EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: RIRT (RUSSIAN

UNCLAS MOSCOW 003319 SIPDIS SIPDIS USDOC FOR 532/OEA/MHAMES/LRITTER USDOC FOR 3150/USFCS/OIO/CEENIS/MCOSTA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP ETRD ETTC RS SUBJECT: EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: RIRT (RUSSIAN INSTITUTE OF RADIONAVIGATION AND TIME),ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA, D374598 ¶1. Unauthorized disclosure of the information provided below is prohibited by Section 12C of the Export Administration Act. ¶2. Reftel requested a Pre-license check to determine the legitimacy and reliability of the end-user, RIRT, St. Petersburg, Russia. The company is listed on BIS license application D374598 as the ultimate consignee of environmental test chamber with interior dimensions of 36X36X36. These items are controlled for national security and missile technology reasons under ECCN 1B018. The licensee is Abbess Instruments and Systems, Inc., 70 Bartzak Dr., Holliston, MA 01746. ¶3. On July 4, 2007, Export Control Attache Donald Pearce and FSN Natalya Shipitsina conducted a pre- license check at the offices of Russian Institute of Radionavigation and Time (RIRT),St. Petersburg, Russia. The export control team met with Oleg Osipov, Chief Engineer. ¶4. RIRT was founded in 1957 to study long-distance navigation systems automation for marine and aviation use. The institute developed the precision timing apparatus for major radio navigation networks for the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation, including "Alfa" (similar to the U.S. "OMEGA" low-frequency aviation navigation system),"Chaika" (similar to the U.S. "LORAN" low-frequency marine/aviation navigation system),"Parus" (similar to "TRANSIT" satellite geolocation system) and GLONASS (similar to GPS). RIRT has been working in joint programs with the United States since 1991, including the synchronization of LORAN and Chaika systems as well as integrating GLONASS technology into GPS equipment. In addition, the company produces GLONASS/GPS receivers and other navigational equipment. The institute employs 900 at a facility located in the city of St. Petersburg. ¶5. RIRT will utilize the commodity in reftel to test satellite components, circuit boards and equipment prior to installation and launch. RIRT produces precision timing instrumentation for the GLONASS system, geophysical survey and telecommunications satellites. The chamber will be used to test boards in vacuum conditions similar to those encountered in orbit. The system will not be used for other purposes, nor does RIRT plan on removing or using the vacuum pump for other than the purposes stated above. RIRT plans to purchase two additional test chambers as well. Mr. Osipov noted that a European model chamber would have been modular, requiring the pump to be mated to the chamber. The decision to buy the U.S. built chamber was the fact that it was integrated. ¶6. The RIRT facility is a closed area, requiring a security clearance for entry. All visitors are escorted, and the building has 24-hour security services. Access is controlled by a proximity card system, and employees may not remove equipment from the building without clearing the movement with security. Seven specialists will have access to the equipment. Mr. Osipov is personally responsible for all the lab equipment, maintains the logbook of equipment, and conducts yearly inventories. Mr. Osipov was made aware of the anticipated license conditions by the exporter. ¶7. Recommendations: Post recommends Russian Institute of Radionavigation and Time (RIRT),St. Petersburg, Russia, as a reliable recipient of sensitive U.S. origin commodities. It is requested that post be notified of final disposition of the application, and of any shipments for this organization in order to conduct appropriate FCS follow-up and statistical reporting. (FCS MOSCOW/SBOZEK/DPEARCE) BURNS