Transforming the Nuclear Weapons Complex

Over the past several years, there has been a serious re-evaluation of how the United States maintains its nuclear deterrent. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a separately organized agency within the Department of Energy (DOE), is responsible for overseeing the nuclear weapons complex. This complex comprises three nuclear weapons design laboratories, four production plants, and the Nevada Test Site, at an annual cost of more than $6 billion.

• NNSA recently offered a proposal to Congress for transforming the weapons complex over the next 25 years.
• NNSA believes this will result in a significantly more efficient, secure, and safe set of facilities.
• A preliminary analysis conducted by an NNSA contractor estimates this proposal will cost nearly $80 billion.
  
  Highlights of GAO-08-1032T (PDF)

Given the importance of the nation’s nuclear deterrent, the large amount of funding required, and DOE’s history of poor project management, it is vital to closely monitor NNSA’s implementation of its proposal.

^ Back to topWhat Needs to Be Done

DOE and NNSA should

• improve NNSA’s nuclear materials and cyber security programs;
• develop and implement standard operating procedures for conducting business and resolving conflicts between DOE and NNSA; and
• institute a series of initiatives to improve project, program, and financial management at NNSA.
  
  Highlights of GAO-07-36 (PDF)

^ Back to topKey Reports

Nuclear Weapons

Nuclear Weapons

Securing U.S. Nuclear Material

Department of Energy

National Nuclear Security Administration

Nuclear Weapons

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