MC&A Modernization: A Test Bed for the Future

Year
2004
Author(s)
William Stanbro - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Victoria Longmire - Los Alamos National Laboratory
William Brosey - Y-12 Plant
David D. Wilkey - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Benny Martinez - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Chris Pickett - BWXT Y-12 LLC
J. J. Dunigan - Y-12 National Security Complex
Jane Gaby - Y-12
J.R. Younkin - Y-12 National Security Complex
N. Enssilin - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Abstract
If one were to look back over the past quarter century on the improvements made in the way Material Controls & Accountability (MC&A) is performed at DOE/NNSA sites; they would see major developments in computerized accounting methods and significant improvements in our abilities to measure materials. However, they would not see much improvement in the efficiency of the way a site performs the MC&A function. It is still a very laborious and time consuming endeavor. They would also notice that in this same time period, site labor and overhead costs have grown exponentially as operational budgets have decreased. Collectively this information indicates that a major effort is needed to introduce new technologies and methodologies that improve the efficiency of the MC&A function. An operational MC&A Technology Test Bed is currently being established at the Y-12 National Security Complex for this purpose. This test bed will provide an environment for testing and evaluating new MC&A concepts designed to improve the efficiency and quality of the operational functions associated with MC&A. This paper is one in a series that will discuss the MC&A needs, modernization efforts, and the future sustainability of a modernized MC&A program.