Nuclear and Radiological Threats
R.W. Allen and W.F. Buckley (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)
The Nuclear Assessment Program (NAP) is a unique national capability to assist in the fight against nuclear crime and terrorism. Originally established under the Department of Energy in 1977, federal management of the program transferred to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. The Nuclear Assessment Program supports DHS, DOE, the FBI, the Department of State, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Intelligence Community. The Nuclear Assessment Program is the national capability for conducting real-time assessments of communicated nuclear threats. NAP also conducts assessments of some communicated chemical and biological threats as requested by DHS or other customers. The program tracks worldwide trafficking in illicit radiological and nuclear materials, and conducts assessments of illicit trafficking incidents. NAP provides technical reachback to assist in the resolution of radiation detection alarms. The program provides other technical assistance, such as deploying technical experts in support of illicit trafficking investigations and/or to support emergency preparedness and response activities, and providing subject matter experts at a variety of national and international training venues. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract W-7405-Eng-48.