TRANSITION OF NMC&A and PHYSICAL PROTECTION INSPECTION EXERCISES TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (GOSATOMNADZOR)

The Gosatomnadzor (GAN) Inspection Implementation Project (formerly GAN Project 5) has provided quality-training opportunities to GAN inspectors for the past five years. After laying a solid foundation with a series of theoretical training classes, it was determined that a practical application of theory was needed to ensure the assimilation of this theory into actual practice. As a result, two inspection exercise training programs were developed that focused on the processes of inspecting nuclear material accountability and control functions and the physical protection of this material in a “real-world environment.” In this environment the GAN inspector was able to practice the newly acquired inspection skills greatly enhancing the probability of learning transfer and the incorporation of these skills into job performance. These exercises have given the GAN inspectors unique first hand exposure to the U.S inspection approaches and techniques. As a result of the exposure to these new ideas, GAN has altered their laws and regulations and accelerated their inspection techniques and laws based on this exchange. The GAN inspection exercises for both MC&A and physical protection was initially conducted at the Argonne-West site. Two MC&A inspection exercises and two physical protection exercises were conducted at Argonne-West. As part of the strategy when designing these exercises, efforts began from the onset to transition these exercises from the United States to Russia. This paper describes how the transition of these exercises was originally planned and the process involved in ensuring the effective and efficient transitioning of the exercises from one led by the US to a Russian led exercise. The paper will also discuss the implementation of the exercise in Russia and address the selection of exercise sites, including the steps involved with facility coordination and providing oversight of exercise activities. Additionally, the paper will illustrate how these inspection exercises are vital in the Exit Strategy.