TWINNING LIGHT PROJECT FICHE
BASIC INFORMATION
1.1. CRIS
and
Twinning
BG/2006/IB/OT/01/UE/TWL
Number:
BG2006/018-164.04.01.02;
1.2. Title: Strengthening of the existing measurement capacity and alignment with
EU practice of Bulgarian Institute of Metrology in the field of inorganic analysis
1.3. Location:
Bulgarian Institute of Metrology (BIM)
Directorate General National Center of Metrology (DG NCM)
Department Chemical Measurements and Ionizing Radiation
BACKGROUND
Governmental programmes aimed at establishing stability and creating opportunities
for expansion of Bulgarian economy, at stimulating competitiveness of Bulgarian
industry, as well as at transposition of acquis for food and environmental monitoring,
may be achieved through an active policy towards promotion of metrology.
Metrology, as science and practice of measurements, plays an essential role for
industrial productivity and commercial transactions, and serves the society in
achieving higher quality of life. Accurate and reliable measurements are essential
prerequisite for food safety and environmental protection, as well as for strengthening
the positions of manufacturers and development of entrepreneurship in the conditions
of globalization and competitive national and European Market.
Variety and specifics of the chemical measurements that are in the core of the food
and environmental monitoring led to a number of initiatives that have been
undertaken in the recent years to improve its quality. In 1999 King’s et al. have issued
a report on metrology in chemistry which has underlined that a significant part of
measurements in chemistry and biology are not fit for the purpose for which they
were carried out and that results in strong socio-economic consequences. Chemical
measurements form the basis of many important economic, political, environmental,
medical and legal decisions. Every day millions of such measurements are carried out
throughout the world. The real basis for decision-making and implementing
regulations depends on the traceability, comparability and reliability of the results of
these chemical measurements.
The task of establishing traceability of measurement results to the international
measurement standards is assigned to Directorate General "National Center of
Metrology" (DG NCM), the national metrology institution. In 1999 DG NCM signed
CIPM Mutual recognition of national measurement standards and of calibration and
measurement certificates issued by a national metrology institute (MRA). With
respect to the latter special efforts are being made by DG NCM on establishing new
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calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) including the measurements in
inorganic analysis in order to meet the needs of Bulgarian industry. As a result, the
fulfilment of the proposed project will support the process of accreditation of Labs
and the implementation of Bulgarian and European legislation, concerning
environmental protection and food safety.
In response to the new challenges concerning the expansion of the European Single
Market and the inclusion of Bulgarian metrology in the European metrological
infrastructure, DG NCM has elaborated a “Long-term programme for the
development of the national measurement standards of the Republic of Bulgaria for
the period 2004 – 2010” adopted by the Council of Ministers on 06. 01. 2005. One of
the main priority determined in the Programme is metrology in chemistry and
particularly - inorganic analysis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
3.1 Beneficiary
3.1.1. Detailed description of the main beneficiary institution
Bulgarian Institute of Metrology is an independent legally defined body to the
Council of Ministers, responsible for the fundamental and legal metrology activities in
Bulgaria that has to:
 Perform functions in compliance with the Law on Measurements;
 Assist the government bodies in exercising their powers on measurementrelated issues;
 Conduct and implement metrology research and provide services related to
measurements and measuring instruments in fields of public, scientific and economic
interest;
 Conduct and implement activities related to the international recognition of
measurements carried out in Bulgaria.
BIM consists of three directorates: two specialized in metrology activities and one
dealing with administrative maters. The total number of staff is 406.
DG NCM - Fundamental Metrology
The National Center of Metrology is a Directorate General established within the BIM
structure. Its mission is to provide a solid basis for achieving accuracy and traceability
of measurements within the country. It keeps and maintains the national measurement
standards (etalons). DG NCM participates in the activities of the General Conference
for Weights and Measures (GCMP), European Collaboration on Measurement
Standards (EUROMET) and Euro-Asian Co-operation of National Metrology
institutions (COOMET). DG NCM is a signatory to the Agreement of the
International Committee of Measures and Weights for mutual recognition of the
national measurement standards and measurement and calibration certificates issued
by the National Metrology Institutes.
DG NCM activities in Metrology in Chemistry started in 1976 with establishment of a
laboratory for reference materials. Later DG NCM activities were developed through
establishment of an electrochemistry laboratory. Nowadays two measurement
standards are maintained: a primary measurement standard for hydrogen index - pH
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and a secondary measurement standard for specific electrolytic conductivity of
electrolytes. In the past three years the measurement capabilities of DG NCM
Chemical Department have been strengthened considerably via the EU PHARE funds
through establishment of an analytical laboratory, operating a state-of-the-art
equipment for precise detection of trace elements in various matrices. The laboratory
disposes of:



Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP MS) - quadrupole ICP
MS for trace element determination (about 70 elements) - detection limits
down part per trillion (ppt);
Equipment for matrix digestion and sample preparation;
Clean chemical laboratory for sample preparation.
The ambition of the analytical laboratory is:




to develop the highest expertise;
to organize interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency tests for the
laboratories in the country in order to ensure traceability and accuracy of
chemical measurements;
to act as a leading center in ICP MS analysis in Bulgaria;
to offer a suitable environment for training and knowledge transfer in the
country as well as in the region.
3.1.2. The context in the beneficiary country (BC) and linked activities
Over the last few years, Bulgaria has made significant steps in transposing the
European legislation in the field of free movement of goods. The present project is a
logical follow-up of all previously implemented and currently on-going interrelated
PHARE projects focused specifically in the field of conformity assessment and
metrology. The overall concept is to cover the whole process starting from creating
the respective institutional framework and service infrastructure in the area of
conformity assessment, proceeding to its strengthening in particular by means of
enforced New Approach acquis and functioning infrastructure ensuring free
movement of industrial goods and finally achieving completely developed national
conformity assessment system.
PHARE 2000
The finalized PHARE 2000 Project BG0003.02 “Establishing a conformity
assessment system” led to a significant progress in:

Achieving international recognition of measurement results and creating
conditions to respond to industry demands;

Facilitating the process of international recognition of test and calibration
results produced in Bulgaria, as well as of certification of products, quality
systems, personnel and inspection reaching EA (European cooperation for
Accreditation) level.
Middle-term Strategic Planning and Long-term Orientation Plan for development of
national measurement standards and the infrastructure of calibration laboratories were
elaborated and approved as the two underlying documents on the basis of which DG
NCM will operate in the future, outlining the priority fields of measurements in
regards the Bulgarian industry demands.
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PHARE 2002
The PHARE 2002 Project BG0201.12 “Strengthening of the national conformity
assessment system” was designed to provide the necessary support for achieving the
requirements as regards provision of adequate services to industry by Conformity
Assessment Bodies, standardization and metrology institutes. The support received
under this project was of crucial importance since it drove the three key players within
the conformity assessment system - Bulgarian Accreditation Service, National
Institute for Standardization and National Center of Metrology - to adequately meet
the industry demands.
Ongoing PHARE 2005
Two components of the Project BG 2005/017-353.02.02 “Further development of a
national conformity assessment system and metrology infrastructure” include
technical assistance and supply of equipment for Directorate General National Center
of Metrology and Directorate General Measures and Measuring Instruments. The
objectives are to strengthen their technical expertise and measurement capacity thus
meeting the main objectives of the “Long-term program for the development of the
national measurement standards of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2004 –
2010” adopted by the Council of Ministers on 06. 01. 2005.
TRAINING IN METRORLOGY IN CHEMISTRY
Training in metrology in chemistry (TrainMiC) is a European Commission funded
training platform to foster advanced professional training on generic issues related to
the measurement science in chemical measurements. This training is intended both for
laboratory practitioners as well as for the ‘end-users’ of measurements e.g. regulatory,
inspection or accreditation bodies.
TrainMiC has been set up as a training platform for experts from all types of
organisations. Via the TrainMiC platform, a set of training modules has been
constructed that provides understanding in basic measurement matters, which apply to
measurements across different sectors such as food, environmental or clinical
analysis.
It offers interpretation of existing documents and gives guidance by way of concrete
examples. The training material gives a congruent and up-to-date view on e.g.
uncertainty or traceability of measurement results.
The target audiences for TrainMiC are:

measurement practitioners from laboratories

technical assessors involved in accreditation

end-users of measurement data e.g. from public bodies or enforcement
agencies
The training courses are organised by the local partners, such as national metrology
institutes, universities or accreditation bodies, in collaboration with the IRMM.
The present project will not duplicate any of the above-mentioned projects. It will
make maximum use of the experience gained from all previous linked PHARE and
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other donors activities concerning the development of the Bulgarian metrology
infrastructure.
3.1.3. The proposed methodology for implementing the intended reform
The methodology for implementing the proposed project includes the realisation of
two components which are:

Component 1. Improving the DG NCM capacity in a way to implement
innovative approaches in services offered in the field of inorganic analysis in
order to reach the European ones and

Component 2. Establishment of a coordination mechanism and coherent
approach for organization of interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency tests
and their implementation will result in quality improvement in the measurements
performed by DG NCM. The better quality measurements will support the mission of
DG NCM – to provide traceability of measurement results and to disseminate it to the
end users. The Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry (IDMS) method is one of the fifth
methods, defined of CCQM (Consultative Committee for amount of substance within
CIPM – International Committee for measure and weights) with the potentiality of
primary method and at the same time it is the widest applied from the European NMIs
for the certification of reference materials and for determination of the reference value
for ILCs and PTs. By implementing of (IDMS) the measurement capabilities of DG
NCM in the field of inorganic analysis will align with those of the EU National
Metrology Institutes (NMI). The IDMS method is defined by the Consultative
Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM) as a potential primary method. The
implementation of IDMS will ensure more accurate results with small uncertainties.
An essential part of the activities of European NMI in the field of chemical
measurements is to provide traceable and reliable reference values for ILCs and PTs.
ILCs and PTs are one of the instruments for the evaluatation of the competance of the
laboratories:

first - to evaluate themselves (inside the Labs);

second - to demonstrate competence to their direct clients;

third - to demonstrate competence to third parties, for example the
Accreditation service;

forth – when they participate they improve their measurements skills.

fifth ILCs are used also to assign certified value to RMs.
Therefore the training of DG NCM staff in the best European practices will serve as a
basis of future activities on ILCs and PTs organization. As a result, the
implementation of Bulgarian and European legislation concerning environmental
protection and food safety will be supported.
3.1.4. Steering Committee
The Steering Committee (StC) will have the responsibility to monitor the work
performed, review progress towards objectives and take particular interest in specific
project objectives. They will discuss and propose any corrective actions, if necessary.
The StC will review the various reports and will recommend/endorse the
implementing actions.
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The Steering Committee will be composed of the both project leaders, both persons
responsible for Component 1 and Component 2, representative of Central Finance and
Contracts Unit (CFCU).
3.1.5 BC Project Leader
BC Project leader
Mr. Katerin Katerinov
PhD and author of more than 20 scientific publications in the field of inoraganic
analysis, experienced in project management.
Bulgarian Institute of Metrology
52 B, G. M. Dimitrov Blvd
1040 Sofia Bulgaria
Phone: + 359 2 873 52 77
Fax: + 359 2 870 01 46
E-mail: k.katerinov@bim.government.bg
Person responsible for component 1:
Mrs. Penka Avramova
Responsible for the organization of the measurements performed in the field of
inorganic analysis.
Directorate General National Center of Metrology
52 B, G. M. Dimitrov Blvd
1040 Sofia Bulgaria
Telephone: + 359 2 873 52 50
Fax: + 359 2 873 52 85
E-mail: p.avramova@bim.government.bg
Person responsible for component 2:
Mrs. Dimka Ivanova
Experienced in organization and participation in interlaboratory and international
(CCQM) comparisons, national coordinator of the IMEP Programme, member of
KCWG in CCQM.
Directorate General National Center of Metrology
52 B, G. M. Dimitrov Blvd
1040 Sofia Bulgaria
Telephone: + 359 2 873 52 50
Fax: + 359 2 873 52 85
E-mail: d.ivanova@bim.government.bg
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3.2 Global and specific objectives
Overall Objective(s):
The project purpose is to facilitate implementation of the European Community’s
policy in the field of metrology in chemistry through improving of the technical
capacity of the existing laboratory for inorganic analysis within DG NCM.
Specific objectives


to improve the scientific level of DG NCM capabilities in the field of
inorganic analysis by implementation of the innovative measurement method –
isotope dilution mass spectrometry;
to provide traceable and reference values for interlaboratory comparisons and
proficiency tests conducted by DG NCM.
3.3 Requested services/nature of activities
In order to achieve the Project Results, the following activities are envisaged:
Component 1. Improving the DG NCM capacity in a way to implement
innovative approaches in services offered in the field of inorganic analysis in
order to reach the European ones.
A 1.1 Review and assessment of administrative capacity and recommendation of
actions for institution development (expert advice);
A 1.2 Practical training of 2 BIM experts in a competent department/laboratory of an
EU Member State on carrying out IDMS method (internship and relevant issues);
А 1.3 Elaboration of working procedures for IDMS application (commentary on a
draft text);
A 1.4 Organization, execution of bilateral comparison applying IDMS method and
registration as EUROMET project.
А 1.5 Treatment and assessment of bilateral comparison results;
A 1.6 Discussion on the bilateral comparison results (workshop and expert advice).
Component 2. Establishment of a coordination mechanism and coherent
approach for organization of interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency tests.
A 2.1 Review and assessment of the human resources and technical capacity of DG
NCM in regards to the ability to organize ILCs and PTs (expert advice);
A 2.2 Introduction of the best European practices and the experience of European
National Metrology Institutes in the field of ILCs and PTs organization (workshop);
A 2.3 Practical training of 10 experts concerning selection of PT schemes, statistical
treatment of the data, writing and interpretation of PT reports etc. in order to fulfill the
requirements of ISO Guide 43-1 (workshop, relevant materials);
A 2.4 Elaboration of procedures for ILCs and PTs organization, data treatment and
results evaluation (commentary on a draft text);
A 2.5 Development of a plan for PT organization (expert advice and consultation).
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The successful implementation of the components specified above will bring DG
NCM competence and practice to the European level that will facilitate fulfillment of
its mission concerning the ensuring of traceability of the results in the field of
inorganic analysis.
The project will be implemented through a Twinning Light contract estimated at
maximum € 100 000. National co-financing up to 10 % of the PHARE budget will be
provided, in addition to the PHARE amount, by the National Fund Directorate at the
Ministry of Finance.
3.4 Mandatory result and benchmarks
The project foresees to produce the following results:
R 1.1 Recommendations for institutional improvement and further development
worked out;
R 1.2 BIM experts trained and capable to use IDMS method;
R 1.3 Working procedures for IDMS application developed;
R 1.4 Bilateral comparison creating prerequisites for international recognition of the
DG NCM measurement capabilities in the field of Inorganic Analysis performed;
R 1.5 Report of the bilateral comparison issued;
R 1.6 Analytical methodology exchanged. Corrective measures planned (if needed);
R 2.1 Status report on the human resources and technical capacity of DG NCM
issued;
R 2.2 Four BIM experts acquainted with the best European practices;
R 2.3 Ten BIM experts trained to be able to meet the requirements of ISO Guide 431;
R 2.4 Working procedures for ILCs and PTs organization, data treatment and results
evaluation developed;
R 2.5 Working plan for PT organization developed.
B 1 Recommendations for institutional improvement and further development;
B 2 Training records and certificates;
B 3 Working procedures for IDMS application;
B 4 Report of the bilateral comparison;
B 5 Status report on the human resources and technical capacity of DG NCM;
B 6 Working procedures for ILCs and PTs organization, data treatment and results
evaluation;
B 7 Working plan for PT organization.
EXPERTS PROFILE
The interested Member State institution shall include in its proposal the CVs of the
designated Project Leader and the proposed Short-term experts and the specific tasks
to which they will be assigned.
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The Member State institution shall ensure that the organisation(s) and experts
involved in the respective project possess appropriate knowledge and experience.
General requirements to all experts
 University degree at Master’s level or equivalent relevant to the assignment
purposes;
 Computer literacy (MS Office 2000 Professional Edition or higher; Internet)
necessary for the project implementation;
 Fluency in English – both written and spoken;
 To have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in a National
Metrology Institute or in a designated laboratory at EU Member State;
Specific requirements
Project leader
 To possess appropriate knowledge in the area of Metrology in Chemistry,
organization of ILCs and knowledge sharing issues;
 To possess the necessary qualification demonstrating good organizational
and leadership skills.
 To have been involved at least the last 5 years in international co-operation
activities in the field of Metrology in Chemistry;
 To possess the required skills and experience as a coordinator responsible
for organization of trainings/traineeships for metrology experts
Short-term expert 1: Expert/experts who will be responsible for the implementation
of Component 1
 To possess appropriate knowledge in the area of inorganic analysis and
knowledge sharing issues;
 To possess the necessary qualification demonstrating good organizational
and team—work skills

To have profound knowledge and experience in the field of IDMS method
using quadropole ICP MS in a way for elaborating procedures of IDMS
application;

To be well familiar with the tasks and responsibilities of EU Member State
NMIs in the field of chemical measurements;

To be well familiar with the activities of EUROMET and to have experience
in organization and registration of comparisons as EUROMET’s projects.
Short-term expert 2: Expert/experts who will be responsible for the implementation
of Component 2.
 Appropriate knowledge and direct involvement in organisation and
conducting international comparisons at a national metrology institute;
 Knowledge in the EUROMET and EA activities and documentation
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(including rules, procedures, guides) and existing European metrology
infrastructure;
 To possess the necessary qualification demonstrating good organisational
and team—work skills;
 To have been involved in organization and conducting international
comparisons in the field of Metrology in Chemistry;
 To be well familiar with ISO Guide 43-1 requirements and to have
experience in organising of ILCs and PT as well as in elaborating of
procedures.
LOCATION AND DURATION
5.1 Starting date 1
Expected date of commencement is February 2008 (the date is provisional).
5.2 Finishing date of the assignment
Expected date of project completion is July 2008. (the date is provisional depending
on the exact starting day, but not later then 9 months after the signing of the contract).
5.3 Schedule and number of units (man-days) for the assignment
The indicative estimation of the experts’ man-days needed for the implementation of
the foreseen activities is the following:
Activities
A 1.1
A 1.2
A 1.3
A 1.4
A 1.5
A 1.6
A 2.1
A 2.2
A 2.3
A 2.4
A 2.5
1
Type
STE mission/expert advice
Traineeship in MS
STE mission/commentary on a draft text
STE mission/organization and registration of
bilateral comparison
STE mission/results treatment and assessment
STE mission/workshop
STE mission/expert advice
STE mission/workshop
STEs mission/workshop
STE mission/commentary on a draft text
STE mission/expert advice and consultation
Man-days
3
15
3
8
8
3
3
5
2x2
3
4
Cannot be before the date of signature of the contract
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Proposed indicative time schedule
Activities
A 1.1
A 1.2
A 1.3
A 1.4
A 1.5
A 1.6
A 2.1
A 2.2
A 2.3
A 2.4
A 2.5
Steering committee
meetings
1
3
Months (man-days)
2
3
4
5
6
15
3
4
4
8
3
3
5
4
3
4
2
2
2
The candidate Member State institution shall propose a precise time schedule of all
activities and detailed breakdown of the number of units (man-days) for the
assignment per expert.
5.4 Location of assignment
The project will be located at:
Bulgarian Institute of Metrology
Directorate General National Center of Metrology
52 B, G. M. Dimitrov Blvd
1125 Sofia Bulgaria
REPORTING
6.1 Content, official language, format and number of reports
The twinning partners shall submit following reports:

A jointly drafted start-up report covering the first two months of the contract
and submitted during the third month.

A jointly drafted final report describing the project implementation, including
detailed information on the results achieved, follow-up recommendations and
any necessary corrective actions.
Reports will follow the templates of Annex C4 of the Common Twinning Manual.
In addition to these formal reporting stages, the twinning partners are obliged to
inform in writing the Contracting Authority and the Monitoring bodies, as well as the
final beneficiary of the action of any critical aspects or conditions of project
implementation, or any amendments/modifications necessary within the budget.
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All reports must be produced in English and Bulgarian languages in electronic and
hard copy. These reports shall be signed by both project leaders.
Each report must be presented in electronic format one week prior to the Steering
Committee meetings (see below) and in 1 hard copy to the following addresses:
Mr. Katerin Katerinov
Bulgarian Institute of Metrology
52 B, G. M. Dimitrov Blvd
1040 Sofia Bulgaria
Phone: + 359 2 873 52 77
Fax: + 359 2 870 01 46
E-mail: k.katerinov@bim.government.bg
Mr Lubomir Tushanov
CFCU Director
102, Rakovski Str.
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
The final versions should incorporate any comments and discussions during the
Steering Committee meetings.
The following Steering Committee meetings shall be held during the project
implementation:
6.2

Kick-off Meeting at the project’s start;

Steering Committee during the 3rd month to discuss and approve the start-up
report;

Final Steering Committee to discuss and approve the final report.
Translation & interpretation needs
The interested Member State institution shall include in its proposal the necessary
budget for translation of the relevant documentation (about 600 pages) and
interpretation needed during the foreseen events (about 180 hours).
6.3
Date of submission
The start-up report will be submitted in the third month after signing of the contract
and the final report – within the legal duration of the project.
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Annex 1
Acronyms and Abbreviations
BC
BIM
CCQM
CFCU
COOMET
DG NCM
EA
EC
EU
EUROMET
CCQM
CIPM
GCMP
KCWG
ICP MS
IDMS
ILC
ISO
MS
NMI
PT
StC
STE
Beneficiary Country
Bulgarian Institute of Metrology
Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance
Central Finance and Contracts Unit
Euro-Asian Co-operation of National Metrology Institutions
Directorate General National Center of Metrology
European Cooperation for Accreditation
European Commission
European Union
European Collaboration on Measurement Standards
Consultative Committee for amount of substance
International Committee for measure and weights
General Conference for Weights and Measures
Key comparison working group
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer
Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry
Inter Laboratory Comparison
International Organization for Standardization
Member State
National Metrology Institute
Рroficiency Test
Steering Committee
Short Term Expert
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Annex 2
ORGANISATIONAL CHART OF BULGARIAN INSTITUTE OF METROLOGY
PRESIDENT OF BIM
SECRETARY GENERAL
VICE PRESIDENTS
DIRECTORATE
ADMINISTRATIVE-LEGAL SERVICEs, FINANCIAL-ECONOMIC
ACTIVITY, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INFORMATION
SERVICEs AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
INSPECTORATE
DIRECTORATE GENERAL
NATIONAL CENTER OF
METROLOGY
INFORMATION SECURITY AND
RECESSION MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORATE GENERAL
MEASURES AND MEASURING
INSTRUMENTS
SPECIALIZED ADMINISTRATION
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Annex 3
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF DIRECTORATE GENERAL NATIONAL CENTER OF METROLOGY
DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT
PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS
ELECTRICAL
MEASUREMENTS
MECHANICAL
MEASUREMENTS
SECTOR
MEASUREMENT OF
LENGTHS AND ANGLES
SECTOR
ELECTROMAGNETIC
MEASUREMENTS
SECTOR
MEASUREMENTS OF MASS,
VOLUME AND DENSITY
SECTOR
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
SECTOR
OPTICAL MEASUREMENTS
SECTOR
ELECTROENERGIC
MEASUREMENTS
SECTOR
MEASUREMENTS OF
PRESSURE
SECTOR
MEASUREMENT OF IONIZING
RADIATIONS
SECTOR
TEMPERATURE
MEASUREMENTS
SECTOR
TIME AND FREQUENCY
MEASUREMENTS
SECTOR
INORGANIC ANALYSIS
DEPARTMENT
CHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS AND
IONIZING RADIATIONS
SCIENTIFIC-TECHNICAL ASSURANCE AND QUALITY
DIRECTOR GENERAL
SECTOR
MEASUREMENTS OF
ACOUSTIC AND
VIBRATIONS
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