October 10, 2006

Concerns With Security Barriers at theY-12 National Security Complex

The DOE Office of Inspector General received an allegation that newly constructed concrete security barriers at the Y-12 site were inadequate because the design of the weapon ports did not take into consideration the space required for the weapons’ sight system. Specifically, the complaint alleged that weapon port openings were not designed to accommodate the sight system of protective force weapons, limiting the ability of security police officers to maneuver their weapons when firing through the ports. Construction of the security barriers was one of three security upgrades under the “West Fort” project designation. The objective of this inspection was to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegation.