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Who Should Read This Report and Why? DoD civilian and military personnel who manage international programs should read this report. This report discusses topics that international agreements should include.
Background. This audit is one in a series of audits the Deputy Secretary of Defense requested. As part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program, DoD agreed to assist the Russian Federation in disposing of its liquid rocket propellant. Public Law 102?228 (section 2551 [note], title 22, United States Code), the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991 designates DoD as the executive agent for the CTR Program. Specific objectives of the act are to destroy chemical, nuclear, and other weapons; transport, store, disable, and safeguard weapons in connection with their destruction; and establish verifiable safeguards against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Policy), under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, develops, coordinates, and oversees implementation of policy for the CTR Program. The CTR Directorate, Defense Threat Reduction Agency operates the program.
The direction of DoD assistance for disposal of liquid rocket propellant changed after the initial agreement. DoD initially agreed to provide equipment, services, and training so that Russia could incinerate 30,000 metric tons* of liquid propellant (heptyl) and 123,000 metric tons of oxidizer (amyl and mélange). However, DoD ultimately financed facilities that would convert the propellant and oxidizer into commercial products. As of July 2, 2002, DoD had obligated at least $164.5 million and disbursed $137.2 million to assist Russia in the disposal of heptyl and amyl.
Results. Although the Defense Threat Reduction Agency obligated $112.2 million and disbursed $95.5 million through July 2, 2002, to design and build facilities that would convert heptyl and amyl into commercial products, Russia informed DoD in February 2002 that Russia used the heptyl and amyl for its commercial space program. As a result, the heptyl and amyl disposition facilities that cost the United States $95.5 million will not be required for their intended purpose. In addition to those costs, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency has obligated $1.2 million for maintenance and security of the heptyl disposition facility while DoD considers the future of the facility.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy could reduce program risks by negotiating implementing agreements requiring a commitment from Russia to provide the weapon systems and their components, provide adequate transparency rights to DoD, and include remedies. By deciding on the future of the heptyl disposition facility, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy could reduce U.S. costs by more than $197,000 a month. The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy could reduce U.S. costs and increase the cooperative nature of the CTR Program by requesting that Russia use the proceeds from the sale of heptyl for CTR Program purposes. The Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency could have more assurance that Russia will provide weapons systems for disposal by performing more complete inspections of equipment provided to Russia and by identifying other potential uses that Russia may have for weapon systems that Russia has agreed to provide for disposal. The Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency could help ensure that DoD officials are aware of risks involved with the CTR Program by reporting identified risks to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. (See the Finding section of the report for the detailed recommendations.)
Management Comments. The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency concurred with the recommendations. The Under Secretary stated that executive agents for Russia have agreed to amend implementing agreements to legally commit Russia to using U.S. assistance for intended purposes. In addition, an implementing arrangement was drafted for signature between DoD and the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, providing U.S. representatives continuous access to Russian project sites. The Under Secretary agreed to investigate the inclusion of remedies in implementing agreements with Russia, but stated doing so may not be beneficial from a policy perspective. The Under Secretary also stated that DoD is reviewing Defense Threat Reduction Agency recommendations on the future of the liquid propellant disposition facility. Further, the amended implementing agreement provides for audits of proceeds from CTR assistance. Also, the Under Secretary believes that the proceeds from heptyl sales must be monitored, applied to other CTR Program projects, and be subject to future audits and examinations. The Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency stated that pending Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy approval, the audit and examination team is preparing to inspect intermodal containers and review associated shipping documents. Also, the Director will prepare a report on the risks to achieving program objectives for the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
Audit Response. The planned actions are positive steps in the right direction. However, the Under Secretary needs to clarify four planned actions or planned alternative actions. For the recommendations to include remedies in agreements, to use the proceeds from the sale of heptyl for program purposes, and to mitigate program risks associated with achieving program objectives, the Under Secretary should more clearly describe the planned actions that will be taken. For the recommendation to expedite the determination of the future of the heptyl disposition facility, the Under Secretary should identify the planned use of the facility. We request that the Under Secretary provide comments that clarify the planned actions or alternative actions by November 29, 2002. See the Finding section of the report for a discussion of management comments and the Management Comments section of the report for the complete comments.
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