NNSA Public Affairs

Media Contact(s): NNSA Public Affairs, 202-586-7371
 
Fact Sheet on NNSA Security Updates and the Mies Review Panel
 
The Mies review was included in a five-part initiative announced by NNSA Administrator Linton F. Brooks in July 2003. Brooks asked retired Navy Admiral Richard Mies to lead a panel to examine security structure, organization, interrelationships, and policies, procedures and practices in the nuclear weapons complex.

The panel reviewed security operations and procedures during a period from October, 2003 to April, 2004 and provided a draft report in April, 2004. A final report was delivered to NNSA in May 2005. The report made 115 recommendations in 14 functional areas. NNSA has implemented 70 percent of the commission�s recommendations.

NNSA actions include:

  • Consolidation of security functions and responsibilities:
    • Established an Office of Defense Nuclear Security with direct responsibility for security planning and oversight.
    • Consolidated and strengthened cyber security program in Office of the Chief Information Officer.
  • Identify skills needed to protect nuclear weapons facilities and add more support to protective forces:
    • Engaged in Secretarial initiative to identify skills needed to protect high-priority nuclear facilities.
    • Established a stronger vulnerability assessment capability.
    • Working off clearance backlogs, reducing the time it takes to grant a �Q� clearance.
    • Providing compilations and analysis to share �Lessons Learned� with all NNSA sites.
  • Strengthen formal ties and cooperation with the Department of Defense for Design Basis Threat implementation and research:
    • Ongoing collaboration with DOD through Nuclear Weapons Council
    • Collaborating with DOD to leverage security systems research and development efforts.
  • Implement the Chiles Panel Recommendations:
    • Improving career development.
    • Disseminating lessons learned from incidents and inquiries.
    • Implemented rotational assignments.
    • Improving the quality and relevance of security training.
    • Established a security intern program.
  • Other:
    • NNSA administrator is now designated fee determining official for security contracts.
    • Program management plan in place.

The bottom-line: Actions and programs have been implemented or are underway that address all significant themes and the major findings in the Mies review.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear energy. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.
 
September 2005