TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SAFEGUARDS PROJECT OFFICE

The safeguards Implemented by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are of major Importance to the non-proliferation objectives of the United States of America and other nations of the world. Assurance of safeguards effectiveness Is mandatory to continued peaceful use of nuclear power. To enhance the ability of the IAEA to apply safeguards effectively, and to ensure that the IAEA does not lack technical assistance In critical areas, the U.S. Congress has made available a special authorization for a Program for Technical Assistance to IAEA Safeguards (POTAS). This substantial program of technology transfer was Initiated In 1976. The United States Departments of State and Energy, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission have each accepted responsibility for parts of the Program for Technical Assistance to IAEA Safeguards. Funding Is provided by State through the Foreign Assistance Act. Direction of POTAS Is provided by an Interagency Committee chaired by the Department of State. The Committee Is composed of the Department of Energy, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission In addition to the State Department. The Committee provides policy guidance, and direction, coordination and Implementation of the program. Technical management of POTAS Is provided by the International Safeguards Project Office (ISPO) which Energy established at Brookhaven National Laboratory.