GAO rejected what it called continuing calls to remove NNSA from DoE and make it a separate agency, saying such a drastic change was unnecessary, but it made a number of recommendations address lingering management issues.
Those issues include providing sufficient, qualified staff to conduct program and operational oversight, especially in the security area, and developing and implementing improvements needed to support effective project, program, and financial management.
GAO made 21 recommendations to the DoE secretary and NNSA administrator intended to improve NNSA efficiency and effectiveness, including: clearly define NNSA’s status as a separately organized agency within the department; develop and implement standard operating procedures for conducting business and resolving conflicts between DOE and NNSA sister offices; and, implement a professional development program for security staff to ensure the completion of training needed to effectively perform oversight responsibilities.
GAO recommended that the agencies develop a human capital strategy that includes standards for determining long-term staffing needs, and establish formal mechanisms for sharing and implementing lessons learned across the weapons complex.
The report also called on the NNSA administrator to institute a series of initiatives to improve project management, program management, and financial management.
NNSA responded to the report saying that while it considers the agency to be a success that it agrees considerable work remains to be done.
