Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Corruption, Maintenance, and Coordination Problems Challenge U.S. Efforts to Provide Radiation Detection Equipment to Other Countries
Abstract
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, between 1993 and 2004, there were 662 confirmed cases of illicit trafficking in nuclear and radiological materials. Three U.S. agencies, the Departments of Energy (DOE), Defense (DOD), and State (State), have programs that provide radiation detection equipment and training to border security personnel in other countries. GAO examined the (1) progress U.S. programs have made in providing radiation detection equipment to foreign governments, including the current and expected costs of these programs; (2) challenges U.S. programs face in this effort; and (3) steps being taken to coordinate U.S. efforts to combat nuclear smuggling in other countries. GAO is making recommendations to the Secretaries of Energy and State to (1) integrate cost projections for anticorruption measures into long-term program cost estimates; (2) upgrade less sophisticated portal monitors; (3) provide maintenance for all handheld radiation detection equipment provided by U.S. programs; (4) revise the interagency strategic plan; and (5) compile, maintain, and share a master list of all U.S. radiation detection equipment assistance. DOE and State generally agreed with our conclusions and recommendations. DOD did not provide comments on the report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA522169
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office