LOCATION
Vienna International Centre
Vienna, Austria


DATES
2-6 November 2026


LANGUAGE
The working language will be English.


OBJECTIVES
To provide Station Managers with an understanding of Operation and Maintenance activities in the scope of Post Certification Activities contracts. To ensure proper level of knowledge in introduction of changes to the PCA contracts, PTS procurement process, mechanisms of Unscheduled Maintenance (USM) and logistical support, configuration change management process, and communication with the PTS through formalized reports.

AGENDA

• Overview of Operation and Maintenance at IMS stations
• The scope of O&M activities in the PCA contract
• Responsibilities of the station manager in the scope of PCA
• Introduction of changes to the PCA contracts
• PTS procurement process and financial regulations
• Mechanisms for USM and logistical support
• Configuration change management process
• Communication with PTS through formalized reports
• Hands-on exercise on the preparation of PCA proposal

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

• Individuals with managerial and planning responsibility at certified IMS stations with PCA contracts where the PCA contracts require amendment or the new PCA contracts expected to be concluded within the next 12 months.

  Candidates must be proficient in English.

• States Signatories hosting IMS stations with PCA contracts should nominate participant(s) who are station managers directly involved in the planning and management of operation and maintenance activities.
   
• Priority will be given to managers who have not received training on PCA contract management and Operation and Maintenance Planning.
   

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Deadline for Application: 3 August 2026
Nominations together with the registration forms should be submitted through established official channels (Permanent Missions to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO or Ministries of Foreign Affairs) to the PTS point of contact, no later the indicated deadline for application. 

REGISTRATION FORM
Applicants are requested to use the registration form provided herewith by the deadline of 3 August 2026:

Applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified accordingly.

However, pending official nomination, participants may submit their registration via email once it has been approved by the Director or Head of the institution, in order to allow the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) to make timely travel and accommodation arrangements

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In accordance with the Staff Regulations and Rules and Administrative Directives, the PTS will provide the following:

• A Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) that is sufficient to cover the related expenses during the technical training;
• The PTS travel agent will reserve, issue and forward the flight ticket to the participants for the most direct and economic route;
• Funded participants are not allowed to purchase their own tickets unless, under exceptional circumstances, they are authorized to do so and only if this proves to be the most cost effective option for the PTS;
• The PTS will book a hotel and cover the costs for the accommodation and technical training participants will receive their remaining DSA upon arrival in Vienna; and
• All participants will be covered under the Global Medical Insurance scheme for the PTS trainees under third party liability insurance.
   

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Visa
Participants should apply for visas, if needed, and as soon as possible, at the corresponding Embassy/Consular Office upon receipt of an Acceptance Note Verbale from the PTS, to ensure timely processing.