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Contents 01

What is NSDD? | 2

Strategic Approach to Counter Nuclear Smuggling | 6

International Engagements | 10

USG and International Coordination to Counter Nuclear Smuggling | 16

Looking Ahead to the Next 20 Years | 18

WHAT IS NSDD?

The vision of the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s (DOE/NNSA) Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) is a world with a layered nuclear security infrastructure to prevent smuggling of radioactive and nuclear (R/N) material. The threat of R/N terrorism is real and continuing and the current international security environment is complex and continuously evolving. NSDD uses a systematic and disciplined approach to pursue its mission to prevent and investigate the smuggling of R/N materials before those materials can be used against the United States or its interests.

NUCLEAR SMUGGLING THREAT The possibility that a terrorist organization or other adversary of the United States could obtain R/N materials has been a major concern since the end of the Cold War. The consequences of the weaponization of such material by competent individuals could be catastrophic in terms of lives lost, property destroyed, and fear created.

The threat of nuclear smuggling involves supply, demand and the ability to unite the two.

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SUPPLY IS PLENTIFUL While much progress has been made to secure R/N materials, they remain prevalent throughout the world. Over 30 countries possess enriched uranium and separated plutonium stored at hundreds of sites. Over 100 countries possess radioactive materials stored at thousands of sites. Country declarations to the IAEA and recurring press reports on the loss and interdiction of R/N materials confirm these materials frequently fall out of regulatory control.

01 DEMAND EXISTS In recent years, various adversaries of the US have employed chemical weapons and have expressed interest in acquiring and weaponizing R/N materials. Over the past 5 years, the IAEA Incident and Trafficking Database has recorded over 65 incidents involving unauthorized possession of R/N materials and related criminal activities. A further 200 incidents involved radioactive or nuclear material out of regulatory control. Many of these incidents involved theft.

UNITING THE TWO Many countries in the world—frequently source countries of R/N materials and their neighbors— exhibit environments conducive to smuggling. These are environments in which officials are corruptible, policing and enforcement functions are weak or non-existent, smuggling routes for numerous products are developed, terrorist organizations operate, and poorly regulated commercial links with source countries exist. The concern that such environments would be leveraged by smugglers of R/N material is not theoretical. Recently reported cases of smuggling interdictions in Moldova and Georgia indicate that sellers are able to acquire R/N materials and sell them on a black market.

The threat of a terrorist attack using an improvised nuclear device or radioactive dispersal device is real and sobering. The potentially catastrophic consequences of such an event obligate us to take concrete actions at reducing this threat. Drawing upon nearly two decades of experience deploying radiation detection systems internationally and the knowledge and experience of DOE/NNSA national laboratory scientists, NSDD provides world-class assistance and guidance to partner countries seeking to reduce the risk of R/N terrorism.

WHAT IS NSDD?

HISTORY NSDD began in 1998 as a bilateral program between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Russia’s Federal Customs Service. Its goal was to prevent the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials through Russian air, land, and sea border crossing points (BCP). It was the first program of its kind between the U.S. and Russian governments. In 2000, NSDD moved from DOE to the newly-established National Nuclear Security Administration. NSDD worked alongside the Material Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) Program, which provided security upgrades to Russia’s nuclear enterprise. The MPC&A Program and NSDD represented, respectively, the first and second lines of defense against the smuggling of R/N materials out of Russia. After September 11, 2001, NSDD started to expand to other highpriority countries. Drawing upon the success of its work in Russia, NSDD worked together with law-enforcement throughout the Caucasus, Central

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Asia, Southern Europe, Central Europe, East Europe, and the Middle East. This was the basis of NSDD’s “Core Program”: comprehensive pathway coverage at BCPs in countries residing along potential smuggling routes. In 2003, NSDD’s Megaports Initiative began. Its focus was screening cargo containers for R/N materials at high-threat, high-volume seaports. NSDD worked closely on complimentary missions with interagency partners including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Container Security Initiative and the Secure Freight Initiative. In consideration of evolving threats and in cooperation with existing partners, NSDD started to look beyond BCPs in 2007. NSDD’s Mobile Detection Systems Program enabled lawenforcement agencies to conduct radiation detection operations at a wide variety of strategic locations –between BCPs, at internal checkpoints, at major public events, and at other locations requiring more nimble detection capability. Strategic reviews which began in 2012 included in-depth analyses of evolving and emerging threats and assessment of potential counter measures. This resulted in the establishment of three new, important initiatives: NSDD’s Maritime Vector Partnership, the Strategic Airports Initiative, and the Green Border Security Initiative. Each initiative focuses on addressing smuggling pathways for R/N materials which are not addressed by other parts of the Program. Further, each offers new technologies and techniques that feature targeting along with enhanced and steady state monitoring.

After a reorganization in 2015, NSDD incorporated nuclear forensics into its mission. This development helped NSDD strengthen partners’ capabilities to analyze nuclear and radioactive materials, a necessary step in the successful prosecution of smuggling incidents. Throughout its 20-year history, NSDD has focused not only on deploying technologies and techniques but also on ensuring systems remain fully functional and operational. NSDD has been very successful in transferring the costs and responsibilities of sustaining radiation detection systems to its foreign partners. Based on two decades of experience and partnerships with over 70 countries, NSDD has developed a unique set of capabilities that make it ideally poised to lead the effort to build international capability to deter, detect, and investigate R/N smuggling.

EVOLVING AS A DETERRENT Though difficult to quantify, NSDD’s approach to a multi-layered and integrated detection network has made an impact on global security. Many partners report anecdotal information demonstrating the degree to which combined efforts have complicated the task of the would-be R/N material trafficker.

MATURE What started in the 1990s as an early effort to contain “loose nukes” has matured in all facets. An array of tools including equipment, training, and other support provides flexibility and scale for the unique needs of law enforcement and security operations. The community of participating agencies share a steady flow of new ideas and operational needs, which has developed into internationally-recognized standards and strategies for effective counter nuclear smuggling efforts. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE For all that has been accomplished in 20 years, however, the constantly-changing landscape of threats and risks, and the spreading of old and emergence of new adversaries, mandates continued focus on the threat that is nuclear terrorism.

NSDD TODAY TRULY GLOBAL NSDD has established partnerships with more than 100 agencies in over 70 countries on six continents, expanding the global commitment to prevent R/N smuggling.

INTERNATIONALLY INTEGRATED By working in multiple international venues NSDD is able to promulgate best practices in countering R/N smuggling and expand the technical expertise in nuclear forensics. Access to NSDDdeveloped manuals and guides are readily available to all NSDD partners.

WHAT IS NSDD?

STRATEGIC APPROACH TO COUNTER NUCLEAR SMUGGLING

LAYERED DEFENSE NSDD creates opportunities to detect smuggling incidents by providing law enforcement and border security officials with a layered defense around the globe. One layer of defense against R/N material smuggling includes border crossing points. NSDD deploys radiation detection systems to these locations, integrating them into existing security operations. This allows automated, round-the-clock screening of persons, vehicles, and cargo. Because traditional security measures (canines, metal detectors, x-ray machines, etc.) are unable to detect radiation, NSDD’s radiation detection technologies are a necessary and effective way of alerting frontline officers to potential smuggling incidents. In consideration of risks that international border security needs to address, another layer of defense includes routine and information-driven operations outside of BCPs. These may take place along blue borders (coastlines), green borders (areas between official crossing points), and administrative borders where radiation portal monitors are impractical. NSDD supports internal security operations by providing different tool sets

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which include mobile, man-portable, and hand-held radiation detection technologies as well as with other tools useful to law-enforcement agencies. NSDD provides partners with capabilities that reinforce an integrated approach to combatting nuclear smuggling. These include integrating information received from operations and technology, which enables national and regional command centers to provide remote oversight to front-line officers and support alarm adjudication. NSDD also provides technical guidance in the area of nuclear forensics science specifically focused on skills and processes to investigate incidents of nuclear smuggling in support of legal prosecution.

TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS NSDD is the largest USG program providing detection technology and sustainability support globally. Although NSDD was initially focused on installing radiation portal monitors at official border crossings in formerly Soviet countries and at large container seaports, the program has evolved to address other potential smuggling pathways. Integrating R/N detection capabilities into existing security operations improves the effectiveness of the defense-in-depth strategy. NSDD builds R/N detection capabilities for the following types of operational environments: Internal Security. Many of the unauthorized activities listed in the IAEA’s Incident and Trafficking Database occur within a country’s interior. As a result, NSDD works with security and law enforcement agencies to understand current R/N detection capabilities and gaps. NSDD provides internal security and law enforcement agencies with mobile, vehicle-based detection systems that are equipped with a radiation portal monitor skid, radiation detection backpacks, and handheld detection equipment that can be used to conduct varied operations, including intelligence-driven searches, roadside checks, and security at major public events.

Green/Blue Border. NSDD works with border guard and law enforcement agencies to strengthen R/N detection and interdiction capabilities to deter the illicit trafficking of R/N material along land and maritime borders between official points of entry. International Airports. NSDD has identified select international airports that are one-step out from high risk countries that have not traditionally cooperated with the U.S. and have increased risks of losing R/N material. The operational mission is to screen targeted populations— using mobile, low-profile detection equipment—based on point of origin, destination, and pre-existing profile information. Unregulated Maritime. NSDD engages with agencies responsible to detect smuggling of illicit goods through unregulated, small vessel maritime traffic and integrates R/N detection and other inspection equipment into existing

WHAT IS NSDD?

security operations to build the partner’s capability.

Official Points of Entry. To address potential smuggling across official land borders, seaports, and rail crossings, NSDD integrates radiation detection systems into existing checkpoint operations that allows Customs and Border Guard officers to conduct round-the-clock screening of people, vehicles, and cargo for the presence of radiation. Nuclear Forensics. Following an interdiction of R/N materials, forensic analysis helps determine both what the detected material is and where it originated. NSDD works with countries conducting R/N detection operations to establish capability to quickly and reliably categorize the detected material and match interdicted materials against a national nuclear forensics library to determine point of origin. In order to address the technical needs necessary to achieve the missions for the multiple operational environments, NSDD employs a Science and Engineering Team (SET) that is supported by technical experts across the DOE/NNSA national laboratory complex. The SET assesses performance of

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fielded technologies and evaluates new equipment and methodologies for integration within the program.

SUSTAINABILITY NSDD’s approach for establishing sustainable partner country operations begins during the initial engagement with countries to understand their current nuclear security detection capabilities. Capabilities are evaluated across five performance areas and NSDD uses a suite of tools to tailor its approach to correct identified deficiencies or to help with process improvements. The five performance areas are independent of the type of detection operation and include: Policies and Procedures. NSDD assists partner countries in establishing and improving national, regional, and site-level policies, regulations, and procedures necessary for the conduct of operations and response to nuclear security incidents. Operations. The level of familiarity front line officers have with general radiation concepts and detection operations varies across partner countries. NSDD builds and

strengthens the officers capabilities to a baseline level to ensure radiation detection system operations are conducted properly. Maintenance. Once radiation detection equipment is deployed, NSDD assists partner countries in developing the capability to indigenously maintain the equipment. This may involve training agency staff or training third party contractors to maintain detection systems. In addition, NSDD develops maintenance procedures and software analysis tools to assist in maintenance of deployed equipment.

builds capabilities in planning, designing, conducting, and evaluating formal exercises. This includes drills, tabletop exercises, and field training exercises. Using NSDD-conducted sustainability visits, trainings, and exercises, program staff are able to maintain contacts, understand capabilities and gaps across the globe, and assess future needs to prevent nuclear and radiological terrorism.

Training. In order for law enforcement and border security agencies to operate and maintain deployed radiation detection systems over time, they must be able to train new officers and maintenance staff. NSDD not only provides program-developed training curriculum, but also builds the capability to train new instructors and develops additional curriculum to meet evolving needs. Assessment. Assessment and exercises are an integral part of operations to identify gaps and deficiencies with current training and procedures. As a result, NSDD

WHAT IS NSDD?

INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS

for 81 percent of deployments to its international partners. After transferring the costs and responsibilities of sustaining radiation detection systems to partner countries agencies, NSDD continues to engage with partners to verify that systems continue to operate effectively and to track system performance. Where possible, NSDD obtains information concerning use of NSDD systems and detection events of R/N materials.

NSDD also works with partner countries on nuclear forensics activities in support of building smuggling investigation capabilities. NSDD Forensics is currently working with 20 international partner countries, and is engaging with an additional 11 non-partner countries, to improve detection and identification of radioactive and nuclear materials. As of the end of the 2018 fiscal year, NSDD efforts had resulted in equipping 660 Border Crossing points (BCP) and deploying 167 Mobile Detection Systems (MDS). NSDD also provides technical training and expert support to assist partner countries in developing the capability to assume full responsibility for the continued operation, management, and maintenance of their detection systems. As of the end of the 2018 fiscal year, moreover, NSDD has transitioned responsibility

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As the threat continues to evolve, NSDD continues to identify new strategies and pursue engagements with new partner countries and organizations, including in the Western Balkans, North and East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and South America. In cooperation with two of its most advanced partners, NSDD also began efforts to address smuggling risks on maritime and air pathways.

IMPACT NSDD’s longstanding experience and extensive relationships developing a collaborative R/N materials detection and deterrence network increases the opportunity to influence the adoption of sound nuclear detection and forensic practices. Using this position of influence, NSDD builds and strengthens nuclear detection and forensic capabilities of partner countries which increase U.S. national security in the following ways: Interdicting near the point where the material was obtained. Building detection capabilities of partner countries increases the likelihood of detection of the lost or stolen material near the point of origin, thereby reducing the risks to health and safety and preventing illicit transfers. Interdicting material outside of the U.S. The consequences of an improvised nuclear device or radiological dispersal device (i.e., dirty bomb) being detonated would have a catastrophic physical, psychological, and economic impact. Therefore, NSDD works with countries to develop their capabilities to detect and interdict material out of regulatory control before it arrives at U.S. borders.

Building and strengthening a holistic set of nuclear detection and forensic capabilities abroad. While a major component of NSDD has been deployment of R/N detection equipment, the equipment alone is insufficient to ensure effective, long term operations. Therefore, the program also builds capabilities in complementary areas. For example, NSDD works with partner countries to develop site-level and national procedures for responding to nuclear security incidents. These efforts integrate various agencies within the country, thereby increasing the effectiveness of security operations. Moreover, through its Training Program, NSDD teaches partner countries how to effectively train current and future staff on nuclear security awareness and detection operations.

Creating regional and multi-lateral partnerships. Because the threat of nuclear smuggling is a transnational concern, NSDD builds regional and multi-lateral partnerships among countries to improve information sharing, communication and coordination of detection and nuclear forensics operations. Coordinating national nuclear security activities with U.S. government agencies. Leveraging its large international network and regular, on-the-ground access to partner agencies, NSDD routinely coordinates with the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, to share relevant information and coordinate activities to close existing gaps and address emerging threats.

WHAT IS NSDD?

SUCCESS STORIES GEORGIA NSDD’s partnership with the Government of Georgia began in 2005. Since then Georgia has become one of NSDD’s closest partners in combating nuclear smuggling. Because of Georgia’s strategic location as a transit country (in the middle of Europe and Asia) nuclear smuggling has always been a serious concern. Twenty percent of the country is under foreign occupation. In these areas black markets and criminal activities flourish, creating an even more dangerous environment conducive to the smuggling R/N materials.

NSDD’s success in Georgia is largely the result of developing strong relationships with multiple agencies and working as true partners to combat nuclear smuggling. Avoiding the donorrecipient approach NSDD has been able to influence decision makers by providing guidance and best practices to the Georgian government on effective means to implement a layered approach to radiation detection. Through this collaborative approach, NSDD has developing lasting relationships, and unprecedented access that has led to advancements in program knowledge.

Through cooperation with Georgia, NSDD has been able to prove new concepts and approaches for use in other countries. These initiative have included: Deploying the National Communication System connecting all radiation portal monitors at all sites into a central monitoring system; Piloting the first NSDD-FBI training, deploying the first Mobile Detection Systems to monitor traffic from the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia; Training and equipping the Georgian Coast Guard on radiation detection techniques for use in the open seas.

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The Georgian government has been quick to take ownership of NSDD-provided equipment and requested training in equipment maintenance with the intention to take on full maintenance responsibility immediately. NSDD welcomed this approach and provided key staff with maintenance and operator training. The staff trained in equipment maintenance also took on training of border patrol officers on radiation detection and went on to form their own department: the Border Technologies Department within the Operative-Technical Agency within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The group has since joined the State Security Service and are now experts in radiation detection equipment and training and have expanded their role to include all border technologies and related activities.

The Agency of Nuclear and Radiation Safety (ANRS) has been using NSDD provided training and equipment to identify orphaned sources throughout Georgia and is establishing a safe working environment in case of incidents. The Ministry of Interior Special Tasks Department is now able to monitor traffic and scan for radiation at the Abkhazia and South Ossetia administrative checkpoints using the MDS system and the Georgian Coast Guard can implement their radiation detection equipment and training in NATO exercises and operations in the Black Sea. Overall, NSDD work in Georgia has proven successful in increasing Georgia’s border and internal security capabilities. This partnership has been integral to further global security efforts to counter nuclear smuggling. Georgia remains a critical partner to the United States Government and is a proven leader in the region committed to counter nuclear smuggling operations and sharing their best practices within the global community.

Among the outcomes of these efforts are:

The State Security Service Special Operations Department has interdicted over 20 attempts of smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material using NSDD provided hand-held equipment and mobile detection systems; Radiation detection systems installed at international checkpoints in Georgia has been used to stop the shipment of radioactive scrap metal and contaminated vehicles

WHAT IS NSDD?

JORDAN The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is strategically situated in an extremely challenging region with recent conflicts posing significant risks to border security. Reports of radioactive materials out of regulatory control in neighboring countries underscore Jordan’s unique importance to global counter nuclear smuggling efforts. Jordan has been an NSDD partner since 2008 when the Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (now the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission or EMRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy to Prevent Illicit Trafficking in Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material. Since then, NSDD has worked with the EMRC to provide radiation detection equipment to a major seaport and four border crossings, in addition to providing mobile radiation detection equipment for counter nuclear smuggling efforts in the interior of the country.

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The Government of Jordan remains highly engaged with NSDD and the U.S. Government interagency on counter nuclear smuggling issues. This includes the development of a Joint Action Plan to create and maintain a robust nuclear security program, the development of a regulatory framework for radioactive material, standard operating procedures for interdicting material out of regulatory control, and an Integrated National Border Security Strategy that supports Jordan’s counter nuclear smuggling efforts. Sustained operations are the hallmark of a successful nuclear security program and Jordan demonstrates its continued commitment to the NSDD mission through robust sustainment efforts. The EMRC independently operates

and maintains the radiation detection systems, trains its own staff, responds to alarms with handheld devices, and provides technical reachback to its personnel. The EMRC also contributes its expertise to NSDD sponsored regional and international training initiatives by providing knowledgeable trainers at training events for NSDD partners from around the world. NSDD’s partnership with Jordan to prevent, detect, and investigate smuggling of R/N and materials is an important accomplishment for the program and a critical component of its current and future endeavors in the Middle East. Jordan continues to stay at the forefront of international nuclear security engagements, committed to the development of a best in class approach to supporting counter nuclear smuggling operations and taking personal ownership of the mission.

WHAT IS NSDD?

USG AND INTERNATIONAL EFFORT TO COUNTER NUCLEAR SMUGGLING INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION NSDD plays a key role within the USG supporting the development of counter nuclear smuggling programs and policy. Specifically, NSDD works with complementary programs at the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and the FBI to share information, coordinate projects, and leverage strengths and resources to maximize each agency’s efforts. NSDD partnered with the FBI WMD Directorate to develop and deliver a course for law enforcement use of NSDD provided mobile detection equipment. This course, called the Radiation Detection and Investigative Techniques training (RDIT) teaches law enforcement operators of NSDD provided equipment on how to use it in the course of investigations of criminal activity involving R/N material. NSDD’s partnership with the FBI is a truly complementary one. It combines the technological and scientific expertise resident within NSDD with the law enforcement and criminal investigation expertise held by the FBI.

NSDD is a frequent collaborator with the Department of State, specifically its Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. NSDD coordinates ISN’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program on implementing radiation detection solutions in countries in which both programs work. NSDD supports ISN’s office of Weapons of Mass Destruction -Terrorism (WMD-T) and their Joint Action Plans with partner countries. Many of the goals and objectives contained within the Joint Action Plans directly stem from NSDD programmatic goals to develop a partner country’s national radiation detection architecture. NSDD supports the implementation of the Joint Action Plans and regularly

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participates in the Joint Action Plan review process. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is a frequent collaborator with NSDD in a variety of different areas. NSDD has collaborated with DTRA on areas such as joint trainings, joint installations, and most recently in joint projects focused on enhancing green border security. Lastly, scientists and laboratory experts have had extensive cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), now the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office on scientific testing of radiation detection equipment.

NSDD IN THE GLOBAL CNS COMMUNITY NSDD’s technical expertise and experience make it a leader in global efforts to combat nuclear terrorism. Internationally, NSDD continues to develop and maintain long-term bilateral relationships with countries to strengthen their capabilities to prevent, detect, and investigate incidents of R/N material smuggling. NSDD also works to bring representatives from different countries together to facilitate regional relationships and improve communication and information sharing. In addition, NSDD works with international organizations with similar missions to act as force multipliers and provide consistent guidance and best practices to the global counter nuclear smuggling community. NSDD regularly collaborates and coordinates with other national governments on strengthening the nuclear detection architecture on both a bilateral basis and through coordinating bodies such as the Border Monitoring Working Group and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. As a best in class international implementer of R/N detection systems, NSDD receives contributions from countries under the Global Partnership. Countries such

as the United Kingdom, Finland, South Korea, Canada, and Norway and the European Commission have provided both financial and in-kind contributions to deploy detection systems and deliver best practices in detection and nuclear forensics to third countries. NSDD additionally supports international institutions engaged in countering the radiological and nuclear smuggling threat. NSDD has a long standing collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). NSDD provides technical and subject matter expertise to many IAEA consultancies on a wide array of topics. NSDD provides in-kind support to IAEA INSSP and INSServ missions and NSDD funds several cost-free experts who work directly for the IAEA. NSDD subject matter experts support the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Global Shield program, aimed at preventing the smuggling and illicit diversion of precursor chemicals that could be used in improvised explosive devices and dirty bombs, and engage with WCO during their regular meetings and consultancies. NSDD supports INTERPOL and its Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Unit, the RNTPU. NSDD funds INTERPOL through direct donation as well as seconding an officer to the RNTPU. NSDD’s direct donation funds INTERPOL workshops, training, and operations to improve law enforcement and border security investigation and response capabilities. The NSDD donation to INTERPOL additionally supports the Geiger Database, used by INTERPOL to track the people involved in R/N smuggling activities.

WHAT IS NSDD?

LOOKING AHEAD: NEXT 20 YEARS

EVOLVING THREAT Potential adversaries continue to evolve. This requires a flexible and dynamic response from NSDD. Whether designated rogue regimes or proliferators, areas of instability, uncontrolled areas, breakaway regions NSDD dedicates specialized resources, expertise, and cooperation to mitigate these threats as quickly as possible. This approach has led NSDD to assess regional and subregional smuggling pathways, prioritize possible exploitation of commercial transportation routes, research the activities and the nature of criminal groups, and enable partners to identify and interdict illicit activities occurring in areas outside of and between official crossing points.

STRATEGIC POSTURE

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As expected, NSDD’s strategies for implementation and sustainability have matured and adapted in response to internal and external changes. How NSDD completes its mission now is not the same as implemented 20 years ago. Similarly, how NSDD addresses the risk of nuclear smuggling in the future is expected to evolve as the threat, technologies, and methodologies evolve. However, NSDD’s core strengths lie within the experience of the implementation process and framework – covering risk identification and assessment, equipment use and capabilities, deep understanding and expertise in radiation detection and associated technologies, adult learning, relationship development, and sustainment through continued engagement. NSDD, as part of its collaborative US interagency efforts to survey and monitor the current and future horizon of R/N

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smuggling risks, continually seeks input and suggestions to its strategic plans. Working across the nuclear security spectrum and connecting seemingly disparate organizations, NSDD structures and validates strategies with input from a wide range of USG partners, internal and external collaborators and perhaps most importantly, validates the proof of concept through pilots, exercises and other initiatives with NSDD’s foreign partners. NSDD maintains dedicated groups that continually monitor the environment and regularly conducts strategic, programmatic and individual project reviews.

FUTURE OF NSDD The world 20 years ago is very different from today and it’s highly likely that the next 20 years will present unanticipated challenges and opportunities to mitigate the risk of R/N material smuggling. NSDD will continue to be a leader in preventing terrorist acquisition of these materials and will remain at the forefront of operational and technical engagement with foreign partners from law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

and will improve their broad spectrum effectiveness to detecting and interdicting materials suitable for weapons of mass effect. NSDD will also reach out to agencies that are newcomers to addressing this evolving mission. Employing an integrated strategy and approach that improves a partner’s capability to target, identify, detect, and interdict illicit trafficking which includes monitoring and awareness of their areas of responsibility, early identification of anomalies and suspicious activities, novel approaches to deploy improved detectors in innovative methods, and quick deployment methods to respond.

NSDD’s history is one of continuous adaption and improvement. Over 20 years, NSDD through its partnerships with industry has lead new approaches, technical advances, improved detection capability and usability for partners and has advanced systems integration and data analysis. NSDD has created approaches to better meet the needs of our partners and improve their indigenous capabilities to operate, train, and maintain the systems provided by NSDD. Through adaptation and adoption, NSDD will continue to develop and rely on strong partnerships cemented in a global belief in the importance of countering nuclear and radioactive smuggling threats.

NSDD will continue to develop nuclear forensics capabilities so that interdicted material can be identified and traffickers prosecuted. Since these efforts will have an overall impact, NSDD will help partners understand the impact of their operations and along with assessing external impacts and changes, adapt their approach to keep traffickers off-balance, uncertain of interdiction capabilities and overall increase their perceived probability of failure. NSDD, together with partners worldwide, is poised to continue to lead the effort to strengthen international capabilities to deter, detect, and investigate smuggling of R/N materials.

Moving forward, NSDD will identify and engage agencies that are actively involved in counter-smuggling missions

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EVENT LAYOU

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UT TO COME

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