Material Balance Area (MBA) Custodians at the Y-12 National Security Complex

The Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A) program at the Y-12 National Security Complex has taken many positive steps in strengthening its endeavors. One such step was to place the Material Balance Area (MBA) Custodians within NMC&A organization, rather than MBA Custodians reporting to the production departments. Historically, most Custodians were already serving in a full-time capacity as a supervisor or other related position. The MBA Custodian responsibilities were simply additional collateral duties that the individual was not given sufficient time to accomplish adequately. Moving the MBA Custodians to the NMC&A organization has placed “NMC&A eyes” full time in the field. The MBA Custodian now provides NMC&A oversight, direct interface, and support to the production departments. When issues arise, a knowledgeable person is on hand to assist in not only resolving the issue, but also in determining ways in which to better serve production department needs. This enhancement has helped the production departments to have a much more in-depth understanding of NMC&A-related requirements and functions as well as the importance of NMC&A in the daily operations. Communication has been strengthened between the two organizations as well. These efforts have resulted in a more unified workforce and proactive NMC&A program.