NNSA's Office of Defense Nuclear Security

NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Security (DNS) ensures that the security mission is effectively and efficiently executed across NNSA sites and facilities. DNS has four key strategies:

  • Strive for operational excellence
  • Drive an effective, efficient, and sustainable field nuclear security program
  • Modernize, revitalize, and recapitalize the physical security infrastructure
  • Develop and sustain a highly capable security workforce

The program has multiple areas of deterrence, including: protective force, physical security, information security, material control and accountability, personnel security, and security program operations and planning. These programs integrate personnel, equipment and procedures to protect physical assets and resources against theft, sabotage, diversion, and other criminal acts.

  • Protective forces are an integral part of a site’s security posture and are trained in tactics and procedures necessary to protect site interests.
  • Physical Security Systems include intrusion detection and assessment systems, performance testing, access control systems, barrier and delay mechanisms, tactical systems, as well as a canine explosives detection program.
  • Information Security provides classification guidance, technical surveillance countermeasures, operations security, and classified matter protection and control.
  • Personnel Security includes access authorizations, badging programs, Human Reliability Programs, and control of classified matter protection.
  • Materials Control and Accountability controls and accounts for special and alternate nuclear materials through measurements, quality assurance, accounting containment, surveillance, and physical inventory.
  • Security Program Operations and Planning includes development of site security plans, vulnerability/risk assessments, performance testing and assurance; as well as budget development, surveys and self-assessments, and technology transfer; and Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence determinations.