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Nuclear Nonproliferation

One of the most serious threats facing the United States and other countries is the possibility that a nuclear warhead or nuclear weapon-usable materials could be stolen from poorly secured stockpiles in various locations around the world. To address these other threats, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration implements nuclear nonproliferation programs worldwide.

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The National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA), a separately organized agency within the Department of Energy has more than 20 programs that are intended to, among other things, secure nuclear warheads; reduce the risks of nuclear smuggling; and protect, consolidate, and dispose of weapon-usable nuclear material and radiological sources. Table 1 shows the range of NNSA’s nuclear nonproliferation programs.

Table 1: NNSA Nuclear Nonproliferation Operating Programs and Major Program and Subprogram Functions and Activities, by Nonproliferation Office in Fiscal Year 2010

Table 1: NNSA Nuclear Nonproliferation Operating Programs and Major Program and Subprogram Functions and Activities, by Nonproliferation Office in Fiscal Year 2010

Looking for our recommendations? Click on any report to find each associated recommendation and its current implementation status.

Combating Nuclear Smuggling

Megaports Initiative Faces Funding and Sustainability Challenges
GAO-13-37, Oct 31, 2012

Nuclear Nonproliferation

Further Actions Needed by U.S. Agencies to Secure Vulnerable Nuclear and Radiological Materials
GAO-12-512T, Mar 14, 2012

Nuclear Nonproliferation

Action Needed to Address NNSA's Program Management and Coordination Challenges
GAO-12-71, Dec 14, 2011

Nuclear Nonproliferation

U.S. Agencies Have Limited Ability to Account for, Monitor, and Evaluate the Security of U.S. Nuclear Material Overseas
GAO-11-920, Sep 8, 2011

Nuclear Nonproliferation

Comprehensive U.S. Planning and Better Foreign Cooperation Needed to Secure Vulnerable Nuclear Materials Worldwide
GAO-11-227, Dec 15, 2010

More Reports

Nuclear Nonproliferation

IAEA Has Made Progress in Implementing Critical Programs but Continues to Face Challenges
GAO-13-139, May 16, 2013

Nuclear Nonproliferation

Additional Actions Needed to Improve Security of Radiological Sources at U.S. Medical Facilities
GAO-12-925, Sep 10, 2012

Strategic Weapons

Changes in the Nuclear Weapons Targeting Process Since 1991
GAO-12-786R, Jul 31, 2012

Modernizing the Nuclear Security Enterprise

New Plutonium Research Facility at Los Alamos May Not Meet All Mission Needs
GAO-12-337, Mar 26, 2012

Nuclear Nonproliferation

More Progress Needed in Implementing Recommendations for IAEA's Technical Cooperation Program
GAO-11-482T, Mar 17, 2011

Nuclear Nonproliferation

DOE Needs to Address Uncertainties with and Strengthen Independent Safety Oversight of Its Plutonium Disposition Program
GAO-10-378, Mar 26, 2010

Nuclear Nonproliferation

National Nuclear Security Administration Has Improved the Security of Reactors in its Global Research Reactor Program, but Action Is Needed to Address Remaining Concerns
GAO-09-949, Sep 17, 2009

Nuclear Nonproliferation

Strengthened Oversight Needed to Address Proliferation and Management Challenges in IAEA's Technical Cooperation Program
GAO-09-275, Mar 5, 2009
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