Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Additional Actions Needed to Ensure Adequate Testing of Next Generation Radiation Detection Equipment

This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) develops and acquires equipment to detect nuclear and radiological materials to combat nuclear smuggling. Also Customs and Border Protection (CBP) purchases operating systems to detect nuclear and radiological materials entering the country at U.S. ports of entry. In 2005, DNDO began working on an automated cargo radiography system to be used by CBP to detect certain nuclear materials at U.S. ports of entry. However, in 2007 DNDO canceled the acquisition phase of the program and converted it to a R&D program. This report examined events that led to DNDO¿s decision to cancel the acquisition phase of the program and provide lessons learned from DNDO¿s experience.

The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is responsible for addressing the threat of nuclear smuggling. Radiation detection portal monitors are key elements in the nation¿s defenses against such threats. DNDO has sponsored testing to develop new monitors, known as advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP) monitors, to replace radiation detection equipment now being used at ports of entry. DNDO expects that ASPs may offer improvements over current-generation portal monitors. This testimony: (1) discusses the principal findings and recommendations from a May 2009 report on ASP testing; and (2) updates those findings based on info. from DNDO officials on the results of testing conducted since the report¿s issuance. Illus.

The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is responsible for addressing the threat of nuclear smuggling. Radiation detection portal monitors are key elements in the nation's defenses against such threats. DNDO has sponsored testing to develop new monitors, known as advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP) monitors, to replace radiation detection equipment now being used. ASPs offer improvements over current portal monitors, particularly the potential to identify as well as detect radioactive material and thereby to reduce both the risk of missed threats and the rate of innocent alarms. This testimony addresses: (1) findings on DNDO's latest round of ASP testing; and (2) lessons from ASP testing that can be applied to other technology invest.

In 2005, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) was established to enhance and coordinate fed., state, and local efforts to combat nuclear smuggling domestically and abroad. DNDO was directed to develop, in coordination with the DoD, DoE, and the State Dept., an enhanced global nuclear detection architecture -- an integrated system of radiation detection equipment and interdiction activities. This testimony provides preliminary observations addressing: (1) the status of DNDO¿s efforts to develop a global nuclear detection architecture; (2) the challenges DNDO and other fed. agencies face in implementing the architecture; and (3) the costs of the programs that constitute the architecture. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.