October 7, 2005

The National Nuclear Security Administration's Implementation of the 2003 Design Basis Threat

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has Threat Progress experienced delays in implementing permanent upgrades, including new technologies, to meet the increased threat identified in the 2003 Design Basis Threat (DBT). Instead, NNSA is relying on more costly interim measures to meet the requirements of the DBT by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2006. The Department has not, however, fully evaluated the effectiveness of either the interim measures or the planned permanent upgrades for all sites that possess special nuclear material.