Nuclear Security Programs in the United States

Nuclear Security

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) was
created by Congress through the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 (113 Stat. 512) to bring focus to the management of the Nation’s defense
nuclear security programs. Three existing organizations within the Department
of Energy—Defense Programs, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, and Naval
Reactors—were combined into a new, separately organized and managed
agency within DOE, headed by an Administrator who reports to the
Secretary. NNSA is responsible for strengthening United States security
through military application of nuclear energy and by reducing the global threat
from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.

NNSA’s service center and eight site of?ces (nnsa.energy.gov/about/sites.htm)
provide operations oversight and contract administration for NNSA site activities,
acting as the agency’s risk acceptance for the site. The site of?ces are responsible
for the following functions: the safe and secure operation of facilities under the
purview of NNSA; supporting NNSA programs to ensure their success in
accordance with their expectations; and ensuring the long-term viability of the site
to support NNSA programs and projects.

For further information, contact the Associate Administrator for Management and Administration.
Phone, 202–586–5753.

Defense Activities

The Office of the Deputy Administrator for Defense
Programs directs the Nation’s nuclear weapons research, development, testing,
production, and surveillance program. It is also responsible for the production of
the special nuclear materials used by the weapons program within the Department and the management of defense nuclear
waste and byproducts. The Office ensures the technology base for the
surety, reliability, military effectiveness, and credibility of the nuclear weapon
stockpile. It also manages research in inertial con?nement fusion.

For further information, contact the Associate Administrator for Management and Administration.
Phone, 202–586–5753.

Naval Reactors

The Office of the Deputy Administrator for Naval
Reactors manages and performs research, development, design,
acquisition, speci?cation, construction, inspection, installation, certi?cation,
testing overhaul, refueling, operations procedures, maintenance, supply
support, and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants.

For further information, contact the Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors. Phone, 202–781–6174.