Nevada Nuclear Site to Get New Virtual Survey Tool

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September 13, 2005 (5:29 PM EDT)

By K.C. Jones , TechWeb Technology News

The National Nuclear Security Administration will use a new computer-based security tool to give emergency responders complete imaging at one of its facilities in Nevada.

Wireless Facilities Inc., of San Diego, and Tactical Survey Group Inc., of San Bernardino, Calif., announced Tuesday that their system will be put to use for the NNSA at the Nevada Test Site. They began work on their Tactical Survey System, which presents a virtual tour of the site, earlier this month.

The NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency under the Department of Energy. It is responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear energy. It is also charged with responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies. The agency s also supposed to maintain and secure stockpiled nuclear weapons.

The agency has come under criticism for not consolidating all of its weapons-grade nuclear materials in one secure location. A recent report also cited the agency's lack of a strategic security plan.

Despite complaints and concerns that have been raised for several years, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated the Nevada Test Site as the National Center for Combating Terrorism. The site operates as a ground for training and testing response to chemical and other attacks.

Tactical Survey will allow the agency's Emergency Response Organization to "see through doors, walls and around corners throughout the more than 500,000 square feet and 20 structures that make up the facility," according to a statement released by the system's creators.

"With Tactical Survey, emergency responders will arrive at a crisis scene able to virtually walk through the entire facility from their briefing rooms or emergency vehicles," said Raeford Phifer, Assistant Manager of Security and Safeguards for the Nevada office. "With this detailed knowledge of critical information at their fingertips, first responders have the information they need to most effectively deal with an emergency."

The system will embed digital images with related tactical data. The data will focus on: hazardous material types and locations, aerial photos, ingress and egress videos, key personnel and building construction information, utility shutoff locations and instructions, communications, infrastructure, fire fighting tools, fire and security alarm system and perimeter control systems.

The Department of Defense is funding the project.