June 8, 2011

Follow-up Audit of National Nuclear Security Administration's Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Program

One of the primary missions of the Department of Energy's (Department) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is to maintain the safety, security, and reliability of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. Many of the nuclear explosive operations related to this mission, including assembly, disassembly, surveillance, refurbishment, and dismantlement of nuclear weapons, are performed at the Pantex Plant (Pantex) near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex also develops and tests the high explosives used to detonate the nuclear materials. Since 2001, Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Pantex, LLC (B&W Pantex) has managed and operated Pantex under contract with the Department.

Topic: National Security & Safety