Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Lessons Learned from DHS Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors

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. New monitors, known as advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP) monitors, have been tested to replace radiation detection equipment. DNDO expects that ASPs may offer improvements over current-generation portal monitors, particularly the potential to identify as well as detect radioactive material. However, ASPs cost significantly more than current generation portal monitors. 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 DHS technology investments.

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.

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.

This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is charged with developing and procuring equipment to prevent a terrorist nuclear or radiological attack in the U.S. At the forefront of DNDO¿s efforts are technologies currently deployed and under development whose purpose is to detect smuggled nuclear and radiological materials. These technologies include existing radiation portal monitors and next-generation replacements known as advanced spectroscopic portals (ASP). Radiation portal monitors are used to detect radiation emitted from conveyances, such as trucks, entering the U.S. Contents of this report: (1) History and Background; (2) Issues for Congress: Capability to Detect and Identify Threats; (3) Options for Congress. Illus.