The U.S. Nuclear Materials Information System Can Improve Service to Its User Agencies
NSIAD-85-28
Published: Jan 14, 1985. Publicly Released: Jan 14, 1985.
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Highlights
GAO discussed the Department of Energy's (DOE) computerized transaction file on domestic and international nuclear materials, known as the Nuclear Materials Management and Safeguards System (NMMSS).
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should develop a NMMSS long-range management plan which allows for top management involvement by the principal NMMSS users and principal recipients of NMMSS-generated data. |
Closed – Implemented
The NMMSS 5-year plan, which includes NMMSS long-range program and ADP plans, was finalized in late March 1986.
|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should establish an interagency steering committee which would be responsible for seeing that the functional, technical, and financial aspects of NMMSS are included in the long-range management plan. |
Closed – Implemented
An interagency steering group has been established, chaired by DOE. It met for its first meeting on June 18, 1985, and discussed a number of policy-related issues and formulated recommendations for DOE and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) review. The next meeting is scheduled for January 1986.
|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should complete the database management system project. |
Closed – Implemented
The NMMSS operating contractor completed the database management system project during the quarter ending September 30, 1985. Completion was made using the existing, obsolete computer. When the new computer becomes operational, some additional work may be required.
|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should evaluate the current organizational responsibilities for NMMSS and implement the specific changes needed to improve planning and operations. |
Closed – Implemented
A new NMMSS Program Management Charter was signed by DOE/OSS and the Oak Ridge Operations office in late August 1985. The Charter reflects the roles of DOE/OSS, NRC, and the Operations office in managing NMMSS.
|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should review, as part of the planning process and with the assistance of other principal users, the various NMMSS operational improvements that are underway or which have been identified in previous DOE-sponsored studies, and implement those found to be cost-effective. This review should consider the improvements from an overall system viewpoint, rather than on an individual basis. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE stated that actions taken under pervious recommendations address this recommendation.
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Topics
Data collectionInformation centersInformation systemsInternational cooperationInternational relationsNuclear proliferationNuclear weaponsStrategic materialsNuclear materialsArms control