Approaches to Prioritizing the Lab-to-Lab Program

Summary

The U.S. and Russian weapons dismantlement process is producing hundreds of tons of excess plutonium (Pu) and highly enriched uranium (HEU) fissile materials. The nuclear operations associated with the final disposition of these materials will be occurring in both countries for decades. A significant accident during these operations could delay the disposition process. Russia-U.S. collaborative efforts to address safety issues associated with disposition processes have been ongoing since 1993. The experience of these collaborative efforts have demonstrated the need for a systematic and formalized approach to identifying and prioritizing collaborative projects. A systematic approach to the successful implementation of a formal program will require the definition of year-by-year program objectives, specific technical program areas, a process for the prioritization and selection of projects, and identification of performance measures to evaluate the success of projects. Specialized working groups established for each technical area are needed to define research priorities, review research proposals, and recommend proposals for funding. A systematic approach to the establishment of a formal U.S.-Russia cooperative program will serve to ensure the safety and continuity of disposition processes and reduce the nuclear proliferation risks presented by this material.