The Office of National Security Assessments conducts independent appraisals of safeguards and security policies and programs throughout the Department of Energy, including the National Nuclear Security Administration. The Office maintains expertise in the protection of nuclear weapons and components; special nuclear material; classified and sensitive information; critical infrastructure; radiological, biological, and chemical materials; property; and personnel. A special feature of these evaluations is the degree the Office the employs rigorous performance testing and analysis, which allows the Office to provide managers and other stakeholders with a snapshot of the overall effectiveness of a site's physical protection posture. An added benefit of appraisals is to effect continuous improvement in the Department’s safeguards and security program through the assessment process and its identification and communication of strengths, weaknesses, and unacknowledged program risks.
John S. Boulden, Director
Anthony R Taylor, Deputy Director