In conjunction with the Department of Energy's (DOE'S) role as part of the U.S.
intelligence community, the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (IN) provides
technical intelligence analyses on all aspects of foreign nuclear weapons, nuclear
materials, and energy issues. IN has played an increasingly significant role in a number
of intelligence related areas, such as counter-proliferation, counterintelligence, cyber
security, and combating nuclear terrorism.
intelligence community, the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (IN) provides
technical intelligence analyses on all aspects of foreign nuclear weapons, nuclear
materials, and energy issues. IN has played an increasingly significant role in a number
of intelligence related areas, such as counter-proliferation, counterintelligence, cyber
security, and combating nuclear terrorism.
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) conducts cutting edge
scientific research. ORNL utilizes removable electronic media, such as computer hard drives,
compact disks, data tapes, etc., to store vast amounts of classified information. Incidents
involving breakdowns in controls over classified removable electronic media have been a
continuous challenge for the Department. The loss of even one piece of such media can have
serious national security implications.
In 2004, the Department had a complex-wide “stand-down” of all activities using classified
removable electronic media, and such media containing Secret/Restricted Data or higher classified
data was designated “Accountable Classified Removable Electronic Media” (ACREM). As part of
the stand-down, sites were required to conduct a 100 percent physical inventory of all ACREM;
enter it all into accountability; and conduct security procedure reviews and training. Further, the
Department implemented a series of controls, including conducting periodic inventories, utilizing
tamper proof devices on ACREM safes, and appointing trained custodians to be responsible for the
material. After performance testing and validation that the required accountability systems were in
place, ACREM operations at ORNL were approved for restart on August 10, 2004.
scientific research. ORNL utilizes removable electronic media, such as computer hard drives,
compact disks, data tapes, etc., to store vast amounts of classified information. Incidents
involving breakdowns in controls over classified removable electronic media have been a
continuous challenge for the Department. The loss of even one piece of such media can have
serious national security implications.
In 2004, the Department had a complex-wide “stand-down” of all activities using classified
removable electronic media, and such media containing Secret/Restricted Data or higher classified
data was designated “Accountable Classified Removable Electronic Media” (ACREM). As part of
the stand-down, sites were required to conduct a 100 percent physical inventory of all ACREM;
enter it all into accountability; and conduct security procedure reviews and training. Further, the
Department implemented a series of controls, including conducting periodic inventories, utilizing
tamper proof devices on ACREM safes, and appointing trained custodians to be responsible for the
material. After performance testing and validation that the required accountability systems were in
place, ACREM operations at ORNL were approved for restart on August 10, 2004.
Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, Semiannual Report to Congress, October 1, 2008-March 31, 2009
Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, Semiannual Report to Congress, October 1, 2008-March 31, 2009
On behalf of the Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General, I am pleased to submit our Semiannual Report to Congress for the period ending March 31, 2009. The Report highlights key accomplishments of the Office of Inspector General, particularly pertaining to our efforts to ensure the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of Department of Energy operations. Details pertaining to some of our most significant reviews and projects are presented in the Report. This reporting period has been quite eventful. On February 17, 2009, the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The stated intent of this new legislation is to strengthen the U.S. economy through the creation of new jobs, aiding State and local governments with budget shortfalls, cutting taxes for working families, and investing in the long-term health of the Nation’s economic prosperity.
Controls Over Royalty Oil Exchanges
The Department of Energy's (Department) Strategic Petroleum Reserve (Reserve) was established pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (Act). The Reserve is an emergency stockpile to be used in the event of a severe disruption in oil supplies. Under the Act, the Department is authorized to hold up to one billion barrels of oil in the Reserve. The Act requires the Department to minimize the cost and adverse market impacts of filling the Reserve. Additionally, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires the Department to fill the Reserve to one billion barrels as expeditiously as practicable. The current capacity of the Reserve is 727 million barrels. As of
February 28, 2009, the Department reported that the Reserve contained 705.5 million barrels of oil valued at $20.5 billion.
February 28, 2009, the Department reported that the Reserve contained 705.5 million barrels of oil valued at $20.5 billion.
Internal Controls over Accountable Classified Removable Electronic Media at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Management Controls over the Use of Service Contracts at the Office of River Protection
The Department of Energy's (Department) Office of River Protection (ORP) is responsible for the storage, treatment, and disposal of over 53 million gallons of highly radioactive waste from over 40 years of plutonium production at the Hanford Site. Because of the diversity, complexity, and large scope of its mission, coupled with its small staff, ORP told us that it has found it necessary to engage in service contracts to obtain consulting services, technical expertise, and support staff.