PRIORITIES OF MINATOM IN THE AREA OF MC&A: EQUIPMENT, PROCEDURES AND METHODOLOGY

“Priorities of the Ministry of Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation (MinAtom) in material control and accounting (MC&A): Equipment, Procedures and Methodology” Order No. 962, Regulation on Governmental Nuclear Material Control and Accounting, was enacted in December 2000 and establishes the procedure for conducting governmental nuclear MC&A in the Russian Federation within the framework of a unified State System for Nuclear Material Accounting and Control (SSAC). It defines the tasks and the structure of the SSAC, as well as the authority, responsibilities and the procedures for interaction among federal executive branch agencies, operating organizations, and organizations engaged in nuclear MC&A. To carry out the provisions of the Order, MinAtom has established its priorities for nuclear MC&A and has determined that the areas of measurement equipment, procedures, and methodology require additional attention and support. MinAtom has established working groups to develop unified methods and procedures for measurements, has provided recommendations in the selection of appropriate MC&A equipment, and has increased support within MC&A equipment metrology. This paper will address the status and plans for this support for measurements as a key component of the SSAC in the Russian Federation.