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

Major Changes or Shifts: None.
INTRODUCTION:
Site Description
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is not a National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) managed site. The Office of Science is the site landlord for the Department of Energy.
However, significant NNSA work is conducted at the site.
ACTIVITIES:
Readiness Campaign
The Readiness Campaign PNNL program supports the Tritium Readiness activity that re-established and
operates the tritium production capability to sustain the nuclear weapons stockpile.
Nonproliferation and Verification Research and Development
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory supports the Nonproliferation and Verification R&D program
across the full spectrum of the portfolio. The PNNL program plays a key role in the identification of
detection signatures and observables, nonproliferation data exploitation, leading edge research, and in
the development of a “spectral signatures library” to aid in proliferation signatures detection; radiation
detection R&D for HEU detection, long-range SNM detection, and new room-temperature, highresolution
materials; significant research in the development of methods and tools for enhanced
detection of uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing facilities using both ground-based effluent
collectors and remote sensing systems; tools for radionuclide detection and statistical expertise (seismic
discrimination) in ground-based nuclear detonation detection. The PNNL program provides tools for
nuclear forensics sample collection efforts in post-detonation environments.
Nonproliferation and International Security (NIS)
The NIS program at PNNL provides support for conducting technical exchanges and technology
development under the Warhead and Fissile Material Transparency Program, Plutonium Production
Reactor Agreement implementation, development of nuclear transparency measures, technical analysis,
planning for denuclearization and verification efforts in North Korea and other countries of proliferation
concern, and technology development, and regional security efforts in policymaking and negotiations
regarding various nonproliferation and arms control regimes. The PNNL provides support for licensing
and interdiction operations through reviews of export controlled items, and analytical tools and technical
references for use in developing recommendations on U.S. export license applications, and physical
protection technology assessments, policy support, and international cooperation. The NIS program
supports the development of safeguards tools and methodologies, under the NGSI as well as training to
foreign nationals as needed. The PNNL Next Generation Safeguards Initiative (NGSI) program also
provides technical support on nuclear safeguards, safety and security to developing countries interested
in nuclear power for nuclear infrastructure development efforts. The NIS PNNL program supports
biosecurity engagement in the Middle East for SNL, and regional security engagement in the Middle
East. The NIS program at PNNL engages former WMD scientists and engineers in peaceful civilian
purposes. The NIS supports university engagement, safeguards internships, a summer safeguards
course, and post-doctoral safeguards fellowships at PNNL, to advance the NGSI human capital
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Page 555
FY 2012 Congressional Budget