Implementing the Technical Equipment Inspection Process at Department of Energy Sites

The United States is required under many treaties, agreements, and initiatives to permit foreign inspection teams to conduct on-site inspections at US facilities or overfly US territory. In order for the US to have confidence that this equipment is consistent with the appropriate protocols, can be safely operated, and does not pose a serious national security concern, the Technical Equipment Inspection (TEI) Program was established. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency operates this program with participation by a variety of federal agencies. It has supported the implementation of a variety of treaties and agreements in the US to include the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the Treaty on Open Skies, and the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Department of Energy has begun the implementation of the TEI process to inspect foreign inspection team equipment for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections as well as other visits associated with arms control treaties and agreements.