Labeling Process - CAIS-ECAC

Experts from CAIS-ECAC visits the NF and evaluate the local conditions, sampling conditioning, and instrumentation. In individual discussions, the experts talk with the responsible persons of the station about the current status, possible improvements and the further procedure.

Based on the audit, CAIS-ECAC writes a preliminary evaluation report for the NF. This report can be viewed at the CAIS-ECAC-server. Each NF receives access to this server.

In the next step, CAIS-ECAC plan together with the station, when the NF is ready for labeling. Based on this time decision, the labeling portal will be opened for the NF by the head office (HO).

After opening of the labeling portal, the NF PI must provide a description of the NF, add the contact people, and list the ACTRIS instruments for each obligatory and additional variable.
CAIS-ECAC uploads the preliminary evaluation report for the NF.

Based on the preliminary evaluation report, the NF must provide a realistic upgrade plan in which the NF refers to all suggested improvements or missing instruments mentioned in the preliminary report. The NF must also provide a commitment letter.

Based on the upgrade plan, CAIS-ECAC provides the final evaluation report and give the recommendation for initial acceptance to the HO.

Based on the documents provided in the labeling portal, the HO will evaluate the NF.
If the description of the station is not provided, the initial acceptance cannot be given.
If the commitment letter is not provided, the NF can get a conditional initial acceptance.

The HO recommendation will be presented at the next RI Committee meeting. The RI Committee will decide on the initial acceptance of the NF.

Once, the NF is initially accepted, CAIS-ECAC is responsible for the quality assurance of the instruments. CAIS-ECAC invites NFS to bring their instruments to the calibration center. CAIS-ECAC also provides the software for Near-Real-Time (NRT) data submission.

If all improvements (upgrade plan) were done, all minimum variables and NRT are implemented, the NF can start the official ACTRIS measurements.