The Physical Qualification (PQ) Procedure
The Colorado University – Anschutz (CU-Anschutz) is responsible for making PQ determinations for Arctic participants.
The NSF's PQ policy applies to personnel deploying to certain Arctic locations in Greenland, as described below.
- Kangerlussuaq: No one deploying to Kangerlussuaq is required to PQ. However, the Battelle ARO team may reassign certain of its employees to other remote locations in Greenland (e.g, Summit, remote field camps) and therefore may choose to require that these individuals physically qualify.
- Remote Field Camps: Everyone deploying to a remote field camp for 30 days or more is required to physically qualify. These individuals will be identified by the Battelle ARO team to CU-Anschutz.
- Summit Station: Everyone deploying to Summit Station for any period of time outside of a 109th flight period (the time a 109th aircraft is in theater) must physically qualify. These individuals will be identified by the Battelle ARO team to CU-Anschutz.
Please contact your science project manager (for researchers) or your supervisor (for staff) to initiate your PQ process. Your project manager or supervisor will contact CU-Anschutz on your behalf. CU-Anschutz will send you a packet of medical forms. Complete the paperwork and return it (via physical mail or fax) to CU-Anschutz. After review, CU-Anschutz will send a determination email to you and the Battelle ARO safety manager.
For further information on whether you are required to physically qualify in the Arctic, refer to the NSF PQ Policy PDF.
