Nuclear Weapons: NNSA Should Further Develop Cost, Schedule, and Risk Information for the W87-1 Warhead Program

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1131116 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Department of Defense (DOD) and NNSA restarted a program in fiscal year 2019 to replace the capabilities of the aging W78 nuclear warhead with the W87-1. NNSA made key design decisions for this weapon from 2010 until the program was paused in 2014. NNSA estimated in December 2018 that the W87-1 would cost $8.6 billion to $14.8 billion, which could make it the most expensive warhead modernization program to date. NNSA plans to newly manufacture the entire warhead, including the two major nuclear components, called the primary and secondary, using facilities it is modernizing or repurposing. You asked us to examine plans for the W87-1 warhead. This report examines, among other things, the extent to which NNSA (1) considered cost estimates in prior design decisions for the W87-1 and the potential effects of remaining design decisions on program cost, and (2) will be able to produce sufficient numbers of key nuclear components to meet W87-1 production needs. GAO reviewed NNSA documentation on prior and remaining design decisions and preliminary cost estimates, reviewed warhead and component production schedules, and interviewed NNSA and DOD officials.

Author(s):
Bawden, Allison B
Author Organization(s):
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
Funding Organization(s):
CONGRESS (US) WASHINGTON DC, WASHINGTON DC , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Congressional Report
Publication Date:
2020 Sep 01
Pagination:
56

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
congress, department of defense, explosives, high explosives, nuclear materials, risk analysis, best practices, cost estimates, nuclear weapons, risk, acquisition, governments, insensitive explosives, materials, military requirements, united states, united states government
Keyword(s):
NNSA (National Nuclear Security Administration), W87-1 Warhead Program, design decisions, mitigation plans, pits
Subject Categories:
Nuclear Science and Technology
Creation Date:
2021 Jun 03
Update Date:
2021 Jun 29