SD 452.3-2, Phase 6.X Process
This supplemental directive (SD) establishes the policy for implementing the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) roles and responsibilities pertaining to the Nuclear Weapons Council’s (NWC) Procedural Guideline for the Phase 6.X
Process and describes the sequence of activities and interactions with the Department of Defense (DOD) during the Phase 6.X process. This SD augments Department of Energy (DOE) Order 452.3, Management of the Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons
Complex.
Version history and related documents
Superseded by
A newer version replaces this document.
- SD 452.3-2APhase X/Phase 6.X Processes (Nov 08, 2022)
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Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
CONTROLLED DOCUMENT OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST (OPI):
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: Office of Systems Engineering and Integration
https://nnsa.energy.gov/aboutus/ouroperations/managementandbudget/supplementaldirectives
printed copies are uncontrolled
SUPPLEMENTAL DIRECTIVE
Approved: 1-19-17
PHASE 6.X PROCESS
NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Defense Programs
NNSA SD 452.3-2
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NNSA SD 452.3-2 1
1-19-17
PHASE 6.X PROCESS
1. PURPOSE. This supplemental directive (SD) establishes the policy for implementing the
National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) roles and responsibilities pertaining
to the Nuclear Weapons Council’s (NWC) Procedural Guideline for the Phase 6.X
Process and describes the sequence of activities and interactions with the Department of
Defense (DOD) during the Phase 6.X process. This SD augments Department of Energy
(DOE) Order 452.3, Management of the Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons
Complex.
It should also be noted that this SD addresses only the actions that need to be taken by
NNSA organizations that directly report to the NNSA Administrator, such as the Office
of Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation (CEPE), Office of Defense Programs (DP),
Office of Safety, Infrastructure and Operations, and field office organizations responsible
for refurbishing the nuclear weapons stockpile. Activities that are conducted by
organizations within DP are documented by internal DP processes and not in this SD.
2. CANCELLATION. None
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Federal. This SD applies to all federal organizations responsible for maintaining
and enhancing the safety, reliability, and performance of the United States nuclear
weapons stockpile, including the ability to design, produce, and test, in order to
meet national security requirements.
These requirements apply, but are not limited to, CEPE, DP, Office of Safety,
Infrastructure and Operations, and field office organizations with the
responsibility for executing refurbishments of the nuclear weapons stockpile.
b. Contractors. The contractor requirements document (CRD), provided as
Attachment 1, sets forth requirements of this directive that apply to contractors.
The CRD shall be included in contracts of national security enterprise
Management and Operating (M&O) contractor sites performing work for NNSA,
indicated in Figure 1.
M&O Site
Name
Kansas
City
National
Security
Campus
Lawrence
Livermore
National
Laboratory
Los
Alamos
National
Laboratory
Nevada
National
Security
Site
Pantex
Plant
Sandia
National
Laboratories
Savannah
River
Site
Y-12
National
Security
Complex
M&O Site
Designator KCNSC LLNL LANL NNSS PX SNL SRS Y-12
Figure 1: Participation by NSE Site
4. SUMMARY OF CHANGES. Not applicable.
2 NNSA SD 452.3-2
1-19-17
5. BACKGROUND. A weapon’s acquisition life cycle contains the eight phases as
indicated below:
• Phase 1 – Weapon Conception
• Phase 2 – Program Feasibility Study
• Phase 2A – Design Definition and Cost Study
• Phase 3 – Development Engineering
• Phase 4 – Production Engineering
• Phase 5 – First Production
• Phase 6 – Quantity Production and Stockpile
• Phase 7 – Retirement and Storage
These traditional phases were established in various DOE and DOD Memoranda of
Agreement and reflect the logical progression of activity for the development,
production, deployment, and retirement of a new weapon. Since all stockpile weapons
are currently in Phase 6, a new process is necessary for refurbishment.
Section 2
This additional process is actually an expanded subset of the Quantity Production and
Stockpile phase (Phase 6) of the traditional process and has, accordingly, been called the
Phase 6.X process.
The Phase 6.X process provides a framework to conduct and manage refurbishment
activities for existing weapons. It makes the maximum use of the established structure,
flow, and practices from the traditional phase process.
Stockpile refurbishment activities are divided into sub-elements of Phase 6, denoted by
Phase 6.X, as in 6.1, 6.2, 6.2A, etc. For purposes of the Phase 6.X process, the enduring
stockpile phase is designated Phase 6.0 and is the beginning and end of the Phase 6.X
process. The individual phases (6.1 through 6.6) follow the sequence of the traditional
acquisition process. Each phase ends with a major project decision to go forward into the
next phase, to remain in the present phase, or to return to an earlier phase (including a
return to Phase 6.0, which is to not refurbish the weapon).
For each refurbishment activity, a Project Officer Group (POG) is authorized by the
NWC to coordinate joint efforts in NNSA-DOD nuclear weapons programs. NNSA
provides one or more members to the POG and supports its coordination efforts.
Historically, all responsibilities for refurbishment activities were carried out within
Defense Programs . With the establishment of the CEPE, responsibilities have been
established per Title 50 United States Code (U.S.C.) sections 2411 and 2537. Also, with
NNSA SD 452.3-2 3
1-19-17
the establishment of the Office of Safety, Infrastructure and Operations, some
responsibilities transitioned from DP to that office. Revised responsibilities relevant to
the scope of this Supplemental Directive are included in following sections.
6. REQUIREMENTS.
a. NNSA organizations participating on programs following the 6.X acquisition
framework must support the implementation of this Supplemental Directive. At a
minimum, the participating organizations must identify roles and responsibilities,
organizational interfaces (internal and external stakeholders), deliverables,
reporting, conflict resolution and governance structures.
b. NNSA organizations must comply with the Phase 6.X process detailed in
Appendix 2. If a perceived or actual discrepancy between this SD and SD 452.3-
1A Defense Programs Business Process System exists, this SD, 452.3-2, takes
precedence.
7. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. The Administrator is the NNSA member of the NWC.
b. The Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs (NA-10):
(1) Is the senior NNSA member of the Nuclear Weapons Council Standing
and Safety Committee (NWCSSC);
(2) Ensures overall execution NNSA’s responsibilities as outlined in the
NWC’s Procedural Guidelines for the Phase 6.X Process; and
(3) Requests threat assessment support from the DOE Office of Intelligence
and Counterintelligence.
c. The Associate Administrator for Safety, Infrastructure and Operations (NA-50)
ensures that NNSA infrastructure is maintained, operated, and modernized to
support the Phase 6.X process and provides support for preparation of applicable
Phase 6X documents.
d. The Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation (NA-1.3), in
accordance with paragraphs 8.a. and 8.b.:
(1) Provides an Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) of each nuclear weapon
system undergoing a major alteration;
(2) Provides an Independent Cost Review (ICR) of each nuclear weapon
design option undergoing life extension at the completion of Phase 6.2,
relating to study of feasibility and down-select;
Section 3
4 NNSA SD 452.3-2
1-19-17
(3) Provides ICEs of each nuclear weapon system undergoing life extension at
the completion of Phase 6.2A and before initiation of Phase 6.4 (unless
otherwise directed by the Administrator) and Phase 6.5;
(4) Provides other ICRs and estimates as directed by the Administrator; and
(5) Develops and manages the input of the selected acquisition reports on
nuclear weapons systems undergoing major life extension.
e. Field Office Contracting Officers incorporate SD 452.3-2 into the “List of
Applicable Directives” identified in the Laws, Regulations, and DOE Directives
clause of the M&O contracts for the listed nuclear security enterprise sites (see
Figure 1).
8. REFERENCES.
a. 50 U.S.C. Section 2411, Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation
(describes the roles and responsibilities of the NNSA Director for Cost Estimating
and Program Evaluation).
b. 50 U.S.C. Section 2537, Selected Acquisition Reports and independent cost
estimates and reviews of certain programs and facilities (describes the
requirements for providing Selected Acquisition Reports, independent cost
reviews, and independent cost estimates).
c. An Agreement between the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the
Department of Defense (DOD) for the Development, Production, and
Standardization of Atomic Weapons, March 21, 1953, (provides the basic
document that establishes the interrelationships between the two agencies to
cooperate in the development, production, and maintenance of nuclear weapons).
d. Supplement to the 1953 Agreement for the Development, Production, and
Standardization of Atomic Weapons between the Department of Energy and the
Department of Defense, dated September 5,1984, (delineates the functions of the
two agencies during joint feasibility studies for nuclear weapons (Phase 2), design
definition and cost studies (Phase 2A), and development engineering (Phase 3)).
e. Department of Defense and Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Council
Procedural Guideline for the Phase 6.X Process, dated December 16, 2015,
(describes the roles and functions of the NWC, NWCSSC, DOD, and NNSA for
the Phase 6.X nuclear weapon refurbishment activities).
f. NAP-24A, Weapon Quality Policy, dated 11-24-2015; NAP-24A Attachment 4,
Nuclear Enterprise Assurance; DOE Order 452.1E, Nuclear Explosive and
Weapon Surety Program, dated 1-26-15; DOE Order 452.4C, Security and Use
Control of Nuclear Explosives and Nuclear Weapons, dated 8-28-16 (describe the
NNSA SD 452.3-2
1-19-17
5
quality, surety and assurance, requirements applicable to NNSA nuclear weapons
activities).
g. NAP-28A, Responsibilities for Independent Cost Estimates.
h. BOP-06.08, Cost Analysis Requirement Description (CARD).
9. DEFINITIONS. See Appendix 1.
10. CONTACT. Assistant Deputy Administrator for Systems Engineering and Integration
(NA-18), (505) 845-6088.
BY ORDER OF THE ADMINISTRATOR:
l~~-eh.~
Frank G. Klotz .. U
Administrator
Attachment 1. Contractor Requirement Document
Appendix 1. Definitions
Appendix 2. Phase 6.X Process
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NNSA SD 452.3-2 Attachment 1
1-19-17 AT1-1
ATTACHMENT 1: CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENT DOCUMENT (CRD)
NNSA SD 452.3-2, PHASE 6.X PROCESS
Section 4
The contractor is responsible for complying with the requirements of this CRD. The contractor
is responsible for flowing down the requirements of this CRD to subcontractors at any tier to the
extent necessary to ensure the contractor’s compliance with the requirements.
This Management and Operating (M&O) CRD establishes the requirements for National Nuclear
Security Administration (NNSA) M&O contractors within the Defense Programs Enterprise for
the management of NNSA sites or facilities that are involved in, interact with the management of
the nuclear weapons stockpile, or develop or produce weapon product or weapon-related
product.
1. M&O contractors shall work in concert with NNSA and other M&O contractors to
achieve successful execution of the Phase 6.X process and deliverables as defined in this
SD, including input needed for Nuclear Enterprise Assurance (NEA) activities at every
phase and managing individual site plans for 6.X activities. If a perceived or actual
discrepancy between this SD and SD 452.3-1A, Defense Programs Business Process
System exists, this SD, 452.3-2, takes precedence.
2. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.1 (Concept Assessment)
requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to support:
a. Initial NEA activities, including both weapon trust assurance (WTA) and supply
chain risk management (SCRM);
b. Identification of initial system vulnerabilities, threats, and potential mitigations
needed;
c. Proposed potential changes to military characteristics (MC), stockpile-to-target
sequence (STS), and any NNSA driver of requirements; and
d. Initial identification of requirements for facilities and infrastructure.
3. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.2 (Feasibility Study and
Design Options) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Develop design options and execute an analysis of down-select options;
b. Develop a joint integrated Phase 6.2 study plan;
c. Down-select design options to be costed in Phase 6.2A;
d. Update existing MCs (or draft new MCs) and existing interface control
documents (ICDs), as required;
Attachment 1 NNSA SD 452.3-2
AT1-2 1-19-17
e. Deliver a final Phase 6.2 study report for the Nuclear Weapons Council Standing
and Safety Committee (NWCSSC) including a major impact report (MIR) on the
down-selected options as an appendix;
f. Analyze updated or new MCs to assess the ability to produce, qualify, and certify
the product per the design options provided by the Design Agency and, if
required, control ICD updates with the appropriate Service; and
g. Begin coordination of agreements for facilities and infrastructure interface
requirements, which incorporates the support for the program from other
organizations.
4. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.2A (Design Definition and
Cost Study) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Create the joint integrated project plan (JIPP) to implement the proposed down-
selected set of options; and
b. Develop the weapon design and cost report (WDCR).
5. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.3 (Development Engineering)
requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Update the JIPP, MCs, and STS documents;
b. Submit the initial selected acquisition report (SAR) to Congress;
c. Update the WDCR and reissue it as the baseline cost report (BCR); and
d. Prepare, in coordination with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), a
product change proposal (PCP).
Section 5
6. The M&O contractors at NNSA national laboratories shall complete the Phase 6.3
(Development Engineering) requirements to:
a. Prepare a draft addendum to the final weapon development report (FWDR) or
create a new FWDR draft, in support of the preliminary Design Review and
Acceptance Group (DRAAG) report; and
b. Conduct a baseline design review.
7. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.4 (Production Engineering)
requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to update the JIPP and BCR.
NNSA SD 452.3-2 Attachment 1
1-19-17 AT1-3
8. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.5 (First Production)
requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Update the JIPP; and
b. Issue the major assembly release (MAR).
9. The M&O contractors at NNSA national laboratories shall complete the Phase 6.5 (First
Production) requirement to finalize and release the addendum to the FWDR including
documentation of nuclear system certification.
10. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.6 (Full-Scale Production)
requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Support preparation of the final JIPP and end-of project report;
b. Provide a full-scale production plan briefing to the NWCSSC; and
c. Deliver and release into Department of Defense (DOD) custody refurbished
weapons on a schedule agreeable to both DOD and NNSA.
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NNSA SD 452.3-2 Appendix 1
1-19-17 AP1-1
APPENDIX 1: DEFINITIONS
Definitions are also contained in the DPBPS Glossary on the DPBPS (dpbps.sandia.gov).
a. Alteration (ALT) – Any change or changes that typically affect the assembly,
testing, maintenance, or storage of weapons. An ALT may address identified
defects and component obsolescence, but does not change a weapon’s operational
capabilities.
b. Baseline Cost Report (BCR) – This document formally updates the weapon
design and cost report (WDCR) based on late development and pre-production
activities.
c. Certification Letter – A letter signed by the Directors of the appropriate nuclear
weapon laboratories that serves as the formal certification of a refurbished
weapon. It may be published as a stand-alone document or attached to the final
addendum to the final weapon development report (FWDR).
d. Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD) – A description of the relevant
features of the acquisition program or project and of the system itself. It is the
common description of the technical and programmatic features of the program
that is used by the teams when preparing the ICE or program office cost
estimates. It is intended to define the program to a sufficient level of detail such
that no confusion exists between the many parties who may be concerned with
estimating the program’s cost.
e. Design Review and Acceptance Group (DRAAG) – A DOD group, usually
consisting of a Chair appointed by the lead Service component and one
representative from each affected military Service and the Defense Threat
Reduction Agency, responsible for providing an independent review of the down-
selected weapon design to determine the compliance of the design with
requirements specified by the military characteristics and stockpile-to-target
sequence. DRAAG findings and recommendations are forwarded through the
Service to the NWC for consideration.
f. End-of-Project Report – This document will serve as the final joint integrated
project plan (JIPP) and reflect what actually occurred throughout the entire
refurbishment activity. It will also include an analysis of lessons learned.
Section 6
g. Final Weapon Development Report (FWDR) – A report issued in late Phase 6.5 to
provide warhead and bomb design objectives, description, test program results,
ancillary equipment, and programming as of the time of the first production for
stockpile. A supplemental FWDR can be issued in case of follow-on applications
of existing warhead and bombs as a significant change to the Military
Characteristics (MCs).
Appendix 1 NNSA SD 452.3-2
AP1-2 1-19-17
h. Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) – A cost estimate prepared by an organization
independent from the government line manager’s authority and the contractor
organization responsible for the project or program, using the same detailed
technical and procurement information to develop the program or project estimate
in accordance with GAO best practices.
i. Independent Cost Review (ICR) – An evaluation of a program’s or project’s cost
estimate that examines the reasonableness of the estimate quality, assumptions,
and risks, also prepared by an organization independent from the government line
manager’s authority and the contractor organization responsible for the project or
program.
j. Interface Control Document (ICD) – A document between NNSA and the Service
that exchanges warhead and delivery vehicle information, including changes in
new production, to resolve interface design problems and to ensure adequate
interface control between the delivery system and NNSA components.
k. Joint Integrated Project Plan (JIPP) – This document serves as the baseline control
document for the refurbishment activity. It should discuss, as applicable:
• Refurbishment scope;
• Design definition;
• Project schedule (including joint DOD and NNSA milestones, planned
management briefings and reviews, and certification schedules);
• Independent cost estimate or validated cost analysis (by the participating
parties); costs shall include applicable Service-related costs;
• Configuration management;
• Qualification and certification plans;
• Threat Assessments;
• Supply chain protection program plan;
• Service test and evaluation plans;
• MCs, Stockpile-to-Target Sequences (STS), and ICD changes;
• System memorandums of understanding between DOD and NNSA;
• Stockpile evaluation planning;
• Operational safety implications (integrated safety process);
NNSA SD 452.3-2 Appendix 1
1-19-17 AP1-3
• Proposed changes to technical publications;
• Trainers and type weapon requirements;
• Spares, handling gear, use-control equipment, tools, gauges, and field testers;
• Development testing and modeling support requirements;
• Process development and product qualification;
• Archiving and lessons learned;
• Component and Material characterization for disposition;
• Product delivery (components and documents);
• Risk management; and
• Classification and classification management review.
l. Major Assembly Release (MAR) – A MAR is an SNL-prepared, NNSA-approved
statement that war reserve (WR) weapons material is satisfactory for release on a
designated effective date to the DOD for specified uses which are qualified by
exceptions and limitations.
m. Major Impact Report (MIR) – A report published by the DOE, as a part of the
Phase 2 (Feasibility Study) for any nuclear weapon program, which identifies
those aspects of the program which could be significant factors (including nuclear
physics design, testing, production processes, for resource availability) affecting
the schedule or technical risk of the development or production of the nuclear
weapon.
Section 7
n. Military Characteristics (MCs) for Nuclear Weapons – A document submitted to
the DOE that specifies performance requirements and physical characteristics for
a nuclear warhead, bomb, or basic assembly to be compatible with a specific
weapon system or systems. NWC or NWCSSC-approved MCs are forwarded to
the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for publication and distribution.
o. Modification (Mod) – Any alteration of a permanent nature made after production
to an end item, component, or assemblage of materiel which results in a change to
the MCs that impacts weapon employment, fuzing, ballistics, or logistics.
p. Product Change Proposal (PCP) – A formal recommendation for changes of the
following types: (1) all proposed retroactive changes to WR and training
weapons, and associated test and handling equipment; (2) all in-process changes
requiring modification or alteration identification of WR and training weapons
materiel; and (3) all in-process changes to field test and handling equipment
resulting in alphabetical suffix identification, or complete redesign.
Appendix 1 NNSA SD 452.3-2
AP1-4 1-19-17
q. Project Officers Group (POG) – A group of DOE-DOD personnel assigned to
coordinate the development of compatibility assurance of a designated nuclear
weapon system and its associated interfaces. POGs are chaired by the cognizant
Service.
r. Refurbishment – Refurbishment refers to all nuclear weapon modifications to
address life extension, and other warhead modernization activities due to revised
military requirements at the system, subsystem, or component level. It
encompasses current policy to utilize warhead remanufacturing, component reuse,
and component replacement. These refurbishments will be assigned a new
alteration or modification number for stockpile management purposes.
s. Stockpile-to-Target Sequence (STS) – (1) The order of events involved in
removing a nuclear weapon from storage, and assembling, testing, transporting,
and delivering it to the target; and (2) a document that defines the logistical and
employment concepts and related physical environments involved in the delivery
of a nuclear weapon from the stockpile to the target. It may also define the
logistical flow involved in moving nuclear weapons to and from the stockpile for
quality assurance testing, modification and retrofit, and the recycling of limited
life components.
t. Weapon – The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 defines an ‘‘atomic weapon’’ as being
any device utilizing atomic energy, exclusive of the means for transporting or
propelling the device (where such means is a separable and divisible part of the
device), the principal purpose of which is for use as, or for development of, a
weapon, a weapon prototype, or a weapon test device.
u. Weapon Design and Cost Report (WDCR) – The WDCR provides a description
of the option and preliminary cost estimates for design, qualification, production,
and life-cycle activities.
NNSA SD 452.3-2 Appendix 2
1-19-17 AP2-1
APPENDIX 2: PHASE 6.X PROCESS
Note: Applies to Federal organizations only. Office with primary responsibility is
indicated in parentheses after each item.
1. Phase 6.1 – Concept Assessment
a. Organizations shall support the Project Officers Group (POG) to provide a
summary of study results to the Nuclear Weapons Council Standing and Safety
Committee (NWCSSC) to include:
(1) Initial nuclear enterprise assurance (NEA) activities to include both
weapon trust assurance (WTA) and supply chain risk management to
include, but not limited to, the following:
Section 8
(a) Initial assessment of supply chain protection considerations
(NA-10); and
(b) Safety and security considerations (NA-10).
(2) Identification of initial system vulnerabilities, threats, and potential
mitigations needed (NA-10):
Request threat assessments support from DOE Office of Intelligence and
Counterintelligence.
(3) Proposed potential changes to military characteristics (MC), stockpile-to-
target sequence (STS), and any National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) driver of requirements (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Provide preliminary cost and technological risk estimates to the POG
(NA- 10);
(2) Conduct technology readiness assessments of Management and Operating
(M&O)-proposed technology down-selects to ensure that they are meeting
levels of confidence associated with appropriate overall system
performance (NA-10);
(3) Perform reviews of technology readiness assessments conducted by
NA-10 (NA-1.3);
(4) Provide initial facilities and infrastructure requirements to NA-50
(NA-10); and
Appendix 2 NNSA SD 452.3-2
AP2-2 1-19-17
(5) Begin coordination to address initial facilities and infrastructure
requirements provided by NA-10 (NA-50).
2. Phase 6.2 – Feasibility Study and Design Options
a. Organizations shall support the POG to:
(1) Develop design options and execute an analysis of down-select options
(NA-10); Note: An analysis of down-select options is like an alternatives
analysis and is focused more on component and technology design options
and includes design trade studies and cost and benefit analyses. A
classical analysis of alternatives (AoA) is not required at this phase
because a material solution has already been determined before Phase 6.1.
Any formal AoAs dealing with major weapon down-selects would be led
by the Department of Defense (DOD).
(2) Develop a joint integrated Phase 6.2 study plan (NA-10);
(3) Down-select design options to be costed in Phase 6.2A (NA-10);
(4) Update existing MCs (or draft new MCs), to reflect DOD requirements,
and existing interface control documents (ICDs) (NA-10); and
(5) Deliver a final Phase 6.2 study report to the NWCSSC (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Analyze updated or new MCs to assess the ability to produce, qualify, and
certify the design options and, if required, control ICD updates with the
appropriate Service (NA-10);
(2) Prepare a major impact report (MIR) on the down-selected options as an
appendix to the final Phase 6.2 study report. The MIR reflects that
building and facility (infrastructure) support and requirements are
necessary and sufficient for each specific program going through the
Phase 6.X process (NA-10);
(3) Support the preparation of the MIR (NA-50);
(4) Develop cost analysis requirements description (CARD) of the potential
design options (NA-10) and also update CARD, in accordance with
BOP-06.08, Cost Analysis Requirement Description (CARD);
(5) Develop cost estimates of down-selected design options (NA-10);
(6) Provide an independent cost review (ICR) of the potential design options
at the completion of Phase 6.2 (NA-1.3);
NNSA SD 452.3-2 Appendix 2
1-19-17 AP2-3
(7) Begin coordination of facilities interface requirements agreements which
incorporates the support for the program from other organizations
(NA-10); and
(8) Support the coordination of facilities interface requirements agreements
(NA-50).
3. Phase 6.2A – Design Definition and Cost Study
a. Organizations shall support the POG to:
Section 9
(1) Create the joint integrated project plan (JIPP) to implement the proposed
potential design options (NA-10); and
(2) Present a summary of the Phase 6.2A study report to the NWCSSC
(NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Develop the weapon design and cost report (WDCR). The WDCR is a
preliminary cost estimate and not a cost performance baseline and contain
elements similar to a CARD (NA-10);
(2) Develop an independent cost estimate (ICE) for design, qualification,
production, and life-cycle activities and at completion submit the ICE
report to the Administrator, prior to Nuclear Weapons Council (NWC)
Phase 6.3 authorization, and then to Congressional Committees and the
NWC (NA-1.3); and
(3) Review the Phase 6.2A report and WDCR with the Administrator and
participating organizations, prior to the NWC Phase 6.3 authorization
(NA-10).
4. Phase 6.3 – Development Engineering
a. Organizations shall support the POG to update the JIPP, MCs, and STS
documents (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Submit initial selected acquisition reports (SARs) to Congress and
continue to submit SARs until the end of Phase 6.6. As SARs are required
to be submitted before the performance baseline has been established, they
are subject to change after the performance baseline is established (NA-1);
(2) Update the WDCR in coordination with NA-50 and reissue it as the
baseline cost report (BCR) (NA-10);
Appendix 2 NNSA SD 452.3-2
AP2-4 1-19-17
(3) Update the ICE (unless otherwise directed by the Administrator) and at
completion submit ICE report to the Administrator, prior to Phase 6.4
authorization, and then to Congressional Committees and the NWC
(NA-1.3);
(4) Prepare, in coordination with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency
(DTRA), a product change proposal (PCP) identifying refurbishment
scope, schedule, and specific NNSA and DOD roles and responsibilities
(NA-10);
(5) Support the preparation of the PCP (NA-50);
(6) Direct the NNSA national laboratories to prepare a draft addendum to the
final weapon development report (FWDR) or create a new FWDR draft, in
support of the preliminary Design Review and Acceptance Group
(DRAAG) report, and to conduct a baseline design review (BDR)
(NA-10); and
(7) Determine whether to authorize the NNSA national laboratories and
production agencies to enter into Phase 6.4. The transition from Phase 6.3
to Phase 6.4 is an internal NNSA decision and does not occur on a specific
date. As Phase 6.3 activities are completed, Phase 6.4 activities begin, so
the transition occurs over time (NA-10).
5. Phase 6.4 – Production Engineering
a. Organizations shall support the POG to update the JIPP and provide it to the
NWCSSC (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Update the BCR (NA-10);
(2) Update the ICE and at completion submit ICE report to the Administrator,
prior to Phase 6.5 authorization, and then to Congressional Committees
and the NWC (NA-1.3);
(3) Determine whether to authorize the NNSA national laboratories and
production agencies to enter into Phase 6.5. The transition from Phase 6.4
to Phase 6.5 is an internal NNSA decision (NA-10).
6. Phase 6.5 – First Production
a. Organizations shall support the POG to:
(1) Update the JIPP (NA-10); and
(2) Request approval from the NWC to proceed into Phase 6.6 (NA-10).
NNSA SD 452.3-2 Appendix 2
1-19-17 AP2-5
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Direct the NNSA national laboratories to finalize and release the
addendum to the FWDR and attach a nuclear system certification letter
(NA-10); and
Section 10
(2) Issue the major assembly release (MAR) (NA-10).
7. Phase 6.6 – Full-Scale Production
a. Organizations shall support the POG to prepare the final JIPP and end-of project
report (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Provide a full-scale production plan briefing to the NWCSSC (NA-10);
and
(2) Deliver and release into DOD custody refurbished weapons on a schedule
agreeable to both DOD and NNSA (NA-10).
PHASE 6.X PROCESS
1. PURPOSE. This supplemental directive (SD) establishes the policy for implementing the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) roles and responsibilities pertaining to the Nuclear Weapons Council’s (NWC) Procedural Guideline for the Phase...
2. CANCELLATION. None
3. APPLICABILITY.
4. SUMMARY OF CHANGES. Not applicable.
6. REQUIREMENTS.
a. NNSA organizations participating on programs following the 6.X acquisition framework must support the implementation of this Supplemental Directive. At a minimum, the participating organizations must identify roles and responsibilities, organizati...
b. NNSA organizations must comply with the Phase 6.X process detailed in Appendix 2. If a perceived or actual discrepancy between this SD and SD 452.3-1A Defense Programs Business Process System exists, this SD, 452.3-2, takes precedence.
7. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. The Administrator is the NNSA member of the NWC.
b. The Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs (NA-10):
(1) Is the senior NNSA member of the Nuclear Weapons Council Standing and Safety Committee (NWCSSC);
(2) Ensures overall execution NNSA’s responsibilities as outlined in the NWC’s Procedural Guidelines for the Phase 6.X Process; and
(3) Requests threat assessment support from the DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence.
c. The Associate Administrator for Safety, Infrastructure and Operations (NA-50) ensures that NNSA infrastructure is maintained, operated, and modernized to support the Phase 6.X process and provides support for preparation of applicable Phase 6X docu...
d. The Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation (NA-1.3), in accordance with paragraphs 8.a. and 8.b.:
(1) Provides an Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) of each nuclear weapon system undergoing a major alteration;
(2) Provides an Independent Cost Review (ICR) of each nuclear weapon design option undergoing life extension at the completion of Phase 6.2, relating to study of feasibility and down-select;
(3) Provides ICEs of each nuclear weapon system undergoing life extension at the completion of Phase 6.2A and before initiation of Phase 6.4 (unless otherwise directed by the Administrator) and Phase 6.5;
(4) Provides other ICRs and estimates as directed by the Administrator; and
(5) Develops and manages the input of the selected acquisition reports on nuclear weapons systems undergoing major life extension.
e. Field Office Contracting Officers incorporate SD 452.3-2 into the “List of Applicable Directives” identified in the Laws, Regulations, and DOE Directives clause of the M&O contracts for the listed nuclear security enterprise sites (see Figure 1).
Section 11
8. REFERENCES.
a. 50 U.S.C. Section 2411, Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation (describes the roles and responsibilities of the NNSA Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation).
b. 50 U.S.C. Section 2537, Selected Acquisition Reports and independent cost estimates and reviews of certain programs and facilities (describes the requirements for providing Selected Acquisition Reports, independent cost reviews, and independent cos...
c. An Agreement between the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Department of Defense (DOD) for the Development, Production, and Standardization of Atomic Weapons, March 21, 1953, (provides the basic document that establishes the interrelationships...
d. Supplement to the 1953 Agreement for the Development, Production, and Standardization of Atomic Weapons between the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, dated September 5,1984, (delineates the functions of the two agencies during joi...
e. Department of Defense and Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Council Procedural Guideline for the Phase 6.X Process, dated December 16, 2015, (describes the roles and functions of the NWC, NWCSSC, DOD, and NNSA for the Phase 6.X nuclear weapon re...
f. NAP-24A, Weapon Quality Policy, dated 11-24-2015; NAP-24A Attachment 4, Nuclear Enterprise Assurance; DOE Order 452.1E, Nuclear Explosive and Weapon Surety Program, dated 1-26-15; DOE Order 452.4C, Security and Use Control of Nuclear Explosives and...
g. NAP-28A, Responsibilities for Independent Cost Estimates.
h. BOP-06.08, Cost Analysis Requirement Description (CARD).
ATTACHMENT 1: CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENT DOCUMENT (CRD)
NNSA SD 452.3-2, PHASE 6.X PROCESS
1. M&O contractors shall work in concert with NNSA and other M&O contractors to achieve successful execution of the Phase 6.X process and deliverables as defined in this SD, including input needed for Nuclear Enterprise Assurance (NEA) activities at e...
2. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.1 (Concept Assessment) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to support:
a. Initial NEA activities, including both weapon trust assurance (WTA) and supply chain risk management (SCRM);
b. Identification of initial system vulnerabilities, threats, and potential mitigations needed;
c. Proposed potential changes to military characteristics (MC), stockpile-to-target sequence (STS), and any NNSA driver of requirements; and
d. Initial identification of requirements for facilities and infrastructure.
3. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.2 (Feasibility Study and Design Options) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Develop design options and execute an analysis of down-select options;
b. Develop a joint integrated Phase 6.2 study plan;
c. Down-select design options to be costed in Phase 6.2A;
d. Update existing MCs (or draft new MCs) and existing interface control documents (ICDs), as required;
e. Deliver a final Phase 6.2 study report for the Nuclear Weapons Council Standing and Safety Committee (NWCSSC) including a major impact report (MIR) on the down-selected options as an appendix;
f. Analyze updated or new MCs to assess the ability to produce, qualify, and certify the product per the design options provided by the Design Agency and, if required, control ICD updates with the appropriate Service; and
g. Begin coordination of agreements for facilities and infrastructure interface requirements, which incorporates the support for the program from other organizations.
Section 12
4. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.2A (Design Definition and Cost Study) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Create the joint integrated project plan (JIPP) to implement the proposed down- selected set of options; and
b. Develop the weapon design and cost report (WDCR).
5. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.3 (Development Engineering) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Update the JIPP, MCs, and STS documents;
b. Submit the initial selected acquisition report (SAR) to Congress;
c. Update the WDCR and reissue it as the baseline cost report (BCR); and
d. Prepare, in coordination with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), a product change proposal (PCP).
6. The M&O contractors at NNSA national laboratories shall complete the Phase 6.3 (Development Engineering) requirements to:
a. Prepare a draft addendum to the final weapon development report (FWDR) or create a new FWDR draft, in support of the preliminary Design Review and Acceptance Group (DRAAG) report; and
b. Conduct a baseline design review.
7. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.4 (Production Engineering) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to update the JIPP and BCR.
8. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.5 (First Production) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Update the JIPP; and
b. Issue the major assembly release (MAR).
9. The M&O contractors at NNSA national laboratories shall complete the Phase 6.5 (First Production) requirement to finalize and release the addendum to the FWDR including documentation of nuclear system certification.
10. M&O contractors shall support NNSA in meeting Phase 6.6 (Full-Scale Production) requirements, providing input needed for NNSA to:
a. Support preparation of the final JIPP and end-of project report;
b. Provide a full-scale production plan briefing to the NWCSSC; and
c. Deliver and release into Department of Defense (DOD) custody refurbished weapons on a schedule agreeable to both DOD and NNSA.
Section 13
APPENDIX 1: DEFINITIONS
a. Alteration (ALT) – Any change or changes that typically affect the assembly, testing, maintenance, or storage of weapons. An ALT may address identified defects and component obsolescence, but does not change a weapon’s operational capabilities.
b. Baseline Cost Report (BCR) – This document formally updates the weapon design and cost report (WDCR) based on late development and pre-production activities.
c. Certification Letter – A letter signed by the Directors of the appropriate nuclear weapon laboratories that serves as the formal certification of a refurbished weapon. It may be published as a stand-alone document or attached to the final addendum...
d. Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD) – A description of the relevant features of the acquisition program or project and of the system itself. It is the common description of the technical and programmatic features of the program that is u...
e. Design Review and Acceptance Group (DRAAG) – A DOD group, usually consisting of a Chair appointed by the lead Service component and one representative from each affected military Service and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, responsible for prov...
f. End-of-Project Report – This document will serve as the final joint integrated project plan (JIPP) and reflect what actually occurred throughout the entire refurbishment activity. It will also include an analysis of lessons learned.
g. Final Weapon Development Report (FWDR) – A report issued in late Phase 6.5 to provide warhead and bomb design objectives, description, test program results, ancillary equipment, and programming as of the time of the first production for stockpile. ...
h. Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) – A cost estimate prepared by an organization independent from the government line manager’s authority and the contractor organization responsible for the project or program, using the same detailed technical and pro...
i. Independent Cost Review (ICR) – An evaluation of a program’s or project’s cost estimate that examines the reasonableness of the estimate quality, assumptions, and risks, also prepared by an organization independent from the government line manager’...
j. Interface Control Document (ICD) – A document between NNSA and the Service that exchanges warhead and delivery vehicle information, including changes in new production, to resolve interface design problems and to ensure adequate interface control b...
k. Joint Integrated Project Plan (JIPP) – This document serves as the baseline control document for the refurbishment activity. It should discuss, as applicable:
l. Major Assembly Release (MAR) – A MAR is an SNL-prepared, NNSA-approved statement that war reserve (WR) weapons material is satisfactory for release on a designated effective date to the DOD for specified uses which are qualified by exceptions and l...
m. Major Impact Report (MIR) – A report published by the DOE, as a part of the Phase 2 (Feasibility Study) for any nuclear weapon program, which identifies those aspects of the program which could be significant factors (including nuclear physics desi...
n. Military Characteristics (MCs) for Nuclear Weapons – A document submitted to the DOE that specifies performance requirements and physical characteristics for a nuclear warhead, bomb, or basic assembly to be compatible with a specific weapon system ...
Section 14
o. Modification (Mod) – Any alteration of a permanent nature made after production to an end item, component, or assemblage of materiel which results in a change to the MCs that impacts weapon employment, fuzing, ballistics, or logistics.
p. Product Change Proposal (PCP) – A formal recommendation for changes of the following types: (1) all proposed retroactive changes to WR and training weapons, and associated test and handling equipment; (2) all in-process changes requiring modificati...
q. Project Officers Group (POG) – A group of DOE-DOD personnel assigned to coordinate the development of compatibility assurance of a designated nuclear weapon system and its associated interfaces. POGs are chaired by the cognizant Service.
r. Refurbishment – Refurbishment refers to all nuclear weapon modifications to address life extension, and other warhead modernization activities due to revised military requirements at the system, subsystem, or component level. It encompasses curren...
s. Stockpile-to-Target Sequence (STS) – (1) The order of events involved in removing a nuclear weapon from storage, and assembling, testing, transporting, and delivering it to the target; and (2) a document that defines the logistical and employment c...
t. Weapon – The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 defines an ‘‘atomic weapon’’ as being any device utilizing atomic energy, exclusive of the means for transporting or propelling the device (where such means is a separable and divisible part of the device), th...
u. Weapon Design and Cost Report (WDCR) – The WDCR provides a description of the option and preliminary cost estimates for design, qualification, production, and life-cycle activities.
APPENDIX 2: PHASE 6.X PROCESS
1. Phase 6.1 – Concept Assessment
a. Organizations shall support the Project Officers Group (POG) to provide a summary of study results to the Nuclear Weapons Council Standing and Safety Committee (NWCSSC) to include:
(1) Initial nuclear enterprise assurance (NEA) activities to include both weapon trust assurance (WTA) and supply chain risk management to include, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Initial assessment of supply chain protection considerations (NA-10); and
(b) Safety and security considerations (NA-10).
(2) Identification of initial system vulnerabilities, threats, and potential mitigations needed (NA-10):
(3) Proposed potential changes to military characteristics (MC), stockpile-to-target sequence (STS), and any National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) driver of requirements (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Provide preliminary cost and technological risk estimates to the POG (NA- 10);
(2) Conduct technology readiness assessments of Management and Operating (M&O)-proposed technology down-selects to ensure that they are meeting levels of confidence associated with appropriate overall system performance (NA-10);
(3) Perform reviews of technology readiness assessments conducted by NA-10 (NA-1.3);
(4) Provide initial facilities and infrastructure requirements to NA-50 (NA-10); and
(5) Begin coordination to address initial facilities and infrastructure requirements provided by NA-10 (NA-50).
Section 15
2. Phase 6.2 – Feasibility Study and Design Options
a. Organizations shall support the POG to:
(1) Develop design options and execute an analysis of down-select options (NA-10); Note: An analysis of down-select options is like an alternatives analysis and is focused more on component and technology design options and includes design trade stud...
(2) Develop a joint integrated Phase 6.2 study plan (NA-10);
(3) Down-select design options to be costed in Phase 6.2A (NA-10);
(4) Update existing MCs (or draft new MCs), to reflect DOD requirements, and existing interface control documents (ICDs) (NA-10); and
(5) Deliver a final Phase 6.2 study report to the NWCSSC (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Analyze updated or new MCs to assess the ability to produce, qualify, and certify the design options and, if required, control ICD updates with the appropriate Service (NA-10);
(2) Prepare a major impact report (MIR) on the down-selected options as an appendix to the final Phase 6.2 study report. The MIR reflects that building and facility (infrastructure) support and requirements are necessary and sufficient for each speci...
(3) Support the preparation of the MIR (NA-50);
(4) Develop cost analysis requirements description (CARD) of the potential design options (NA-10) and also update CARD, in accordance with BOP-06.08, Cost Analysis Requirement Description (CARD);
(5) Develop cost estimates of down-selected design options (NA-10);
(6) Provide an independent cost review (ICR) of the potential design options at the completion of Phase 6.2 (NA-1.3);
(7) Begin coordination of facilities interface requirements agreements which incorporates the support for the program from other organizations (NA-10); and
(8) Support the coordination of facilities interface requirements agreements (NA-50).
3. Phase 6.2A – Design Definition and Cost Study
a. Organizations shall support the POG to:
(1) Create the joint integrated project plan (JIPP) to implement the proposed potential design options (NA-10); and
(2) Present a summary of the Phase 6.2A study report to the NWCSSC (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Develop the weapon design and cost report (WDCR). The WDCR is a preliminary cost estimate and not a cost performance baseline and contain elements similar to a CARD (NA-10);
(2) Develop an independent cost estimate (ICE) for design, qualification, production, and life-cycle activities and at completion submit the ICE report to the Administrator, prior to Nuclear Weapons Council (NWC) Phase 6.3 authorization, and then to C...
(3) Review the Phase 6.2A report and WDCR with the Administrator and participating organizations, prior to the NWC Phase 6.3 authorization (NA-10).
4. Phase 6.3 – Development Engineering
a. Organizations shall support the POG to update the JIPP, MCs, and STS documents (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Submit initial selected acquisition reports (SARs) to Congress and continue to submit SARs until the end of Phase 6.6. As SARs are required to be submitted before the performance baseline has been established, they are subject to change after the...
(2) Update the WDCR in coordination with NA-50 and reissue it as the baseline cost report (BCR) (NA-10);
(3) Update the ICE (unless otherwise directed by the Administrator) and at completion submit ICE report to the Administrator, prior to Phase 6.4 authorization, and then to Congressional Committees and the NWC (NA-1.3);
(4) Prepare, in coordination with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), a product change proposal (PCP) identifying refurbishment scope, schedule, and specific NNSA and DOD roles and responsibilities (NA-10);
(5) Support the preparation of the PCP (NA-50);
(6) Direct the NNSA national laboratories to prepare a draft addendum to the final weapon development report (FWDR) or create a new FWDR draft, in support of the preliminary Design Review and Acceptance Group (DRAAG) report, and to conduct a baseline ...
(7) Determine whether to authorize the NNSA national laboratories and production agencies to enter into Phase 6.4. The transition from Phase 6.3 to Phase 6.4 is an internal NNSA decision and does not occur on a specific date. As Phase 6.3 activities...
Section 16
5. Phase 6.4 – Production Engineering
a. Organizations shall support the POG to update the JIPP and provide it to the NWCSSC (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Update the BCR (NA-10);
(2) Update the ICE and at completion submit ICE report to the Administrator, prior to Phase 6.5 authorization, and then to Congressional Committees and the NWC (NA-1.3);
(3) Determine whether to authorize the NNSA national laboratories and production agencies to enter into Phase 6.5. The transition from Phase 6.4 to Phase 6.5 is an internal NNSA decision (NA-10).
6. Phase 6.5 – First Production
a. Organizations shall support the POG to:
(1) Update the JIPP (NA-10); and
(2) Request approval from the NWC to proceed into Phase 6.6 (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Direct the NNSA national laboratories to finalize and release the addendum to the FWDR and attach a nuclear system certification letter (NA-10); and
(2) Issue the major assembly release (MAR) (NA-10).
7. Phase 6.6 – Full-Scale Production
a. Organizations shall support the POG to prepare the final JIPP and end-of project report (NA-10).
b. Organizations shall:
(1) Provide a full-scale production plan briefing to the NWCSSC (NA-10); and
(2) Deliver and release into DOD custody refurbished weapons on a schedule agreeable to both DOD and NNSA (NA-10).