National Nuclear Security Administration

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) was created by Congress through the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (113 Stat. 512) to bring focus to the management of the Nation's defense nuclear security programs. Three existing organizations within the Department of Energy--Defense Programs, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, and Naval Reactors--were combined into a new, separately organized and managed agency within DOE, headed by an Administrator who reports to the Secretary. NNSA is responsible for strengthening United States security through military application of nuclear energy and by reducing the global threat from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. NNSA's service center and eight site offices provide operations oversight and contract administration for NNSA site activities, acting as the agency's risk acceptance for the site. The site offices are responsible for the following functions: the safe and secure operation of facilities under the purview of NNSA; supporting NNSA programs to ensure their success in accordance with their expectations; and ensuring the long-term viability of the site to support NNSA programs and projects.