MATERIAL CONTROL & ACCOUNTABILITY INTERNAL REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT: PART OF AN INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS & SECURITY PROGRAM

In the era of decreasing resources and increasing operational requirements, the challenge of successfully implementing the Material Control and Accountability (MC&A) Internal Review and Assessment Program requirements is one that confronts many within the Department of Energy’s nuclear weapons complex. Westinghouse Safety Management Solutions (WSMS) and Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC) have developed one solution to this problem at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Historically, the MC&A Assessment Program and the Performance Assurance (Testing) Programs were independent, as were the assessment and testing programs for other Safeguards and Security (S&S) elements (e.g., Information and Personnel Security, Protection Program Operations, and Program Management). The unconsolidated performance data resulting from the uncoordinated programs was not configured to facilitate an accurate view of the total S&S health at the facility level or at the programmatic level. It was recognized that integrating the Self-Assessment and testing programs for MC&A, and consolidating all elements of S&S into one comprehensive program would improve cost-effectiveness. But more importantly, integration would optimize the value of performance data as a management tool for continuous improvement. The paper will discuss the mechanics of the transition, the challenges, and benefits, both anticipated and realized.