National Security Operations

Providing vital national security solutions to all components of the U.S. government and private sector.

Providing Comprehensive National Security Solutions

Sargent & Lundy plays an active role in the United States’ national security effort. With over 120 subject matter experts (SMEs) with experience in more than 100 countries, Sargent & Lundy’s National Security Operations (NSO) team provides a full range of security solutions for the United States government and its allies.

Spotlight Technologies and Services

We provide a comprehensive suite of services to support Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), and other U.S. government agency efforts to strengthen nuclear deterrence and prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to nations or terrorist groups that might use them to attack the U.S.

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction
One of the greatest security challenges to the U.S. is weapons of mass destruction in the hands of hostile states or terrorists. We support U.S. government agencies in their efforts to prevent attacks that use chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive (CBRNE) weapons. Our SMEs support the full range of nonproliferation, counterproliferation, and consequence management missions, as well as other threat reduction activities such as international partner capacity building. Our expertise covers the full spectrum from policy formulation to the development of concepts of operations (CONOPs) and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). We also support the execution of international operations to improve the security of CBRNE material and prevent adversaries from employing these weapons should they acquire them. We work with U.S. allies and partner nations to strengthen their capabilities in protecting their borders, ports, and critical facilities from potential adversaries. Our threat reduction and consequence management SMEs have implemented security solutions and/or provided emergency response training at more than 300 partner nation sites ranging from small remote storage facilities to nuclear power plants.

Read about our CWMD capabilities.

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction

Policy Development
Our subject matter experts have served in numerous policy-forming positions across the DOE and DOD, influencing and recommending guidelines for CWMD operations, emergency management, and threat and risk reduction. We employ highly skilled personnel, many with military or DOE nuclear weapons backgrounds, with vast knowledge and experience in CWMD operations to assist in developing strategic policy.

Enhanced Nuclear Security
Our proven skills in leading and executing programs aimed at enhancing domestic and global nuclear security include hundreds of assessments of nuclear facilities and nuclear/radiological storage sites, implementation of improvements at those facilities, and the development and execution of training and exercises at partner nations.

Material Protection, Control & Accounting (MPC&A)
With decades of experience in DOE national labs and nuclear weapons production facilities, our team is well versed in the development of physical protection systems and material protection, control, and accounting practices required to secure nuclear material from insider and outsider threats. We also assist foreign nations with their MPC&A regulations and procedures, inspection and oversight capabilities, nuclear security culture, training and education programs, protective force training and housing facilities, and key elements of their transport infrastructure.

Global PartnershipsSargent & Lundy Sumy_Train_Search
We support U.S. government programs to strengthen the CWMD capabilities of our foreign partners. We’ve supported programs in over 100 countries involving all aspects of CWMD including the prevention of illicit trafficking and strengthening port and border security capabilities.

CONOPs & TTPs
Sargent & Lundy has a large cadre of retired military personnel who have served at all levels of the U.S. military. They are well-versed in the development of CONOPS and TTPs for the implementation of CWMD operations by the military, as well as private security operations for sensitive sites and critical infrastructure.

Nuclear Material Elimination
With experience across all DOE national laboratories, Sargent & Lundy brings unparalleled capabilities in the security and elimination of nuclear and radiological materials. Our team has served as delegation leads on missions to the former Soviet Union to help reduce their uranium stockpile and to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to search for and eliminate nuclear and radiological material.

Nuclear Deterrence

To ensure the U.S. maintains a safe and reliable nuclear deterrent, our SMEs provide advice to senior government officials at the Department of Defense, National Nuclear Security Administration, and the national laboratories in the development of national deterrence policy. Additionally, we support the national laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities to ensure effective stockpile stewardship. At DOE’s National Training Center, we provide training in the critical skills necessary to ensure the safety and security of our stockpile.

Read about our nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Nuclear Deterrence

Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Our knowledge and expertise cover the entire spectrum of the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium production (processing, conversion, enrichment, and recovery), plutonium production (production and chemical separation), manufacturing/fuel fabrication, reactor services, weapons production, recycling, and storage. We also understand the wide range of non-nuclear materials required to develop and maintain our national stockpile.

Weapons Security Policy
We have supported the DOD’s weapons security policy through the execution of weapons system safety analyses and nuclear command and control assessments. Our SMEs have served at every level from operational command of nuclear and security forces to national command staff in the Pentagon.

Weapons System Safety
Sargent & Lundy has provided analytical support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to determine the consequences of nuclear weapons systems incidents and accidents. Our extensive quantitative risk analysis capabilities provide the DOD with the data necessary to inform policy and doctrine regarding the storage, security, employment, operations, and delivery of weapons.

Integrated Physical Security Solutions

Sargent & Lundy_Sumy_Tactical_EntryWe provide comprehensive security solutions that protect the United States’ most critical assets and infrastructure. Our integrated physical security expertise covers the full security spectrum from development of the design basis threat (DBT) to conducting vulnerability assessments (VA) against that DBT using the latest tools and techniques, factoring in clients’ risk tolerance and budget. We then develop an optimized security solution that includes the design and installation of physical protection systems combined with appropriate protective force requirements (staffing, equipment, weapons, and procedures).

We develop and deliver training/exercises to validate both system and personnel performance. We also help our clients conduct self-assessments to ensure they meet current security regulations and requirements and prepare them for external audits and inspections. We offer annual drill assessments, player and adversary controller training, presentation and briefing development, strategy review, scenario/event matrix development, limited scope exercise execution, MILES/SAAB training, and formal tabletop training. We liaise with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to implement security assessments at NRC-licensed sites and prepare the sites for force-on-force exercises.

Read about our integrated physical security solutions capabilities.

Integrated Physical Security Solutions

We provide our clients with integrated physical security solutions that optimize the balance between electronic/mechanical security measures and site protective force requirements. We also provide unique technical solutions to reduce the expense of costly protective forces while meeting all security regulations/requirements.

Protective System Forces and Facilities

Vulnerability Assessments
Sargent & Lundy’s physical security SMEs have extensive experience conducting vulnerability/threat assessments to ensure each site’s physical security approach meets all regulatory requirements and is effective in defeating the design basis threat. We’ve conducted hundreds of vulnerability/threat assessments to help decision makers at commercial, local, state, federal, and international client sites make informed qualitative risk decisions.

Physical Security Design and Upgrades
To effectively mitigate potential threats for any high-risk facility, Sargent & Lundy seamlessly integrates its multi-discipline engineering capabilities with a grounded knowledge in system requirements and adversary capabilities to design state-of-the-art physical security systems. These systems deploy an effective mix of intrusion detection, adversary assessment, and delay features to enable the response forces to defeat the DBT. Our solutions focus on minimizing the footprint that must be covered by the security system in order to minimize the size of the protective force required to protect the site.

Adapting to Changing Conditions
Site conditions change frequently due to building demolition/construction, operational changes, or site decommissioning. The dynamic nature of facility construction and modification represents unique challenges to the facility’s security organization. Sargent & Lundy works with clients to establish an approach to monitor security risks and instill cost-effective compensatory measures throughout all construction stages. As nuclear sites undergo decommissioning activities, security area requirements can change frequently. Our SMEs develop time-phased security solutions that evolve with these changing requirements, shrinking the secure area footprint as the site completes each stage of decommissioning.

Operation
We provide operating procedures, response protocols, and follow-up assessments to determine whether changing facility conditions or threats have altered the risk profile of the facility. Our security professionals provide decades of operational experience in transnational terrorism, activists and disruptive protestors, criminal activity, active shooters and workplace violence, insider threats, and asymmetrical threats (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles).

Performance Assurance
To maintain the highest levels of protection and mission support, clients must implement performance assurance programs. Sargent & Lundy’s audits and assessments address performance goals, regulatory and compliance requirements, “security culture” recommendations, and organizational assessments to best support the overall security solutions.

Protective Force Procedures
Sargent & Lundy’s NSO staff – many with decades of experience as former Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, nuclear security forces, and other military, law enforcement, and national security expertise – advise our clients on security staffing requirements and support the development of protective force requirements that optimizes the effectiveness of the force. We also have significant involvement in developing protective force procedures used by our international partners and have authored training courses for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Training/Exercises
We develop and deliver an array of training and exercises for integrated physical security solutions. See Education, Training, and Exercises for details.

Regulatory Compliance Services

Force-on-Force (FOF) Readiness Review
Sargent & Lundy performs FOF readiness reviews in line with current NRC inspection practices and expectations. Our team reviews all aspects of an NRC evaluated triennial FOF and provides detailed feedback on areas requiring attention to maintain regulatory compliance.

Rehearsal Exercises
Full-dress rehearsal exercises are an important component of maintaining security compliance. Sargent & Lundy reviews the site Adversary Force mission scenarios and scenario event matrices to ensure alignment between management goals and tactical objectives. Clients benefit from having our professionals observe and provide feedback regarding all drill-day briefings and critiques to ensure alignment with industry expectations.

Drill & Exercise Controller Training
Sargent & Lundy_CQB and ControllersScenario-based training exercises improve controller confidence using unscripted, on-the-fly controller determinations. Our training involves both adversary and player controllers, the development of cohesion and confidence in proper radio use, as well as communication effectiveness and efficiency.

Limited Scope Drills
To provide an accurate measurement of facility readiness for an NRC FOF evaluation, Sargent & Lundy facilitates limited scope scenarios throughout our clients’ facilities. This acclimates security forces to the tactics expected by the CAF team and identifies areas that will likely be exploited by them.

Adversary Operations Training Course (AOTC)
Sargent & Lundy_Adversary trainingOur security compliance team offers the AOTC course in line with current regulatory expectations. In addition to physical fitness tests and written exams, it involves scenario-based drills and tactical exercises aimed at developing a capable organic adversary force while simultaneously equipping the trainee with the requisite adversary controller skills and capabilities.

Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and Penetration Testing
Our security compliance professionals conduct challenge testing of IDS in line with current NRC advisor testing methodologies. From probing thermal-motion-detection systems to defeating perimeter intrusion detection, Sargent & Lundy possesses years of experience in thorough and robust penetration testing of various facilities. We review site drawings and conduct area walk-downs to ensure all underground penetrations are identified and meet regulatory requirements.

Efficiency Study/Analysis
We offer efficiency studies and analyses of clients’ defensive strategies to meet compliance requirements. The studies identify opportunities to enhance tactical and strategic efficiency and reduce recurring costs. Our recommendations contain cost-benefit analysis and outline risk versus reward perspectives related to security compliance.

Responder and Adversary Timeline Assessments
Security compliance must address and support a response strategy. To ensure responder timelines support that strategy, our team has the necessary skills to confirm our clients’ current responder timelines and assess against potential adversary timelines. Additionally, we assist in the establishment of adversary action timelines pertaining to target set required actions and activities within restricted areas.

Delay Barrier Design and Analysis

Sargent & Lundy provides design recommendations for site-specific barrier requirements as well as analysis of the effectiveness of current site delay barriers.

Target Analysis and Vulnerability Assessments
Sargent & Lundy conducts an in-depth assessment of the current target sets and site security program against changes in threat levels or regulatory compliance updates.

Countersurveillance/Risk Assessment Packages
Understanding the current risks and vulnerabilities allows clients to develop informed risk mitigation strategies. We conduct analyses of adversary surveillance opportunities and determine optimal site surveillance locations, adversary approach paths, and installation vulnerabilities. Additionally, our countersurveillance training prepares regional or site-specific response personnel to provide proactive identification of potential adversary surveillance and planning activities targeting facility, substation, switchyard, or critical infrastructure sites.

Custom Instructional Solutions as Required

Sargent & Lundy_ Firing Line

  • Basic Firearms (pistol, carbine, shotgun): These instructional courses are designed to provide trainees with proper shooting fundamentals and baseline skills on which to build.
  • Advanced Firearms (pistol, carbine, shotgun): This advanced training begins where the basic course ends. The advanced portion of the training includes dynamic scenarios with decision-making situations to drive participants beyond thinking of the actions required in basic fundamentals to situational awareness and rapid decision-making.
  • Close Quarters Battle (CQB): Security force personnel benefit immensely from our basic CQB course. We cover all topics relevant to their specific operating area and teach not only the tactics and techniques but reinforce the underlying concepts and principles so they can succeed in dynamic environments.

Emergency Management

Responding to emergencies requires planning, preparation, and rehearsal. We support the U.S. government and private industry in the development and implementation of emergency response procedures for nuclear or radiological incidents. We have experience with emergency operations from the policy level to actual boots on the ground. Our legacy experience in the nuclear industry provides us keen insight into the unique requirements of nuclear and radiological emergency response.

Read about our emergency management capabilities.

Emergency Management

Emergency Planning
With knowledge and experience in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Preparedness System (NPS), Sargent & Lundy helps clients design customized procedures ensuring effective response to any conceivable emergency incident. Our team has designed interagency response plans for high-threat incidents that remain the standard today for multiple federal agencies and departments along with international partner nations/governments.

Incident Management/Response
We help clients build, train, evaluate, and improve programs ensuring compliance and effective integration with multi-jurisdictional responses to all threats and hazards. See additional information under Education, Training, and Exercises.

Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Design
Sargent & Lundy offers expertise in the design, organization, and effective operations of EOCs compliant with NIMS and various federal, departmental, and international partner nation requirements. Our extensive expertise in civil, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering affords our clients a single source solution for building highly effective EOC facilities, as well as evaluating and recommending improvements to existing EOC facilities to improve performance, coordination, interoperability, and compliance.

Modeling and Simulation
We use modeling and simulation tools to assist clients in emergency management situations by analyzing possible emergency scenarios, evaluating recovery strategies, and training personnel to respond to emergency situations. Our team is experienced in the use of DOD and DOE consequence management modeling tools to model hypothetical scenarios and respond to real life emergencies. We even developed one of the primary software tools used by the DOD to conduct physical security, protective force, and adversary modeling and simulations.

Nuclear/Radiological Operations
Our work in the nuclear industry has taught us the requirements for safe operations in nuclear and/or radiological environments. We understand how to conduct these hazardous operations safely and effectively, from hazard identification and selection of the proper protective clothing and equipment to conduct of operations, radiation safety, and contamination control. Whether these operations are part of mission requirements or in response to radiological accidents or attacks, our expertise provides a broad range of education, training, and exercise services in emergency response areas including:

  • Nuclear physics
  • Health physics
  • Detector equipment selection and operation
  • Nuclear material search and identification
  • Site characterization and hazard identification
  • Contaminated casualty extraction
  • Hotline operations/decontamination

Education, Training, and Exercises

National security solutions are only as good as the people who execute them. Our team knows how to develop and deliver training and exercises that help clients build the knowledge and skills necessary to support protective forces, emergency responders, and the U.S. government in executing national security missions.

Our instructors are certified in the application of instructional systems design (ISD) and systems approach to training (SAT) processes. Our capabilities know no boundaries, as we also provide a wide range of international training and exercise support through U.S. government cooperative programs and directly to foreign governments and companies.

Read about our education, training, and exercises capabilities.

Education, Training, and Exercises

Training Analysis
Sargent & Lundy’s instructional design experts conduct needs assessments and comprehensive gap analyses to determine clients’ training needs and enhance nuclear security capabilities based on the industry’s best practices.

Training Design and Development
The design of systematic and specific training content for distinct audiences is necessary to carry out their missions. Sargent & Lundy’s instructional design team develop learning objectives, assessment instruments, exercises, content, subject matter analysis, lesson planning, and related instructional media.

Training Delivery
With security training experience in over 100 countries, Sargent & Lundy knows the value of hands-on, classroom instruction. We facilitate blended learning as well as online education and training courseware for clients.

Tabletop Exercises (TTXs)
Sargent & Lundy facilitators work with key client personnel to conduct TTXs – informal, low-cost events allowing a simulated scenario to assess plans, policies, and procedures. Observations and feedback assist the facility management to fine-tune their local TTXs and make necessary adjustments.

Full-Scale Exercises
Our proven capabilities in assisting clients in implementing full scale exercises range from multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-discipline to functional activities and tactical responses.