Combating Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

An investment in modern database management is badly needed. Such an investmentwould not only be more efficient but also would make for more consistent and intelligentapplications of policy. This new system should be optimized for efficient electronicexchange of information for all federal agencies involved in combating proliferation ofweapons of mass destruction, with other international organizations involved in similarmissions, and for improved communications among the policy, intelligence, andenforcement communities.Recommendation 3.11: To ensure better connectivity between federal technologyusers and technology producers, the Combating Proliferation Council (CPC)should coordinate interagency requirements across the federal enterprise.This would consolidate activities currently assigned to the Counterproliferation ProgramReview Committee (CPRC) and the Nonproliferation and Arms Control TechnologyWorking Group (NPAC-TWG), both of which would be eliminated under thisrecommendation. Each department or agency involved in WMD technology developmentwould send its individual technology needs and requests to the CPC to ensure that allconsumers of the technology base are fully and appropriately represented.The Commission notes that the National Director cannot do it alone. He or she will needthe best advice possible, especially in the complex area of technology acquisition.Recommendation 3.12: The President should establish a panel of independentexperts to provide advice to the National Director and the Combating ProliferationCouncil on technology acquisition in the Federal Government.International Cooperative EffortsThe third key area requiring greater interagency coordination and focused attention is ourinternational cooperative efforts aimed at combating proliferation. These efforts areessential. The United States cannot do the job alone. We must join with like-mindednations if we are to reduce the threat that weapons of mass destruction pose to this nationand to our allies and friends.International cooperative efforts take many forms, including:• employing diplomatic contacts with allies, friends, and others to deter or prevent theacquisition or use of weapons of mass destruction by threshold states and terroristorganizations;30