The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Export Control Improvement Initiative

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has completed a two-year export control program improvement initiative significantly reducing the Laboratory’s risk compliance with U.S. laws and regulations that protect national economic interests and prevent the acquisition of critical technologies, technical data, and information. This paper highlights key processes and activities that underpin the improvement initiative. Improvements were broadly accomplished through upgraded research-focused training and laboratory awareness, process mapping of requirements to organizational procedures, development of information technology (IT) tools, and the management of high-risk export-controlled property, chemicals, and biological materials. IT tools put in place include: Improved Export Control Web Site, Export Control Service Request, Inbound Shipping Tool that allows staff to identify inbound shipments that are not related to procurement or the standard acquisition process, the Risk Engine that allows high-risk export controlled personal property to be managed from acquisition to final disposition, and the Technology Protection Integration Map that spatial identification and control of high-risk personal property, projects, and people associated with export-controlled projects. To assure sustainability, the Technology Protection and Export Control organization staffing was increased, definitive administrative procedures developed, and periodic self-assessment/ assurance processes established. PNNL-SA-160053