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Nuclear Security

The Office of Defense Nuclear Security (DNS) is responsible for the development and implementation of security programs for NNSA. In this capacity, DNS is the NNSA line management organization responsible for security direction and program management with respect to prioritization of resources, program evaluation, and funding allocation. Key management areas include security operations, resources, engineering, and technical support to NNSA field elements and facilities. Specific subject matter expertise also includes physical and personnel security, protective forces, nuclear materials control and accountability, classified and sensitive information protection, and technical security programs.

The Office of Defense Nuclear Security (DNS), within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), is an essential component of the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE). DNS's core mission is to develop and implement security programs for NNSA including protection, control, and accountability of materials, and for the physical security of all facilities of the administration. The DNS Program is responsible for managing the security of the existing Nuclear Security Enterprise that includes the National Laboratories, production plants, processing facilities, and a remote testing site that supports NNSA missions. The NSE also includes the NNSA Headquarters, site offices, the Service Center, and all employees and contractors. Beyond performing its core mission, DNS also provides unique knowledge and expertise in nuclear security for a broader set of 21st century national security needs that are synergistic with its mission, such as those in nuclear nonproliferation, homeland security, and intelligence.

NNSA is investing in improved performance assurance programs at each NNSA site and has undertaken a security reform initiative (Zero-Based Security Review [ZBSR]) with the objectives of establishing clear performance expectation and issuing specific NNSA policy from a risk management perspective. The objective of the ZBSR is to identify areas where NNSA can improve the consistency and quality of Federal oversight functions, with the objective of identifying opportunities to re-align Federal oversight and assessment activities to achieve a better balance between Federal responsibilities and contractor authority to execute the site security program.

For more information on NNSA's security measures in a post-9/11 world, click here.