**GAO-09-828**                      Published: Sep 18, 2009. Publicly Released: Sep 18, 2009.                  

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## Highlights

A successful terrorist attack on a facility containing nuclear weapons could have devastating consequences. GAO was asked to compare the Department of Defense's (DOD) and Department of Energy's (DOE) efforts to protect the nation's nuclear weapons where they are stored, maintained, or transported. This report (1) compares the nuclear weapons security policies and procedures at DOD and DOE, and the extent to which cost-benefit analyses are required; (2) compares DOD and DOE efforts to assess threats to nuclear weapons; and (3) identifies total current and projected funding requirements for securing nuclear weapons, including military construction costs. GAO analyzed DOD and DOE nuclear weapons security policies and procedures; visited sites that store, maintain, or transport nuclear weapons; and analyzed funding data for fiscal years 2006 through 2013. This report is an unclassified version of a classified report issued in May 2009.

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## Topics

National Defense

AccountabilityCost analysisCost effectiveness analysisDecision makingDefense cost controlFacility securityHomeland securityMilitary facility constructionNuclear facilitiesNuclear facility securityNuclear weaponsNuclear weapons plant securityReporting requirementsRisk assessmentRisk managementSecurity assessmentsSecurity regulationsSecurity threatsStandardsStrategic planningPolicies and procedures