Nuclear agency moving toward security personnel reform
Federal security force, improved recruitment and beefed up training are all part of NNSA’s effort to shore up what many say is lax security at nuclear facilities.
The top official at the National Nuclear Security Administration last week said his agency is moving toward a broad personnel reform designed to enhance the security of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile.
NNSA Administrator Linton Brooks said agency officials are developing a plan to implement the recommendations of the Security Workforce Panel, a group of experts led by retired Adm. Hank Chiles. The panel called for improved training and qualifications for NNSA security personnel, a national recruitment effort, a streamlined hiring process and a wide-ranging human capital management plan.
The move to restructure NNSA security comes amid calls to federalize that protective workforce. Earlier this month, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said he would consider replacing security contractors who work for NNSA with federal employees. Energy officials are discussing creating an elite, military-style security unit to protect NNSA facilities.
Abraham said also that he would push to reduce the number of facilities that require high levels of security and work to ensure NNSA's technology networks are safe.
Global Security Newswire reported Monday that some Energy security contractors believe Abraham's speech should not lead to the development of a federal protective force.
The NNSA is an Energy Department agency responsible for handling, maintaining and protecting the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile.
Security is a major concern for NNSA officials after a string of management and security lapses at the nation's nuclear weapons laboratories. Last year, the General Accounting Office and lawmakers criticized the agency for its lax security. The Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico was also hurt last year by revelations of missing computers, poor management and sloppy oversight. The NNSA operates Los Alamos and several other facilities through a contract with the University of California. That long-standing contract has been called into question by lawmakers and senior officials. The department has already said it will place the University of California's contract to operate Los Alamos up for bids once that agreement expires in 2005.
Brookes announced the establishment of an internal task force to build "a comprehensive human capital management program" to tackle the panel's recommendations. A "human resource implementation team" is scheduled to deliver its findings within 90 days, according to a NNSA press release.
The task force is headed by Michael Kane, NNSA's associate director for management and administration, and William Desmond, the agency's acting chief of nuclear security.
In the short term, NNSA officials are planning to create a "safeguards and security" internship program and send representatives to national recruiting fairs. In addition, officials are planning to update an earlier analysis of the agency's security workforce to determine if NNSA is lacking essential security personnel or skills.