U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Safely connect using HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Archived Content

In an effort to keep DHS.gov current, the archive contains outdated information that may not reflect current policy or programs.

Global Nuclear Detection Architecture

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:

The Global Nuclear Detection Architecture is a framework for detecting (through technical and non-technical means), analyzing, and reporting on nuclear and other radioactive materials that are out of regulatory control. 

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 14 and the SAFE Port Act of 2006 mandated the creation of the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture and charged the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) with coordinating its development and implementing its domestic component.

It is supported by the activities of the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Department of State, as well as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with state, local, and tribal authorities, international partners, and private entities.

Together, programs supporting the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture create a multi-layered defensive network to detect and assist interdiction of radiological and nuclear materials out of regulatory control. 

Examples of efforts supporting the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture:

  • Radiation portal monitors scan for radiological and nuclear materials at international border crossings.
  • Law enforcement and public safety personnel employ radiation detectors to protect special events. 
  • U.S. Coast Guard teams carry radiation detection equipment when boarding vessels.  
Last Updated: 10/04/2019
Was this page helpful?
This page was not helpful because the content