March 26, 2014

 National Nuclear Security Administration Nuclear Weapons Systems Configuration Management

The Office of Inspector General received multiple allegations regarding the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) management of configuration management (CM) information.  The allegations related to incomplete product definitions for NNSA nuclear weapons, and ineffective management of classified nuclear weapons drawings, a situation that could lead to unauthorized changes to the drawings.  In response, we initiated this audit to determine whether NNSA had maintained accurate and complete CM information for nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons components to support safe, sound and timely decisions related to these devices.

Our review substantiated the allegations and identified instances in which NNSA had not maintained accurate and complete CM information for its nuclear weapons and components.  We also identified additional concerns with the use of nuclear weapons parts and components that did not conform to specifications.  For instance, we found that NNSA sites could not always locate 'as-built' product definitions or associated drawings for nuclear weapons and components in its official records repositories, and sites did not always ensure that parts that did not conform to specifications were actually fit for use in a nuclear weapon. 

Management concurred with our recommendations and stated that NNSA remains vigilant in configuration management information for its nuclear weapons and components as well as in supply chain management issues.  Additionally, management's proposed and initiated corrective actions are responsive to our findings and recommendations.

Topic: Nuclear Security and Safety