Safeguards Measurement and Verification Activities Within the DOE — Issues and Views

Issues related to the scope and intent of measurements and inventory verification activities within the Department of Energy (DOE) have been emphasized in recent inspections and evaluations and special studies. The effectiveness of these safeguards measures and their ability to assure that nuclear material inventories are as reported and are in authorized locations of use and storage has been called into question. Furthermore, differences between measurement and verification activities within the DOE and those employed by other organizations responsible for safeguards have been viewed as weaknesses. Development of standardized measurement control programs and more specific Departmental policy and guidance have been recommended to address these perceived shortcomings and inconsistencies. This paper will discuss the complexity of measurement and verification issues and will outline a DOE view on these issues.