Intelligence Reform at the Department of Energy: Policy Issues and Organizational Alternatives
Abstract
Concerned by reported security and counterintelligence (CI) lapses at the Department of Energy (DOE), Congress in 1999 established a semi-autonomous agency the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to oversee DOE's national security-related programs. Within NNSA, Congress established the Office of Defense Nuclear Counterintelligence to implement NNSA's counterintelligence program. Although DOE's existing Office of Counterintelligence develops CI policy for both agencies, it implements policy only at non-NNSA facilities. Some studies have questioned the effectiveness of a dual office structure in combating foreign espionage and have urged the adoption of an alternative structure. Several alternative organizational approaches have been discussed, including the following. One approach, which DOE has initiated, merges under the control of a new DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence DOE's Office of Intelligence, which assesses foreign nuclear weapons programs, and DOE's CI office. Under an anticipated second phase, which would require congressional approval, the new office would absorb NNSA's CI program. Proponents assert that consolidation would improve command, control, and communication. Opponents argue that consolidation would dilute the focus on counterintelligence at DOE's weapons labs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 19, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA467270
Entities
People
- Alfred Cumming
Organizations
- Library of Congress