Skip to main content

The Quality of Science and Engineering at the NNSA National Security Laboratories (2013) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

Appendix D: Summary of the Phase I Report of this Study
Pages 60-64

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 60...
... Because of this high-level view of management's role with respect to the quality of S&E, the study committee saw no distinction between management of the laboratories' work for NNSA (roughly, Task 4) and their work for other entities (Task 5)
Read the entire page →
From page 61...
... Therefore, the study committee discussed incentives with the three laboratory directors and was convinced that their primary objective remains to manage the laboratories in the public interest. An evolution of the laboratory missions to "national security laboratories" is well underway.
Read the entire page →
From page 62...
... 5 The study committee recommends that Congress recognize that maintenance of the stockpile remains the core mission of the laboratories, and in that context consider endorsing and supporting in some way the evolution of the NNSA laboratories to national security laboratories as described in the July 2010 four-agency Governance Charter for an Interagency Council on the Strategic Capability of DOE national laboratories. A crucial part of the laboratories' ability to conduct their missions is derived from Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD)
Read the entire page →
From page 63...
... The study committee found similar issues in transactional oversight of safety, business, security and operations. Science and engineering quality is at risk when laboratory scientists and engineers are not encouraged to bring forth their creative ideas in partnership with NNSA to solve problems vital to our national security.
Read the entire page →
From page 64...
... The study committee recommends that NNSA reduce reporting and administrative burdens on the laboratory directors, and purposely free directors to establish strategic science and engineering direction at the laboratories. Among other benefits, this may encourage laboratory directors to serve longer terms with the organization.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • site offices
  • laboratory directors
  • weapons program
  • management structure
  • nnsa national

  • core mission
  • parent organizations
  • stockpile remains
  • nnsa site
  • core weapons

  • public criticism
  • precludes taking
  • laboratory director
  • core program
  • annual assessment

  • discussed incentives
  • senior leadership
  • examined past
  • security administration
  • experimental validation

  • nnsa reduce
  • detailed implementation
  • laboratory missions
  • providing opportunities
  • mexico state

  • weapons research
  • help assure
  • significantly reduced
  • national nuclear
  • nnsa management


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.