Gao 06 93 Nuclear Nonproliferation

GAO-06-93 Nuclear Nonproliferation: IAEA Has Strengthened Its Safeguards and Nuclear Security Programs, but Weaknesses Need to Be Addressed

A key mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy through its Technical Cooperation (TC) program, which provides equipment, training, fellowships, and other services to its member states. The U.S. provides approx. 25% of the TC program's annual budget. This report addresses the: (1) extent to which the U.S. and IAEA have policies limiting member states' participation in the TC program on the basis of nuclear proliferation and related concerns; (2) extent to which the U.S. and IAEA evaluate and monitor TC projects for proliferation concerns; and (3) any limitations and challenges in IAEA's mgmt. of the TC program. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.

In April 2005, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) was established to enhance and coordinate fed., state, and local efforts to combat nuclear smuggling domestically and overseas. DNDO was directed to develop, in coordination with the depts. of DoD, DoE, and State, a global strategy for nuclear detection -- a system of radiation detection equipment and interdiction activities domestically and abroad. This report examines: (1) DNDO's progress in developing programs to address critical gaps in preventing nuclear smuggling domestically; (2) DNDO's role in supporting other agencies' efforts to combat nuclear smuggling overseas; and (3) the amount budgeted by DoD, DoE, and State for programs that constitute the global nuclear detection strategy.