Year
2005
Abstract
During the last decade, transportation equipment and related security systems at a number of sites in the Russian Federation (RF) have been upgraded to improve the security of special nuclear materials (SNMs) during transportation. These upgrades are an essential part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Material Protection, Control, and Accountability (MPC&A) Program to assist the RF in protecting SNM. These upgrades are likely to continue for several more years. However, upgrading MPC&A systems is not enough. To achieve long-term risk reduction, the upgraded systems must be tested and maintained adequately. One concept for achieving an effective, sustainable, maintenance program for upgrades is to establish an efficient supply chain network for parts. Such an integrated network involves component parts vendors, storage and distribution facilities, and service centers for repairs and testing. Implementing current technologies and business processes in the parts supply chain will provide efficiencies, cost savings, and flexibility for parts supply sourcing. In this paper, we discuss the current and planned SNM transportation system maintenance program in the RF and the important role that the supply chain plays. The concepts that are discussed can be used in an integrated, self-sustaining, national, maintenance program, contributing to the longterm risk reduction of theft of SNM during transportation. Although the emphasis of the paper is on the Transportation Security Project (TSP) transportation parts supply for maintenance, the concepts presented here are also applicable to cross-cutting and site MPC&A systems maintenance programs.