Support to the U.S. Department of Energy Exercise Programs
DOE’s Emergency Response Readiness Program
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education's (ORISE) flagship national security program has been to support the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Response Readiness Program. Through our work, DOE is better able to assess and access the capabilities of its emergency response assets in support of the U.S. government's counterterrorism, consequence management, and nuclear/radiological response programs.
National Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Exercises
NNSA has over 50 years of experience in the design and security of nuclear weapons as well as responding to nuclear weapons accidents and incidents. NNSA also provides technical expertise and response support in the nation’s war on terror. NNSA is ready to respond and mitigate nuclear and radiological incidents worldwide to minimize the potential devastating impact.
To prepare, multiple federal agencies team conduct large-scale exercises that simulate incidents involving WMD. ORISE is the principal planner and coordinator for DOE’s participation in these exercises.
In cases where the WMD is nuclear, DOE’s Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS), also managed by ORISE, is deployed as well. REAC/TS personnel are known worldwide for their expertise in the medical management of radiation emergencies.
No-Notice Exercise Program
To provide DOE with a snapshot of its asset readiness, ORISE conducts no-notice emergency deployment readiness exercises.
DOE’s Megaports Program
Ninety percent of the world's trade occurs via container cargo shipped in and out of seaports. If left unprotected, the world's largest and busiest seaports could be used by terrorists to smuggle or traffic nuclear material.
ORISE supports DOE in its efforts to work with other countries to inspect the cargo at major international seaports. We assist DOE in developing workshops and validation exercises that help train personnel in other countries to detect nuclear or other radioactive materials in the cargo coming into their countries. [Read more about DOE’s Megaports initiative on their Web site.]
Readiness Exercise Tracking
Also critical to NNSA's exercise efforts is a unique tracking system developed by ORISE. The NA-42 Event Tracking System (NETS) captures scheduled radiological response exercises, lessons learned, and more.
Emergency Management
Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group (EMI SIG)
ORISE manages the DOE EMI SIG, which is composed of more than 900 DOE and DOE contractor emergency management personnel. The group shares information, lessons learned, and resources across the DOE complex. Five EMI SIG Subcommittees are the hub for activities. The DOE Office of Emergency Management and Policy sponsors the SIG.
Exercise Builder
Working with subject matter experts from DOE's Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group, ORISE created this unique computer-based tool for DOE personnel who develop exercises and drills. It makes available generic exercise components such as scenarios, objectives, and criteria; sites can add site-specific information and produce exercise packages using this tool.
