National Nuclear Security Administration

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)leads a nuclear security enterprise that includes three national laboratories, several production facilities, and an experimental test site. NNSA's mission is protect the American people by maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear weapons stockpile; by reducing global nuclear threats; and by providing the U.S. Navy with safe, militarily effective naval nuclear propulsion plants. The FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act called for the National Academies, in partnership with the National Academy of Public Administration, to track and assess progress over 2016-2020 to reform governance and management of the enterprise. Governance and Management of the Nuclear Security Enterprise assesses the effectiveness of reform efforts and makes recommendations for further action.

The Nuclear Security Enterprise consists of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) plus a large, distributed system of laboratories, production plants, and other sites that are staffed by personnel working under management and operating contracts. In collaboration with the National Academy of Public Administration, Report 4 on Tracking and Assessing Governance and Management Reform in the Nuclear Security Enterprise evaluates the implementation plan developed by the National Nuclear Security Administration and Department of Energy in response to the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act, and the subsequent implementation of such plan. The recommendations of this report will guide the NNSA as they reform management culture to a culture of performance, accountability, and credibility that is mission-driven.

During the late 1990s, the Department of Energy (DOE) had difficulties with a lack of clear management authority and responsibility that contributed to security problems at the nation's nuclear weapons laboratories and management problems with major projects. In response, Congress created the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as a separately organised agency within the DOE under the NNSA Act. The NNSA is responsible for managing nuclear weapons and non-proliferation-related national security activities in laboratories and other facilities, collectively known as the nuclear security enterprise. This book examines the problems that have arisen with the nuclear security enterprise, from projects' cost and schedule overruns to inadequate oversight of safety and security at NNSA's sites. With the NNSA proposing to spend tens of billions of dollars to modernise its facilities, it is important to ensure scarce resources are spent in an effective and efficient manner.

National Nuclear Security Administration: Security and Management Improvements Can Enhance Implementation of the NNSA Act

NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION: Observations on NNSA's Management and Oversight of the Nuclear Security Enterprise

National Nuclear Security Administration: Key Management Structure and Workforce Planning Issues Remain As NNSA Conducts Downsizing