A Systematic Approach for Implementing Managed Access at Sensitive Nuclear Facilities

“Managed access” is an often-used term to describe various special arrangements for conducting on-site inspections where sensitive information is present. The information that is sensitive, either because it is classified, proprietary, or private, must be protected from disclosure during inspections. “Managed access” refers to those measures that both protect sensitive information, yet enable an inspection to take place. Typically, a host may devise such measures from a predominantly defensive point of view, or underestimate the time and effort required to prepare adequately. In this paper we propose a systematic approach to implementing managed access, particularly for nuclear facilities that might be subject to verification of a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT). The systematic approach begins with the need for the host to demonstrate compliance with an agreement, before considering protection measures. Determining in advance what is the minimum sufficient information to reveal is mutually beneficial to inspector and host. The inspector’s job is facilitated by the host preparation, and the host may be able to avoid unnecessary and costly protection measures. Although there is no guarantee that an inspector will accept what the host deems to be minimum sufficient information, it nevertheless provides a sound basis both for pre-inspection preparation and for appealing disagreements.