference materials (CRM) for laboratory use to support accountancy, safeguards, and nuclear forensics applications is currently quite limited. Reference material providers globally are struggling due to issues with facilities, changes in the mix of materials needed, and the need to re-characterize older reference materials that are still in use throughout the nuclear laboratory community. Increased focus is being placed on the use of working reference materials (WRM), which can be prepared by individual laboratories, typically from CRM, for use in their own facilities. The need for WRM, and for additional detailed guidance on the proper preparation of WRM, has led to the development of detailed guidance in the form of a revision to an existing standard, ASTM C1128, Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials. Since the last paper on this topic at INMM 2017, the revised ASTM C1128 has been approved and published. This guide is a key element of a training course that has been developed by DOE National Laboratory personnel for the Center of Excellence (COE) at the State Nuclear Security Technology Center (SNSTC) in Beijing, China. This paper will describe key components of the training course that has been developed for COE personnel at a March 2018 workshop in Shanghai, China, including but not limited to the updated ASTM C1128. These components include up-front planning and project management, required studies, packaging and storage, ongoing monitoring, and some specific examples. The training course will facilitate the proper preparation and use of WRM at COE, and can be readily adapted to other locations that would benefit from similar training.We acknowledge with appreciation the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) Office of International Nuclear Security for their leadership in global material security and funding for building the SNSTC laboratory capabilities and training curriculum.