Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Lessons Learned from Cancelled Radiation Portal Monitor Program Could Help Future Acquisitions.

摘要

Preventing terrorists from smuggling radiological or nuclear material into the United States to carry out an attack is a national priority. DHS's DNDO develops and deploys radiation detection equipment to assist other federal agencies, such as CBP, in intercepting illicit radiological or nuclear materials that could be used to make a radiological dispersive device (dirty bomb) or a crude nuclear bomb. CBP uses RPMs at nearly all land border crossings and seaports to detect radiation in trucks and cargo. DHS recently cancelled acquisition of ASPs, which was originally envisioned as costing from $2 billion to $3 billion. GAO was asked to provide updated information on the ASP program. This report examines, among other things, (1) the results of ASP testing conducted in 2009 and 2010 that led to DHS's decision to cancel the ASP program and (2) the benefits of lessons learned reviews and how DHS captures any lessons learned when programs are cancelled. GAO reviewed testing and acquisition documents and interviewed key agency officials, as well as seven experts the National Academies identified for their knowledge of leading practices in large-scale engineering and acquisition programs.