Counterintelligence Reform at the Department of Energy: Policy Issues and Organizational Alternatives
Abstract
Troubled by reported lapses in security and counterintelligence (CI) at the Department of Energy (DOE), the Congress in 1999 established a semi-autonomous agency -- the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) -- to oversee DOE's national security-related programs (P.L. 106-65). Within NNSA, Congress created the Office of Defense Nuclear Counterintelligence to implement CI policy at NNSA facilities. DOE retained a separate Office of Counterintelligence that develops CI policy for DOE and NNSA, but implements it only at non-NNSA facilities. Though representing separate organizations, the two CI offices share resources and personnel for some programs. Although DOE has taken steps to strengthen CI practices, some observers have questioned whether the Department's bifurcated CI structure is the most effective in countering continuing efforts by foreign intelligence services to target DOE and NNSA facilities. Several organizational approaches are discussed in this report. One approach is to maintain the status quo. Proponents suggest that the current structure is necessary if CI is to receive the attention it warrants. Opponents counter that dual offices lead to inefficiencies that could undermine CI effectiveness. Under a second approach, DOE and NNSA CI programs could be completely separated. Proponents suggest that this approach would establish clearer lines of authority. Opponents counter that it would produce chaos at the field level and lead to coordination and communication problems. A third approach would be to give NNSA authority to implement all CI programming, while preserving for DOE all CI policymaking responsibility. Former DOE Secretary Spencer Abraham proposed consolidating the two CI programs into a single office reporting directly to the Energy Secretary. Congress, however, continues to support the bifurcated program. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman is reviewing various legislative proposals, including consolidation under DOE control.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 08, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA448093
Entities
People
- Alfred Cumming
Organizations
- Library of Congress