APPENDIX X APPENDIX X It is also important to place the NBS contribution to the national safeguards research and development program in proper context. Certainly continued NBS participation in the national effort is highly desirable. Its loss as a source of national standards, which are used as the basis for special nuclear material (SNM) measurements, would require that an alternate and less acceptable source be established to meet national and international needs. We desire a continued NBS role and, in fact, by an October 29, 1979, letter to NBS (enclosed) indicated our interest in not only continuing support through FY 1981 but, also, our willingness to increase funding in light of NRC's election to terminate support. In spite of this valid and useful role, GAO should properly state in the report that NBS is but one of several DOE-funded organizations involved in the development of standards, measurement techniques, and other methods for assuring that SNM is adequately safeguarded. Regarding the evaluative methodology work, a number of national laboratories and private contractors have been working to develop such facility evaluation tools for a number of years. The GAO should, thus, exercise caution in describing the effect on the Nation's safeguards programs associated with a reduction in NBS funding. In the first paragraph on page 9, it is stated that "the NBS program has not been funded as planned" and "the expected annual funding level of $2.5 million has not been realized". The report notes fiscal year 1979 and 1980 funding shortfalls in an aggregate sense. OSS feels it would be helpful to indicate such shortfalls by sponsoring agency, which we believe will give a clearer picture of our support. As presently stated, it appears that all funding agencies have reneged on the 1977 agreement. Such has not been the case with respect to DOE. The last sentence on page 9 indicates that "several activities which have been identified as key elements of nuclear safeguards have received no funding at all". There is no indication of what these activities might be or how they were identified as "key elements of nuclear safeguards". It would be appropriate to clarify and substantiate this statement. In summary, we strongly support the NBS role in the Nation's safeguards research and development effort and recognize its numerous, valuable contributions. However, this effort must be viewed in the context of the entire breadth and scope of ongoing safeguards research and development activities. For objectivity, unnecessarily strong statements about the significance of this role should be avoided. Sincerely, Amen George Weisz Office of Safeguards and Security GAO note: The page numbers referred to in this letter do not correspond with the page numbers in this report. Revisions as suggested have been made where appropriate. This is in reply to your letter of November 16, 1979, requesting comments on the draft report entitled "National Bureau of Standards Information For Use In Reauthorizing Its Activities." We have reviewed the enclosed comments and believe they are responsive to the matters discussed in the report. Sincerely, Mary Bass Mary P. Bass Enclosure APPENDIX XI -2 APPENDIX XI The problems confronting NBS in carrying out its mission. revisions have been developed cooperatively by NBS and the Department. Sincerely, Green Francis W. Wolek Acting Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology FW/1gd Attachments 20548 Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on a draft One such issue is the effects of the Administration's "lead agency" Attached are recommended changes to the draft report. These changes will clarify what, I feel, are misunderstandings and inaccuracies. I believe the changes are necessary to more closely portray the APPENDIX XI APPENDIX XI Recommended Changes to Draft GAO Report on National Bureau of Standards Information For Use in Reauthorizing its Activities Page 3 paragraph 1 - Recommend that the paragraph be changed to Page 6 paragraph 2 - Description of the lead agency concept Page 7 last paragraph - Recommend substituting the following for Page 8 paragraph 1 - Recommend substituting the following for the Page 9 Nuclear Safeguards Program - It is important to point |