December 12, 2007


Latest Los Alamos National Lab
Security Debacles in Its Own Words
LANL Official Doubts Agency’s Ability to Protect Nation’s Secrets
For Immediate Release
Contact: Peter Stockton or Marthena Cowart, (202) 347-1122

A new record of security breaches for the troubled Los Alamos laboratory occurred between June 2006 and June 2007. The number and magnitude of these occurrences calls into question the effectiveness of the University of California and Bechtel management team brought in to address in a systemic way the abysmal security and safety track record under the prior University of California contract. During this time period, there were 13 IMI-1 or IMI-2 incidents which are, by definition, at the top levels of security breaches.

There are four reporting thresholds for incidents of a security concern under an Impact Measurement Index (IMI) system. The highest reporting threshold, IMI-1, is for “Any security incident that can be expected to cause serious damage to national security or DOE security interests.” An IMI-2 is defined as incidents that pose a near-or long –term threat to national security interest and/or critical Department of Energy assets or that potentially create a crisis or danger situation.  The lowest reporting threshold, IMI-4, is for “Any security incident that causes no damage to national security, but that can, in combination, indicate weakened security awareness or inadequate procedures or practices.”

The Los Alamos National Security (LANS) team which includes personnel from UC, Bechtel National, BWX Technology and Washington Group will have a hard time explaining to a skeptical Congress the past year’s record of security breaches occurring on a near monthly basis - a new record for the dismally managed Los Alamos laboratory.

The Project On Government Oversight has obtained copies of “official use only” sensitive documents which are marked “dissemination prohibited” of a LANL slide presentation given on September 17, 2007 to top Los Alamos National Lab managers.  The presentation includes previously undisclosed incidents that portray management’s inabilities to curb breaches of security. (Follow the link to see excerpts of the pdf)

In one presentation, an official was quoted as saying, “These incidents cause doubt of our ability to protect national secrets, potentially cost millions in fines, and bring in additional external oversight (35 external audits and reviews for physical security since June 2006).”

One section of the presentation entitled ‘Most Severe Security Incidents’ was the following:

“Of these 13 incidents,

  • Every one of them involved the lack of protection and/or a confirmed release of classified information.
  • Seven of the principals were ADCs, who checked their own work for classification.  Best business practice:  don’t ADC your own work.
  • Three of the principals were previously involved in Incidents or Sub-Reportable Events.
  • Two of the incidents involved visiting guests sponsored by active LANL employees.”

In July and August, 2007, 34 security incidents and 102 sub-reportable reports occurred.  The following is a partial summary of the events:

  • 43 improperly secured items (Documents/POBs/Vaults/Vault Type Rooms/ACREM).
  • 30 Incidents Portable Electronic Devices in secure areas.
  • 19 Potential Unauthorized Disclosures (majority are email related).

Danielle Brian, Executive Director of POGO said, “Can you believe one of the new security measures touted in the presentation was the use of stop and go hand signals for guards posted at vehicle entrances? It hurts too much to laugh.”

The impact of poor workforce management and the government turning oversight of safety and security to the contractor leads inexorably to personnel upheaval, congressional oversight and, most importantly, national security breaches that affect the entire nation. 

Founded in 1981, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is an independent nonprofit that investigates and exposes corruption and other misconduct in order to achieve a more accountable federal government.

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