July 31, 2007

The National Nuclear Security Administration’s Management of Classified Weapons Parts

The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) maintains the safety, security, reliability and perfomiance of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile. While the weapons incorporate numerous nuclear and non-nuclear components or parts, even the non-nuclear parts are dcsignated as classified since disclosure of related information could damage national security. The Department's high risk property regulations stipulate that classified parts be accorded "lifecycle accountability," including the use of site-wide inventory systems, regularly scheduled inventories, and segregation of duties.