Nuclear nonproliferation, stronger planning and evaluation needed for Radiological Security Zone pilot project : report to congressional committees.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

United States. Government Accountability Office, issuing body.

Contributor:

Morris, Steve D.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. National Nuclear Security Administration--Management--Evaluation.

United States.

United States. National Nuclear Security Administration.

Nuclear terrorism--Prevention--International cooperation.

Nuclear terrorism.

Dirty bombs--Prevention--International cooperation.

Dirty bombs.

Radioactive substances--Security measures--International cooperation.

Radioactive substances.

Management--Evaluation.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (iii, 43 pages) : illustrations

Other Title:

Radiological Security Zone

Place of Publication:

[Washington, D.C.] : United States Government Accountability Office, 2014.

Summary:

U.S. and international security experts have raised concerns that certain types of radioactive material could be used to make a terrorist weapon, known as a radiological dispersal device or a 'dirty bomb.' Such material, which is typically sealed in a metal capsule known as a sealed radiological source, is commonly used worldwide in medical and industrial settings. To help secure these sources, in 2012, NNSA began an RSZ pilot project in two countries. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 mandated GAO to, among other things, assess efforts to establish RSZs. In this study, GAO (1) examined current federal efforts to secure radiological sources in the United States and in foreign countries and (2) assessed NNSA's efforts to plan for and establish an RSZ pilot project. GAO reviewed relevant regulations and guidance for securing U.S. and international radiological sources, as well as NNSA's RSZ pilot project documents; examined GAO guidance and professional practices for planning and evaluating pilot projects; interviewed officials from NNSA, NRC, State, and the Department of Homeland Security; and obtained written responses to questions from IAEA. GAO recommends that NNSA, if it proceeds with further work beyond its current RSZ pilot project, (1) obtain stakeholder expertise and perspectives and (2) develop a specific evaluation plan for RSZs.

Notes:

"March 2014."

Includes bibliographical references.

Online resource; title from PDF cover page (GAO, viewed June 30, 2014).

"GAO-14-209."

OCLC:

882113808