Strategic Project Management Made Simple: Practical Tools for Leaders and Teams

Develop Information Technology Process Solutions and Algorithms (U.S. Department of Energy)

Nuclear weapons remain an essential component in the national security strategy of the United States. Each year the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary must certify to the President that the stockpile is reliable. A team from the DOE developed a new anomaly tracking system to support the Energy Secretary’s need to provide this certification.

Since 1992, various international treaties have prevented the occasional live testing of a nuclear weapon from the arsenal to make sure that all of them would still function if needed. To maintain these weapons as a potent deterrent, reliable nuclear weapons assessment methods (other than detonation above or below ground) must be used.

Ensuring nuclear stockpile reliability involves lab tests, computer simulations, and analyses of all types. Surveillance of nuclear assets is critical, and the system to do so is complex. Occasionally, an anomaly shows up that needs investigating and resolution.

This LogFrame was developed by a team responsible for developing and managing an anomaly tracking system. Speeding up anomaly disposition allowed for more timely decisions, which supports the overall Goal of certifying stockpile reliability.

Logical Framework for Reducing Cycle Time for Anomaly Detection