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Implementing Detection Capabilities

The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office was established in December 2017 by consolidating primarily the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, a majority of the Office of Health Affairs, as well as other DHS elements.

For current information related to CWMD, please visit the following:

Two DHS officers in discussionTechnology alone will not prevent an act of nuclear terrorism, and success in the nuclear security mission requires more than the deployment of new technologies and equipment. It also requires the integration of programs, organizations, training, exercises and operational support across many layers of jurisdiction, including international, federal, state, local, tribal and territorial.

The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) leads the Department’s efforts to ensure this broad range of capabilities are developed throughout all levels of Government in accordance with the requirements of the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA).

In support of the development of nuclear detection capabilities, DNDO leverages the programs and capabilities at all levels of government to:

  • provide technical input, review and evaluation for nuclear detection training and exercises;
  • facilitate the instruction of thousands of law enforcement officers and public safety professionals annually in nuclear detection operations;
  • provide equipment, program assistance and guidance to assist state and local partners with developing and sustaining such capabilities;
  • work with the Department’s operational components to develop acquisition strategies that support the expansion, enhancement, and sustainment of the Department’s nuclear detection capabilities;
  • provide, through its Joint Analysis Center, situational awareness of the GNDA to strengthen the nation’s layered defense and to ensure that detections lead to appropriate responses;
  • deliver assessment assistance to help stakeholders evaluate performance of currently fielded capabilities; and
  • provide a myriad of products, tools, and services to support stakeholder program development efforts, from initial standup to expansion and sustainment.

Learn More

Last Updated: 09/21/2018
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