Cost Analysis Of Major Security Upgrades At A Nuclear Research Site

National Laboratories of the Department of Energy are finding it economically difficult yo comply with the ever-increasing protection standards for nuclear research. Security managements most common response of adding protective force personnel is driven not only by increased protection standards but also by aging facilities housing research capability. This study examines major security upgrades at a nuclear research site that represent significant changes to the current facility and its security operations. The three upgrade options also reflect fundamental differences in the way protection costs are incurred. A cost analysis of the three options generates a ranking and a realization that high total variable costs of the protective force can be curbed with an investment in new fixed costs of a new facility. Furthermore, a new facility would represent a commitment to technology and a long-term strategy in an innovative, decisive, and cost effective approach to meeting protection standards.