EXTRANCHECK: POST-SHIPMENT VERIFICATION:

UNCLAS MOSCOW 002045 SIPDIS SIPDIS USDOC FOR 532/OEA/DMUSLU/MCORSEY/LRITTER USDOC FOR 3150/USFCS/OIO/CEENIS/MCOSTA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP ETRD ETTC RS SUBJECT: EXTRANCHECK: POST-SHIPMENT VERIFICATION: BOCHVAR ALL-RUSSIAN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR INORGANIC MATERIALS (VNIINM),MOSCOW, RUSSIA - D297986 REFTEL: 1. 04 USDOC 04284 ¶2. 05 MOSCOW 14902 ¶1. Unauthorized disclosure of the information provided below is prohibited by Section 12C of the Export Administration Act. ¶2. Reftel 1 requested a post-shipment verification to determine the legitimacy and reliability of the end- user, Bochvar All-Russian Scientific Research Institute for Inorganic Materials (VNIINM),Moscow, Russia. The company was listed on BIS license number: D297986 as the ultimate consignee of germanium coaxial detector, digital spectrum, digital spectrum analyzer, genie 2000 input software, shield neutron assay probe, power supply for jsp-12, 50 ohm cable, 50 ohm cable, bnc tee, bnc terminator, ECCN: 1A999. These items are controlled for anti-terrorism reasons. The licensee is Canberra Industries, Inc., 800 Research Parkway, Meriden CT 06450. Reftel 2 is an unfavorable recommendation citing the refusal of the GOR to grant access to the facility in order for ECO Moscow to conduct the end use check. ¶3. NOTE: Bochvar All-Russian Scientific Research Institute for Inorganic Materials (Russian acronym VNIINM) conducts research on nuclear fuel cycle technologies and fissile material processing. The Government of Russia (GOR) Ministry of Atomic Energy (Russian acronym MINATOM) still classifies VNIINM as a "closed facility." Foreigners are generally not granted access to closed facilities, however, a bilateral agreement between the US Department of Energy (DOE) and MINATOM allows for site visits by DOE personnel for information exchange and audit purposes. DOE and VNIINM have been working on collaborative projects since 1992. END NOTE. ¶4. On March 20, 2007 ECO Pearce participated in a DOE teleconference with Mark Shuler, Technical Contractor, National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA). Mr. Shuler and his team were scheduled to visit the VNIINM facilities as part of a DOE Threat Reduction and Safeguards project assessment. ECO Pearce gave Mr. Elmont a briefing on conducting BIS end use checks, and the specific commodities to be verified, including descriptions of the devices and the locations of number plates. Mr. Shuler stated that he and Mr. Phillip Gibbs would be conducting the check on April 17, 2007 ¶5. On April 18, 2007 ECO Pearce received an email from Mr. Shuler with photographs and a narrative attached. Paragraphs 6 and 7 summarize the information provided. The original email and photographs are available from post upon request. ¶6. On April 17, 2007 an NNSA team consisting of Messrs. Shuler and Gibbs were granted access to the VNIINM site. The team confirmed that the equipment in reftel 1 is located at Building B5 on the second floor in room 225. According to officials at VNIINM, the equipment was obtained to determine the Plutonium content in certain materials, specifically as a method to promote the Plutonium Disposition (PD) program. Due to the fact that the PD program has had limited opportunities to work, the equipment has never been used. The team was shown a model GC3518 germanium coaxial detector, serial #09027523, a 97-3803 "CITS" analyzer and assay probe. The serial number on the probe can only be obtained by taking apart the tubs, which the team did not request due to the technical nature of the equipment. ¶7. The team observed other U.S. origin equipment in room 225 that Gibbs believes was provided by DOE. Mr. Shuler believes a team could conduct a check in fairly short order depending on the size of the site and number of units. ¶8. Recommendations: Post recommends Bochvar All- Russian Scientific Research Institute For Inorganic Materials (VNIINM) as a reliable recipient of sensitive U.S. origin commodities. (FCS MOSCOW/DLUTTER/DPEARCE) BURNS