Nuclear Weapons Complex:
Issues Surrounding Consolidating Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories
T-RCED-92-98: Published: Sep 24, 1992. Publicly Released: Sep 24, 1992.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
GAO discussed the Department of Energy's (DOE) nuclear weapons laboratories, focusing on: (1) the research, development, and testing (RD&T) capabilities of the Los Alamos and Livermore National Laboratories; (2) trends in staffing and funding at both DOE weapons laboratories; and (3) options for consolidating both programs. GAO noted that: (1) DOE maintains redundant nuclear warhead RD&T infrastructures to simulate competition between nations; (2) both laboratories' responsibilities include nuclear warhead design, RD&T capabilities, materials and fabrication research, high explosive technology development, and weapons engineering and testing; (3) the concurrent and independent approaches have led to development of specialized knowledge and capabilities; (4) staffing and funding levels have continued to decline, forcing both laboratories to expand areas of development and find alternative funding sources; (5) due to the decrease in funds, some consolidation of the two laboratories is expected; (6) savings are possible through consolidation, but the laboratories believe they are small relative to the entire nuclear weapons complex funding; (7) both laboratories advocate continuing the two-laboratory structure for weapons design; (8) Los Alamos believes that the structure may need to be altered, but both programs must maintain peer review and benefits from competition; and (9) DOE expects to broaden the laboratories' missions to include nuclear waste management and modernization on the nuclear weapons complex.
Apr 25, 2018
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Military Readiness:
Clear Policy and Reliable Data Would Help DOD Better Manage Service Members' Time Away from HomeGAO-18-253: Published: Apr 25, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2018. -
Warfighter Support:
DOD Needs to Share F-35 Operational Lessons Across the Military ServicesGAO-18-464R: Published: Apr 25, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2018. -
Weapon Systems Annual Assessment:
Knowledge Gaps Pose Risks to Sustaining Recent Positive TrendsGAO-18-360SP: Published: Apr 25, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2018.
Apr 18, 2018
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KC-46 Tanker Modernization:
Program Cost Is Stable, but Schedule May Be Further DelayedGAO-18-353: Published: Apr 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 18, 2018.
Apr 17, 2018
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Amphibious Combat Vehicle:
Program Should Take Steps to Ensure Manufacturing ReadinessGAO-18-364: Published: Apr 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2018. -
CIVILIAN AND CONTRACTOR WORKFORCES:
DOD's Cost Comparisons Addressed Most Report Elements but Excluded Some CostsGAO-18-399: Published: Apr 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2018.
Apr 16, 2018
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Defense Business Systems:
DOD Needs to Continue Improving Guidance and Plans for Effectively Managing InvestmentsGAO-18-130: Published: Apr 16, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 2018. -
Military Bases:
DOD Should Address Challenges with Communication and Mission Changes to Improve Future Base Realignment and Closure RoundsGAO-18-231: Published: Mar 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 2018.
Apr 11, 2018
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Military Personnel:
DOD Needs to Reevaluate Fighter Pilot Workforce RequirementsGAO-18-113: Published: Apr 11, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 11, 2018.
Mar 29, 2018
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DOD Contracted Services:
Long-Standing Issues Remain about Using Inventory for Management DecisionsGAO-18-330: Published: Mar 29, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 2018.
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