Department of Energy FY 2012 Congressional ... - The FIRE Place

Detailed Justification
(dollars in thousands)
National Security Applications
FY 2010
Actual
Approp
FY 2011
Request
FY 2012
Request
Operations and Maintenance 0 20,000 20,000
Weapons of Mass Destruction Analysis
and Assessments 0 1,000 1,000
This subprogram addresses two significant challenges in the area of weapons of mass
destruction (WMD) analysis and assessments that are of particular relevance to NNSA
capabilities. First is the challenge to deliver high specificity detection of nuclear materials
that are often at a distance in complex scenarios (e.g., cargo, moving target). A second
challenge is that of rapid, robust analysis and data evaluation of nuclear materials and
debris to enable attribution. These two challenges provide opportunities to develop and
maintain nuclear security capabilities including new radiation sources, measurement and
instrumentation expertise, extension of high performance code capabilities, and material
science expertise.
Actinide Chemistry, Diagnostics, and
Remote Detection 0 7,750 7,750
Actinide Chemistry, Diagnostics and Remote Detection subprogram critical efforts are
aimed at preventing the terrorist use of nuclear weapons. Actinide chemistry and
diagnostics enable rapid and robust identification of the materials interdicted or collected.
Key initiatives include the development of comprehensive nuclear materials databases,
newly predicted signatures and rapid, high fidelity analytical techniques. Emphasis on
debris forensics broadens radiochemistry research, nuclear cross section evaluation, and
particle transport modeling.
Impacts of Energy and Environment on
Global Security 0 1,000 1,000
This subprogram supports development and application of the nuclear security enterprise’s
resident expertise and methodologies needed to maintain the U.S. nuclear security mission
that are adjacent to and strongly complement broader energy security problems. This
includes modeling, simulation, theory and experimental capabilities that underpin problems
in energy security from laser-based applications, fission/fusion systems, carbon treaty
verification capabilities, and special nuclear materials metallurgy skills associated with
nuclear security, safety and disposal.
Weapons Activities/
National Security Applications Page 313
FY 2012 Congressional Budget