Nuclear forensics [electronic resource] : comprehensive interagency plan needed to address human capital issues / [Gene Aloise].

Author: Aloise, Gene
Additional Titles: Comprehensive interagency plan needed to address human capital issues
Published: Washington, DC : U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, [2009]
Physical Description: 15 pages : digital, PDF file ; 24 cm
Additional Creators: United States. Government Accountability Office

Access Online

Electronic resource (PDF)

Availability

Finding items...

Summary

The detonation of a nuclear weapon or radiological dispersal device (RDD) in the United States or elsewhere would cause decision makers to immediately demand information on the nature of the device, including its design, the materials used to build it, and the materials' source, as well as the identification of the perpetrators. Technical nuclear forensics, the analysis of nuclear or radiological materials that are intercepted or the radioactive debris and prompt output signals (such as gamma rays) produced by a nuclear event, can contribute to the identification of the sources of these materials and the processes used to create them. Nuclear forensic techniques also could potentially be used to determine the origin of nuclear or radiological materials or devices seized prior to their use in a weapon (known as "predetonation" nuclear forensics). The departments of Defense (DOD), Energy (DOE), Homeland Security (DHS), and State (State), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the intelligence community, would play key roles in a nuclear forensics investigation. In this context, you asked us to assess the (1) challenges the U.S. government faces in developing and maintaining a comprehensive nuclear forensics capability and (2) current and future costs associated with the U.S. government's nuclear forensics efforts. In February 2009, we reported to you on the results of our work in a classified report. This letter summarizes certain aspects of our classified report.

Report Numbers

GA 1.41:GAO-09-527 R
GAO-09-527 R

Subject(s)

Related Titles

ProQuest U.S. Congressional Research Digital Collection

Note

Record is based on bibliographic data in ProQuest U.S. Congressional Research Digital Collection. Reuse except for individual research requires license from ProQuest, LLC.
AVAILABLE ONLINE TO AUTHORIZED PSU USERS.

Bibliography Note

Includes bibliographical references.

Reproduction Note

Electronic reproduction. [Bethesda, Md.] : ProQuest, 2004. digital, PDF file. ProQuest U.S. Congressional Research Digital Collection. Mode of access: World Wide Web via ProQuest website.

Technical Details

System requirements: PDF reader software.

Action Note

committed to retain. Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). For information on our retention commitment, please contact Microforms and Government Information.

View MARC record | catkey: 10096065