Lab Accomplish 2008

This year’s Labs Accomplishments publication recognizessome of Sandia’s best work during 2007, as submitted bycenter offices and selected by the division offices. Eachcitation is followed by the center numbers of centers thatcontributed most directly to the effort described.

An acronym after each accomplishment indicateswhich of Sandia’s strategic management units (SMUs)or strategic management groups (SMGs) the work mostdirectly supported. The SMG/SMU acronyms are:

NW: Nuclear Weapons SMG & SMUITS: Integrated Technologies & Systems SMGLT: Laboratory Transformation SMGDS&A: Defense Systems & Assessments SMUER&N: Energy, Resources, & Nonproliferation SMUHS&D: Homeland Security & Defense SMUST&E: Science, Technology, & Engineering SMUIES: Integrated Enabling Services SMU

Sandia National LaboratoriesSandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory operated bySandia Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation and aprime contractor to the US Department of Energy’s National NuclearSecurity Administration.

http://www.sandia.gov/LabNews

Albuquerque, N.M. 87185 • Livermore, Calif. 94550Tonopah, Nevada • Nevada Test Site • Amarillo, Texas

Carlsbad, New Mexico • Washington, D.C.

Nuclear weapons engineering . . . . . . . 3

Weapons security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Product realization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Remote sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Military programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Global security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Homeland security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Computing & information sciences . . . . 8

Engineering sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Infrastructure protection . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Microelectronics & microsystems . . . . 10

Pulsed power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Partnerships & alliances . . . . . . . . . . 10

IT, networks, & facilities . . . . . . . . . . . 11

ES&H & security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Supply chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Human resources & finance . . . . . . . . 12

Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sandia National LaboratoriesPage 2 • Sandia Lab News

Bill Murphy • Lab News EditorJohn German • Labs Accomplishments Editor

Michael Lanigan • Labs Accomplishments Production

Inside . . .

Gary Froehlich (5345)examines a test objectmounted inside ananechoic chamber.The chamber is partof Sandia’s Facility forAntenna and RCSMeasurement (FARM)where measurementsof antenna character-istics and radar crosssections of materials,shapes, and devicesare performed. FARM,which underwent a

yearlong renovation and upgrade, contributes toprograms for a variety of Sandia, DOE, military, andgovernment agency customers.

Night launch of a Defense Support Program satellite (DSP-23). See page 4.

Cover photograph by Randy Montoya

Page 3Labs Accomplishments • February 2008

Nuclear weapons engineeringThe California Reliable Replace-ment Warhead (RRW) team wasselected to go forward with theRRW-1 Phase 2/2A program inMarch 2007, ending an 18-month New Mexico/Californiacompetitive design study. Theteam completed the require-ments review stage of a rigorousphase gate process, stood upmajor component product real-ization teams, developed sub-systems and componentsrequirements, and madeprogress with the designs. Com-puter modeling and simulationhave aided the RRW program.(8200, 8700, 8900, 1300, 1500,1600) NW

The Code Management System (CMS) for Use Control isbeing implemented at the Pantex plant to support the B61,B83, W80, and W84 weapon systems. A concept of opera-tions was completed in February (NNSA Level II Mile-stone), software and training products were provided inJuly, and documentation in support of the Nuclear Explo-sive Safety Study (NESS) was provided in September (NNSALevel II Milestone). Implementation of the CMS is sched-uled for FY08. (2100, 2900, 5600, 8200, 12300) NW

Following completion of a four-year Sandia-led spin rocketmotor development program, B&W Pantex is retrofittingnew motors into B61-7/11s (onsite) and producing fieldconversion kits for the B61-3/4s. The new spin rocket hassignificantly highertorque output andresolves potentialage-related issues ofthe old motors.Concurrently,B&W Pantex beganreplacement of theaging B61-11 sec-ondary. The effortwas an intensivemulti-agency pro-gram that alsoincluded replace-ment and refur-bishment of some Sandia structural components. (1500,1800, 2100, 2500, 2600, 2900, 5300, 10200, 12300) NW

The QASPR (Qualification Alternatives to SPR III) experi-mental team developed a key capability to match radiationtransients at the Sandia Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL) and theSandia Pulsed Reactor (SPR III), demonstrating damagerelationships between facilities. The QASPR goal is to qual-ify the transient response of electronic systems for short-pulsed fast-neutron environments without testing at a fast-burst reactor. The methodology consists of high-fidelitycomputational models (initially validated at SPR III), com-bined with testing at alternative experimental facilitiessuch as the IBL. Testing at multiple facilities requires thatthe radiation damage relationship between facilities beunderstood. (6700, 1300, 1100) NW

Partnering with the produc-tion agencies, the W76-1/Mk4A Arming, Fuzing, andFiring Product RealizationTeam delivered to NNSAthe first production unitson schedule. Developmentcosts for the arming andfuzing subsystem were 30percent of a similar effortfor the W88. The designincludes use of commercialelectronics, new batterytechnology, custom micro-electronic circuits, andsmall-volume capacitors. Italso includes surety devicesfor enhanced nuclear deto-nation safety and is hard-ened to strategic radiationlevels for hostile encoun-ters. (2100, 200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 2500, 2600,2800, 2900, 5300, 10200, 12300) NW

The W76-1 and the W80 SS-21 programs, high-visibilityactivities for NNSA and key elements for W76-1 produc-tion and W80 disassembly & inspection, were led by Cen-ters 2100 and 8200, respectively. Surety Assessment Center12300 generated weapon response data for the assemblyand disassembly operations of the W76-1 and W80 byteaming with Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore nationallabs as well as Sandia organizations. This data enabled

B-2 drop test involving B61 spin rocketmotor

Pantex to complete hazard analysis reports that werereviewed by several complex-wide teams before finalauthorizations were granted. (2100, 8200, 2500, 12300) NW

Sandia invented and proof-tested a new blast-mitigationgel. The solid water-based gel has the advantages of liquidwater yet is dimensionally stable and easily manufacturedand deployed. The gel absorbs the energy from an explo-sion, reducing both the blast overpressure and dispersionof aerosols generated in the blast. These blast mitigationgels complement existing Sandia technologies and couldbecome part of the toolbox for addressing explosive stor-age, transportation, and security issues. (5400, 6400, 8200,8700, 12300) HS&D

The EngineeringSciences Center’stechnical exper-tise, simulationcapabilities, andexperimentalfacilities was acritical partner inthe W76-1/Mk4ALife ExtensionProgram. For thefirst time ever, abalancedapproach ofadvanced analyti-cal simulations,complex physicalexperiments, anduncertainty-quan-tification calcula-tions was used toproduce a systemqualification evi-dence package. These efforts spanned the range ofmechanical and thermal insults for normal (e.g., vibration),abnormal (e.g., fire), and hostile (e.g., shock) environments.(1500, 2100) NW

Sandia continues to provide timely technical analysis tothe nation’s leadership. Under a joint Sandia-STRATCOM

memorandum of under-standing, projects includedan analysis of terrain effectson radar fuzing, missionplanning analyses forbombers, consultation onnuclear command and con-trol, advanced weaponseffects studies, investiga-tion of weather issues forreentry vehicles, and sup-port of several STRATCOMadvisory group panels.Working with NNSA andDoD, Sandia providedinput for the 2007 Presi-dential Nuclear WeaponsStockpile Memorandum aswell as an RRW strategyoutline that was adopted bythe Nuclear WeaponsCouncil. (200, 500) NW

What happens if a 10,000-pound 45-year-old nuclearbomb is in a severe truck accident? It remains safe. Thatwas the conclusion of a 2007 study supporting an NNSAOffice of Secure Transportation safety basis authorizationto transport the B53. The work by the Los AlamosNational Laboratory-Sandia team, led by Surety AssessmentCenter 12300, involved the evaluation of weaponresponses for 20,000 accident scenarios. Over-the-roadoperations were completed without incident four monthsafter authorization. (2100, 6400, 1500, 12300) NW

W76-1 AF&F First Production Units

Security & Use Control Assessment Dept. 12334 migratedthe Virtual Deliberate Unauthorized Use AssessmentFacility (VDAF) to the Weapons Integration Facility. Themigration involved taking advantage of improved comput-ing capabilities and eliminating a 16-node computer clus-ter needed to drive the previous facility’s projectors. Thenew facility is an example of Sandia partnering with pri-vate industry in the application of virtual tools to assistboth the weapon design and assessment communities.VDAF is managed by Weapon Use Control Systems Dept.2126. (2100, 12300) NW

Methodologies were developed for Quantified Margin andUncertainty (QMU) analyses for Cycle 12 Annual Assess-ment. Guidance was provided for data- and model-basedanalyses for selected weapon components. The resultswere reported in the Annual Assessment Reports. Systemengineers, consulting with component, surveillance, andcomputational analysts and assessment engineers, con-ducted the analyses and interpreted the results. The analy-ses identified high- and low-margin performance variables,some trends in performance, and some data-improvementopportunities. (1200, 1400, 1500, 2100, 2500, 2600, 2700,2900, 8200, 12300) NW

Communications Systems Dept. 6452 delivered a vehicle-mounted wireless Tactical Network (TacNet) to NNSA’sOffice of Secure Trans-portation. TacNet, a mobilead hoc communicationsnetwork, provides person-nel who are on the movewith low-cost secure accessto critical data withoutsatellite links or fixed infra-structure. TacNet employsa line-of-sight mesh radionetwork, which is self-forming, self-healing, andmulti-hopping. The radionetwork essentiallybecomes a privately owned, custom Internet with the abil-ity to self-form on a second-to-second basis. (6400, 6300,Wind River, Arcom, Motorola) NW

Sandia developed the Pre-Installation Test and Check Out(PITCO) concept and created an operational laboratory atSandia to replicate and test proposed security systemsbefore installation at a site. Sandia designed and devel-oped testers to replicate inputs from the actual sensors andentry-control devices and to stress the system to defineoperational limits. After testing, the hardware can bebroken down, transported to Kings Bay Naval Base, andinstalled using the same configuration, saving time andmoney and creating higher confidence levels. (6400)HS&D

A Sandia-led team that included Pantex, NNSA, and AirForce personnel was able to quickly and definitivelydemonstrate that a set of warheads, where chain of cus-tody requirements could not be verified, had not beencompromised. The team’s readiness to rapidly deploy to aDoD location was made possible by prior studies establish-ing baseline gas signatures for all weapon types as a func-tion of age. Comparison of this baseline-to-field resultsprovided compelling evidence that no tampering or mis-handling of the weapons occurred. (8200, 1800, 2900,B&W Pantex, NNSA) NW

Military Liaison Dept. 2913 teamed with NNSA’s Office ofSecure Transportation, Los Alamos National Lab, and Sandiaorganizations to close out in July 2007 a 40-plus-yearstockpile lifetime for the B53. The B53’s life included areturn from retirement to active status in the 1990s,followed by a decade of retired status with DoD. Dispositionof B53 trainers was completed at the Naval School ofExplosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) at Eglin AirForce Base in November 2007. Military Liaison continuesto provide disposition instructions for remaining ancillaryequipment. (2900, NNSA, OST, LANL, 2100, 12300) NW

W76-1/Mk4A Life Extension Programqualification experiment

TacNet provides critical datato authorized personnel with-out satellite links or fixedinfrastructure

Weapons security

Developing the B53 tie-down transportation configuration

Magnified deformations of RRW AF&F during simulated drop

Two new satellite ground data processing systems weredelivered to the Air Force and began operations this year. TheRadiation Detection Capability Data Processor receives sensordata from the constellation of Defense Support Program satel-lites. The Ground Nuclear Detonation Detection SystemTerminal is a mobile system that receives sensor data from GPSsatellites. Both systems use the latest computer, algorithm, andsoftware technology to generate nuclear detonation reports innear real-time. These systems were developed and delivered ontime and within budget. (5700, 5500, 2600) DS&A


Sandia has taken delivery of the first flight mechanisms— a filter wheel and secondary mirror actuator — for aspace telescope project in the Advanced Systems programarea. This represents the first deliverable in an 18-monthproduction effort between Sandia and Moog Inc. The filterwheel mechanisms are installed within the optics pathand provide rotary actuation to insert optical filters intothe path. The secondary mirror actuator is designed tolinearly actuate a mirror for precision focal adjustments.(2600, 5500, 5700) DS&A

Loading the GroundNuclear DetonationDetection SystemTerminal onto a C5

Filter wheel assembly (left) and secondary mirror actuator (right) for a space telescope project

Product realizationThe MC4381 neutron generator was fabricated and quali-fied for the W78 Program to replace legacy MC3051A/Bneutron generators. The project team overcame technical,schedule, and budget challenges while developing a prod-uct that meets demanding environmental requirements.In addition to inspiring customer confidence in Sandia’sability to deliver on time and on budget, this effort also

enabled replacement of a neutron generator with potentialaging concerns. The first production units were deliveredto bonded stores in April 2007. (2700, 2400, 2100, 12300,1500, 1300, 2500) NW

In FY07 the Concurrent Design and Manufacturing (CDM)Program submitted a total of 14,117 Mark Quality (MQ)parts, including War Reserve parts for the stockpile,Process Prove-In (PPI) units used in component qualification,and MQ trainers. The parts (by deliverable area) included 467capacitors, 2,125 explosive materials/subsystems, 1,279 fre-quency devices, 6,455 magnetics, 2,392 microelectronics, 2parachutes, 624 power sources, 50 special components, and722 switch tubes. (2500, 1700, 2700) NW

The W76-1/Mk4A Arming Fuzing Subsystem (AFS) met allproduct qualification requirements and the first produc-tion unit was delivered on schedule, below cost, and withoutstanding performance and quality. The effort was theresult of years of work by dozens of people at both Sandiaand the Kansas City Plant. The AFS team received anNNSA Defense Programs Award of Excellence. In addition,the team was recognized by the US Navy for meeting andexceeding cost targets. (5300, 2100, 1700, Kansas CityPlant, many others) NW

The B&W Pantex plant needed new assembly fixturesand tooling for the W76-1 Life Extension Program.Due to the complex geometry and demanding precisionrequirements, Pantex was not able to produce the toolsand selected Sandia to fabricate the hardware. The Sandiamachine shop had sufficient manufacturing capacity,high-precision machining capabilities, and the quality,safety, and security processes in place to fabricate andassemble the classified tooling. All work was completed onschedule and significantly under budget. (2400, 2100,12300) NW

Centers 2500 and 2700 developed and implemented a setof integrated procedures documenting their approach tosupplier quality management. These procedures werereviewed and released as mandatory DSW (DirectedStockpile Work) procedures. The procedures define thesystem used to select and approve suppliers, ensure productreadiness, and prepare for acceptance; address non-confor-mances and corrective actions; and address supplier qual-ity documentation requirements. A Supplier QualityCouncil was created to provide oversight, and a SupplierPerformance Tracking System (SPTS) was established tocollect supplier data and help create performance metrics.(2500, 2700) NW

The MC4300 Neutron Tube Product Realization Teamcompleted all Process Prove-In (PPI) activities for theMC4300 neutrontube — which is halfthe volume of theMC4277 neutrontube now in produc-tion. The tube fea-tures a simplifieddesign, 54 percentfewer parts, and 46percent fewerprocess steps thanthe MC4277, and itsperformance exceedsrequirements. TheMC4300 will beused in five systemsand replaces thelegacy MC3368 and MC3854 neutron tubes fabricatedat the Pinellas Plant. With the completion of PPI, allprocesses were successfully transferred to the manufac-turing floor at Sandia. (2700, 1500, 12300, 1300, 1800,2100, 8200) NW

MC4381 NeutronGenerator Assembly

AFS units

MC4300 neutron tube

Working with NNSA and the USAir Force, a joint Sandia/LosAlamos team developed andlaunched several satellite pay-loads supporting the nation’scapability to monitor nuclearexplosions from space. Includedthis year were the launches of thefinal Defense Support Program(DSP-23) payload and two pay-loads on GPS IIR satellites, andthe delivery of three payloads forGPS IIF. These programs haveinvolved hundreds of Sandianssince their inception more thanthree decades ago and furtherexpand the global detection net-work serving the nations presentand future defense needs. (5700,5500, 5300, 2600, 1700) DS&A

Night launch of aDefense SupportProgram satellite(DSP-23)

The Joint Chiefs of Staff has mandated that the SelectiveAvailability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) be used in allmilitary Global Positioning System (GPS) applications.Sandia has developed a single-chip version of the key dataprocessor (KDP), thegovernment-ownedportion of SAASMthat provides next-generation cryptog-raphy and enhancedsecurity. The KDP-IIIhard macro cell isavailable in the IBM130 nm TrustedFoundry process forintegration into single-chip SAASMs. Thesecure, dual-processorKDP-III system canhost a variety ofencrypted application software packages and thus couldbenefit a number of security applications. (1700, 2600,5600, 12300) DS&A

In December 2006 a Sandia team partnered with the NewYork Air National Guard (NYANG) to perform a number ofsuccessful tests using a Twin Otter aircraft. The tests clearlydemonstrated the ability of Sandia’s miniSAR (mini syn-thetic aperture radar) to detect buried crevasses inAntarctica that make landing on the snow and icedifficult. In FY08 Sandia plans preproduction miniSARtesting on an LC130 aircraft scheduled to deploy bymid-October 2008. (5300) DS&A

KDP-III Hard Cell

Remote sensing


Sandia fielded its Joint STARS synthetic aper-ture radar (SAR) automatic target recognition(ATR) system at the successful Bold Questadvanced concept technology demonstrationat Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Bold Questshowcased several technologies that promisesignificant enhancements to existingwarfighter combat identification capabilities.Sandia’s SAR ATR enables real-time, all-weather, day/night detection and identifica-tion of noncooperative enemy targets fromradar signatures, greatly improving the speedand accuracy of target prosecution. Sandia’sJoint STARS SAR ATR was developed under AirForce sponsorship. (5400) DS&A

Sandia’s Space Mission Program (SMP) successfully com-pleted a number of hardware, software, and contracteddeliverables to multiple external customers and facilities.During FY07 SMP shipped almost twenty tons of deliver-able computer hardware and over one million lines of soft-ware. SMP engages a broad cross-section of the laboratory.(1500, 1800, 2400, 2600, 4800, 5300, 5500, 5700, 5900,9300) DS&A

Sandia coordinated nine launches from the Kauai TestFacility. A first-ever multiple simultaneous engagementinvolving two ballistic missile targets was successfully con-ducted on Nov. 6, 2007, in support of the Navy’s AEGISBallistic Missile Defense System. The targets simulatedrogue missiles and were successfully intercepted by theNavy’s Standard Missile-3 Interceptor. (5400, 2600) DS&A

A hydrogen economy will require new methods ofhydrogen generation; nuclear is an attractive option.Sandia has developed a first-of-a-kind computer simula-tion tool, MELCOR-H2, to dynamically simulate a fullycoupled nuclear reactor/hydrogen-generation plant.This desktop systemallows users to varyparameters to maxi-mize hydrogen andelectrical produc-tion while enhanc-ing nuclear andhydrogen plantsafety. Validationand verificationstudies on keymodels, includingtransient sulfur-iodine thermo-chemistry models,demonstrate that MELCOR-H2matches availableexperimental datato within 5 percent.(6700, 6300) ER&N

Future world oil demand and carbon emissions gaps areenormous, and the trade-offs are complex. At the requestof the Club of Prague, global energy-economic-environ-mental scenarios to 2050 were developed using Sandia’s

Global Energy Futures Model. These scenarios were wellreceived, framed the Club’s discussions on new ways ofthinking about global energy-economic-environmentalproblems, and were published in a conference report:Energy: Empowering the Individual and the Community.(320, 6300) ER&N, ITS

Military programs

Energy

Sandia’s modeling and simula-tion capabilities are helping toaddress improvised explosivedevice (IED) threats to the USmilitary. Sandia has success-fully provided on-site supportand reach-back capability toJIEDDO (Joint ImprovisedExplosive Device Defeat Office)in situational modeling andsimulation using the Umbrasimulation framework.JIEDDO’s Counter IED Opera-tions Integration Center hasrequested an increase based onthe successful exploratoryefforts that occurred the firstquarter of FY08. This closeengagement allowed Sandiato better understand JIEDDOmissions and demands andlink them to other Sandiacapabilities. (6300) DS&A Modeling and simulation capabilities are helping address improvised explosive device (IED)

threats to US soldiers. (Photo by Randy Montoya)

Dual ballistic missile target launch out of Kauai Test Facility

Bold Quest team members assemble in front of the Joint STARS T-3 aircraft.Sandians Brian Bray, John Richards, Mindi Koudelka, and Wallace Bow (all 5433)appear at the lower right.

Sandia teamed with five other institutions to establish theJoint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), funded by the DOE Officeof Science Bioenergy Research Centers program. This $135million, five-year program is focused on addressing the sys-tems biology challenges of producing cellulosic ethanolbiofuels. JBEI is led by Lawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory and includes Sandia, UC Berkeley, UC Davis,Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and theCarnegie Institute. (8300, 8700, 1700) ER&N

Research at Sandia extending back two decades played adominant role in an engine-design milestone — the first all-computationally designed diesel engine by Cummins Inc.Through the application of advanced laser-based opticaldiagnostics, researchers at Sandia’s Combustion ResearchFacility led the development of the diesel-combustionscience base that provided, for the first time, a firm scien-tific understanding of the complex combustion processesin a diesel, as well as guidance and validation data for thedevelopment of the computational tools. (8300) ER&N

The Joint BioEnergy Institute, a partnership of six institutionsincluding Sandia, will open in Emeryville, Calif., in spring 2008.

JBEI building in Emeryville, Calif., near Lawrence BerkeleyNational Laboratory

Radioactive material shipping caskready for drop

Nuclear is an option for hydrogengeneration.

(Photo by Randy Montoya)

A new radioactive materialsshipping cask designrequired drop tests for certi-fication, with a twist: Highly-enriched uranium is in thepackage during the tests. Tomeet this challenge, a multi-organizational teamaddressed security, critical-ity, radiation-protection,and industrial-hygienerequirements and prepareddetailed test and securityplans. DOE cooperation wasessential and enabled thesuccessful completion of ahigh-profile sequence ofnine drop tests with all workbeing completed in lessthan five weeks. (6700,1300, 1500, 1800, 2100,2400, 4100, 10200, 10300,10800) ER&N

Global Energy Futures Model screen


Sandia helped provide equipment and procedures for detecting radioactive material in containers bound for the US fromseveral foreign ports.

Global security

Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Bogor, Indonesia

Members of a US-Russian team survey a suspicious package for radiation during field training in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Members of the International Borders Monitoring Depart-ment’s Second Line of Defense Program were instrumentalin providing equipment and procedures for detectingradioactive material in containers bound for the USfrom ports at Southampton, United Kingdom; Port Qasim,Pakistan; and Honduras. This work supports the DOE/DHScooperative Secure Freight Initiative and fulfills therequirements of the Security and Accountability for EveryPort Act of 2006 by providing data to officials at the Cus-toms and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center inReston, Va. (6700) ER&N, HS&D

Sandia Radiological Assistance Program (RAP) personnelconducted the first-ever joint NNSA/ROSATOM (Russian

Federal Atomic Energy Agency) radiological emergencyresponse field training in St. Petersburg, Russia. Theweek-long training covered various emergency responsetopics, including radiation detection, detection equip-ment, and real-world responses to terrorism situations.Two mini-exercises were held to test responses to the dis-persion of radioactive material. The culminating event wasa day-long exercise that incorporated notification and alertprocedures, mission planning, response deployment, fieldoperations, and event resolution. (2900) NW

At the request of NNSA’s Office of Nonproliferation Policyand the Department of State’s Bureau of InternationalSecurity and Nonproliferation/Office of Cooperative

Threat Reduction, Sandia’s International Biological ThreatReduction program completed a project to secure danger-ous pathogens at the Research Institute of VeterinaryScience in Bogor, Indonesia. This project marks the USgovernment’s first biosecurity project in Indonesia, a criticalUS partner in the global war on terrorism. (6700) ER&N

In September 2007 Sandia hosted the DOE Cyber SecuritySummit. Attendees included leaders from DOE, NNSA, andthe national labs. Dialogue focused on cyber security as acritical challenge facing our nation and protecting institu-tions from cyber attack. Six follow-on teams have sincebeen formed to address complex topics related to cybersecurity. (1, 5000, 12100) DS&A

The DHS’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) hascontracted with three vendors to develop next-generationradiation detection equipment, referred to as AdvancedSpectroscopic Portals (ASP). Sandia played a pivotal role inhelping evaluate the new ASPs in field operations at theNew York Container Terminal (NYCT). The Labs led amulti-laboratory team that operated and collected perfor-mance data from the ASPs. The ASP systems had previ-ously been evaluated at the Nevada Test Site (NTS), but theNYCT effort added stream-of-commerce data to supple-ment the NTS tests. (8200, 8100, 5900, 8100, 6400, KansasCity Plant, 4300, 10300, 5000, 5600) HS&D

Shielding effectiveness measurements in excess of 90decibels (dB) were made for the US State Department usingSandia’s recently approved system for attenuationmeasurements up to 110 dB. Uncertainty of the measuredvalues was less than 0.3 dB at frequencies near 900 MHz.The measurements were made on candidate sleeve materi-als for the forthcoming State Department ID Card, whichwill enable streamlined US border crossings. When keptin its sleeve, the ID card will be immune to interrogationby unauthorized parties. (2500) HS&D

gency. Known as the Integrated Public Alert and WarningSystem (IPAWS), the program deployed a pilot on Aug. 1,2007, in the midst of the hurricane season and is initially sup-porting states and local jurisdictions in the Gulf Coast region.(1700, 5600, 6300, 6400, 8100, 8500, 8900, 9500) HS&D


Homeland security

Trucks lined up to pass through secondary inspection. Backups would be reduced with the installation of Advanced Spectroscopic Portals.

In September a Lawrence Livermore National Lab/Sandia team conducted a Golden Guardian preparatory exercise in Anaheim,Calif., the first functional exercise of the DHS-sponsored TELL (Training, Exercise, and Lessons Learned) system. Basedin the Anaheim Emergency Operations Center, TELL presented a simulated catastrophic incident to an incident managementteam operating in a remote mobile incident command post. Ground truth and exercise injects were provided by Sandia'sWMDDAC (Weapons of Mass Destruction Decision Analysis Center) and Lawrence Livermore’s ACATS (Advanced Conflictand Tactical Simulation) software. (8100, 8900) HS&D

On Oct. 1, 2007, the first Remote Target Engage-ment System (RTES) — designed, developed, andinstalled by Sandia to enhance security at a US AirForce location — went operational. The system wascertified for design safety by the Non-NuclearMunitions Safety Board (Air Force) and tested toverify functional and safety implementation byAFOTEC (Air Force Operational Test and EvaluationCenter) Detachment 2. Operation from a hardenedcontrol center removes Air Force operators fromharm’s way. RTES has been continuously operated24/7/365 since initial installation in April 2006.(6400) DS&A

Remote Target EngagementSystem (RTES)

Participants in the September 2007 Golden Guardian exercise

In partnership with the Federal Emergency ManagementAgency (FEMA), Sandia is developing the secure architectureand standards for an alert and warning system that will pro-vide a robust, multifaceted path to ensure effective publiccommunications during a federal, state, or local emer-

The High School Home-land Security Programenhances critical think-ing skills among highschool students usinghomeland security andemergency response asteaching elements. It hasbeen or is being imple-mented in high schoolsin California, Arizona,Colorado, and NewMexico. The programincludes instruction inhomeland security andemergency response, casestudies, and a half-dayexercise. A senior DoDofficial said the programshould be in the curricu-lum of every high schoolin the country. (300) ITS,HS&D Students work to solve a complex homeland security problem.


Infrastructureprotection

Computing & information sciences

Engineering sciences

As directed by the White House Homeland Security Coun-cil, the National Infrastructure Simulation and AnalysisCenter (NISAC), a DHS program co-led by Sandia and LosAlamos National Lab, completed a two-year examinationof potential impacts of pandemic influenza on thenation's population, critical infrastructures, and econ-omy. The results suggest absenteeism, mortality, infra-structure service impacts, and demand shocks could causeadjustments to the structure of the nation’s economy.However, preparedness and the type, timing, and durationof intervention strategies can provide some level ofcontainment. (6300, LANL) HS&D

The Virtual Control Systems Environment (VCSE) is a toolbeing developed under the National Supervisory Com-mand and Data Acquisition Test-Bed program. VCSE is ascalable environment for simulating cyber effects andevaluating security mitigation options for control sys-tems of infrastructures such as electricity, oil, and gas.VCSE allows asset owners and operators to conduct sys-tem-level effects analyses on control system failures andunderstand how they propagate into local operations.From a government perspective, policy makers can moreeasily understand how these effects cascade and affectother infrastructures. (5600, 6300) ER&N, DS&A

Enhanced three-dimensional electromagnetics andplasma computational capabilities were developed andapplied to several important physics applications. Thetools advanced our understanding of magnetically insu-lated flow of electrical power and electrode plasma forma-tion in the Z machine (where current will exceed 26 millionamperes), enabled assessment of multiple system-generatedelectromagnetic pulse effects for a WR1-like configuration(combining electromagnetic and radiation transporttools), and assessed performance of a phased-arrayantenna, accounting for its large but finite size and thepresence of defective array elements. (1600, 1300)NW, ST&E

Calculated electron density in electrode plasma formation(left) and electron transport (right) in Z

As part of the Advanced Simulation and Computing Algo-rithms Milestone, Sandia demonstrated vertical integra-tion of Trilinos algorithms with the Charon semiconduc-tor device modeling code. Algorithms ranging frompreconditioned iterative solvers through nonlinear solvers,transient solvers, and optimization were integrated in amodular yet high-performance manner, yielding up to ten-fold reductions in solution time while providing moreaccurate results. The algorithms are available to the Quali-fication Alternatives to SPR Program to optimize modelingparameters, and they are being used to explore the sensi-tivity of transistor device models to input parameters.(1400) NW, ST&E, DS&A

Peridynamics theory, shown to be consistent with molecu-lar dynamics, is enabling predictive simulation of failurein highly heterogeneous materials and shows promise forcoupling atomistics to continuum scales. Peridynamicsapproaches are being used to investigate damage and

delaminations in composites for future Boeing aircraftstructures. A recently developed peridynamics-based stresstensor that is consistent with classical continuum mechan-ics enables coupling to finite-element methods. (1400)NW, ST&E, DS&A

A cross-discipline team of researchers in the data mining,visualization, data analysis, and information security areasdesigned and built the Data Analysis and VisualizationLaboratory in Sandia’s Distributed Information SystemsLaboratory (DISL). The lab includes three high-resolutionprojectors for group analysis and visualization of datarelated to national security problems. The room includeslab space for working on group projects, several high-endcomputer workstations for open use, and facilities suitablefor meetings and presentations to VIPs. (8100, 8900)HS&D, DS&A

Life is multidimensional, but many of the nation’s calcula-tions and simulations are done using two-dimensionalmathematical data structures called matrices. The TensorToolbox for MATLAB is enabling the use of multidimen-sional data structures, called tensors, for solving problemsin domains such as data analysis, image and signals pro-cessing, psychometrics, and chemometrics. On a laptop,the software can easily do numerical computations onproblems of size 10,000 x 10,000 x 10,000 with more thana half million nonzero entries. More information athttp://csmr.ca.sandia.gov/~tgkolda/TensorToolbox/.(1400, 8900) HS&D, DS&A

The Design Analysis Kit for Optimization and TerascaleApplications (DAKOTA) suite of systems analysis toolsworks with simulations to address assessment and designquestions. Developed with Lockheed Martin, DAKOTA hasbeen deployed within DOE to facilitate risk-informednational security decisions. DAKOTA 4.0 enables predic-tive simulations and performs decision making for stock-pile stewardship. While DAKOTA applications can beproprietary, the software itself is not. Free downloads areavailable, allowing the emergence of DAKOTA as a de factostandard for systems analysis. (1400, 330) ER&N, ITS

OVIS-2, a tool for intelligent, scalable real-time monitoringof large computational clusters, has been developed anddeployed for prerelease testing on Sandia’s Thunderbirdand Talon clusters. It is being used for post-processing

analysis of Red Storm system data. OVIS uses a uniquestatistical approach to characterize behaviors of clustercomponents and detect abnormalities and outliers thatcould be indicative of impending failures. Advances inOVIS-2 include a three-dimensional visual display,enhanced statistical capabilities, and a distributed clus-tered database back end for scalability and fault tolerance.(8900, 8300) NW

Capabilities were added to the AdvancedSimulation and Computing SIERRAmechanics code that greatly enhance theability to predict mechanical response fornuclear weapon applications. These capa-bilities include new elements forextremely large deformations, explicitdynamics algorithms that provide up totwo orders of magnitude speed-up incomputation time, and improved reentrypressure and acoustics modeling capabili-ties. These capabilities represent the nextstep in computational prediction of mar-gins and uncertainties. They were appliedto analyses performed for the W76-1qualification and component design.(1500) NW Simulations on the SIERRA mechanics code

Peridynamics-based simulation of a projectile impact, showingfailure, crack initiation, and propagation in the target material

Portion of the OVIS-2 three-dimensional interface. Componentswith outlier behavior are indicated by color and distance pro-jected out from the racks.

Ed Thomas (12227) and Tim Draelos (5635) have devel-oped a method for authenticating concealed and statisti-cally varying multidimensional data. Their approach pro-vides a way to measure the statistical similarity of dataobjects in their concealed states. The calculated Euclideandistance metric of the concealed data is identical to theEuclidean distance metric between the data objects prior tothe transformation used for their concealment. This tech-nology can be used for authentication when the informa-tion itself is private in nature, such as for biometricauthentication applications. (12200, 5600) DS&A

The Data Analysis and Visualization Lab is well-suited for developing and presenting complex analyses acrossnumerous disciplines, including geographic information system-based analysis.

NISAC examined potential national impacts of an influenzapandemic.

Unexpected differences discovered between niobium andtantalum may lead to new electronic and photocatalyticmaterials as reported in an Oct. 28 Dalton Transactionscover article. Sandia researchers developed a “soft chem-istry” route to niobium/tantalum oxide compounds.The alternative “vol-cano” methodinvolves meltingoxides at high temp-eratures. The “soft”method involveschemical finesserather than bruteforce and offers newforms of these oxidesincluding nanoparti-cles, coatings, andunprecedented com-positions. Tantalumoxides are used inmedical implants,hypoallergenic surgi-cal tools, cell phonecapacitors, andceramics for encapsu-lating nuclear waste.(6300) ER&N, ST&E

Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and semiconduc-tor nanowires may possess unusual but useful properties inresponse to microwave radiation. Sandia researchers, col-laborating with Penn State, made the first measurements ofthe fundamental high-frequency electrical conductancein arrays of carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowiresacross the same microwave spectrum used in telecommu-nications and radar. They showed that the nanomaterials’frequency-dependent conductance behaves very differ-ently from conventional macroscopic materials. This workwas supported by a Nanometer-to-Micrometer LDRD-funded project and by the Readiness in Technical Base andFacilities program. (1100, 1800) ST&E

A Sandia team has carried out multimillion atom simu-lations of the shear rheology of nanoparticle suspen-sions to predict how the chemical interactions that occuramong nanoparticlesaffect the behavior ofnanoparticulate fluidsduring manufacturing.The team improved bymore than 100 timesthe speed of the mole-cular dynamics codeLAMMPS for nanopar-ticles in an explicit sol-vent. This work wassupported by theNational Institute forNano Engineering(NINE) and by a coop-erative research anddevelopment agreement with a five-company consortiumto develop production-level computations for nanoparticleflow processing. (1100, 1400, 1500) ST&E

Sandia and University of Wisconsin researchers demon-strated that the sensitivity of carbon nanotubes to lightis increased dramatically when they are coated with dyemolecules. Whenexposed to light,these moleculeschange shape andinduce a change inthe electrical con-ductance of thenanotube. This dis-covery may allowfor multicolordetection of low-intensity light atnanometer dimen-sions. It was high-lighted in Naturein an article titled“Nanotubes seethe light.” (8700)ST&E


A new simple self-assembly coating processwas developed to functionalize nanoparticlesand organize them into ordered arrays. Theresulting films exhibit unusual functionalitynot previously observed in conventionalprocesses, needed for anti-reflection coatingson sensor windows for military aircraft andunmanned aerial vehicles. This innovative self-assembly process offers significant advantagesincluding reduced costs, increased manufac-turing flexibility, improved logistics, and atailored material response. This technicalinnovation, made possible through a Sandia/Lockheed Martin partnership, was recognizedwith a 2007 R&D 100 Award. (1800, 0330) ST&E

A simple, economical nanotechnology coatingprocess enables the development of nanoparticlethin films with unique optical, electrical, andmagnetic properties unattainable byconventional processes.

Dalton Transactions cover articledescribing a novel aqueous routeto niobium/tantalum oxidecompounds

Sample simulation cell fornanoparticles in an explicit solvent.

Materials

Electron microscope image of an array of doped sili-con nanowires assembled across the 3 µm–wide gapbetween the gold electrodes of a microwave wave-guide used to measure their high-frequency electricalconductance

Scanning electron micrograph of a car-bon nanotube transistor. The nanotubeis functionalized with a chromophore(dye) that undergoes a molecular trans-formation on exposure to ultravioletlight, which leads to a large shift in thecharacteristics of the transistor.

Sandia physicist Wei Pan prepares a sample for cooling to millikelvin temperatures in a magnetic field of 140,000 Gauss,where non-Abelian properties of novel electron-based particles can be observed.

When two identical particles are exchanged, the wavefunction is unchanged if they are bosons but changessign if they are fermions. The fractional quantum Halleffect (FQHE) is due to particles that are “anyons,”where the wave function changes phase by arbitraryamounts. These cases were long considered Abelian

(the order of exchange of multiple particles is irrele-vant). Recently, however, a Sandia-led team obtainedcompelling evidence that some types of FQHE par-ticles are non-Abelian. This profound result hasimportant implications for quantum computing.(1100) ST&E, ER&N

Pulsed power


The Quadrature Digital Waveform Synthesizer (QDWS)Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) supports aCenter 1700/5300 partnership to miniaturize the trans-mit/receive (T/R) mod-ule in the MesaSAR syn-thetic aperture radar(SAR) system. TheQDWS is a drop-inreplacement for aXILINX Virtex II FieldProgrammable GateArray in the MiniSAR,which reduces both thesize and power of theT/R module. The QDWSASIC was fabricatedwith first-pass success inIBM’s 130nm TrustedFoundry and demon-strates Sandia’s ability toprovide commercialleading-edge integratedcircuit solutions. (1700, 5300) ST&E

Microphotonic thermal detectors could achieve uncooledsensitivity and noise performance in the long-wave infraredregion approaching that of cooled photon detectors. Thefirst microphotonic thermal detectors have been fabri-

cated in Sandia’s MESA facility. The devices detect thechange in optical resonance frequency of a suspended sili-con-nitride microphotonic resonator on illumination withone watt of 10.6-m radiation from a CO2 laser. The siliconnitride resonator absorbs the infrared (IR) radiation, induc-ing a change in resonance via the thermo-optic effect and aresulting change in transmission of a near-IR laser interro-gating the microphotonic resonator. (1700) ST&E

Microelectronics & microsystems

Scanning electron micrograph of a representative silicon-nitride-based microphotonic thermal detector

Packaged QDWS ASIC

A single ElectroNeedle™showing the protectivedielectric sheath, leavingthe electrode exposedonly at the very tip

Extending semiconductor microfabrication technologies beyond integrated circuits has led to the development ofarrays of micron-sized electrochemical sensors for use as minimally invasive diagnostic probes to sample a patient’sblood or interstitial cellular fluid. By functionalizing the tips of these microneedles with antibodies, enzymes, andother biological receptors, electrochemical measurement techniques can be combined with well-defined immunoassaychemistry to detect a range of biologically important species, including carbohydrates, electrolytes, lipids, enzymes,toxins, proteins, viruses, and bacteria. This activity received a 2007 R&D 100 award. (1700) ST&E

The newly refurbished Z accelerator conductedtwo system demonstration shots in September,ending a 14-month shutdown where the old sys-tems were dismantled, the tank structure exten-sively modified, and new pulsed power subsys-tems assembled and installed. This was the finalphase of the 6-year, $90 million ($63 millioncapital investment) Z Refurbishment (ZR) pro-ject. Experimentalists will realize increased uti-lization via the capability to conduct more shots,with improved precision and pulse shape vari-ability. Better reproducibility and data quality, aswell as increased delivered current, should pro-vide additional performance. (1600) NW, ST&E

A series of ultra-high-velocity flyer plateimpact experiments, designed to investi-gate the melting of diamond under large-amplitude shock-wave compression insupport of the nation’s inertial confine-ment fusion program, were performed onSandia’s Z machine. Through combinedexperimental and theoretical analysis, theonset and completion of melt were iden-tified at pressures of 6.9 and 10.6 millionatmospheres, respectively. As a bonus,compelling evidence was uncoveredwithin the large solid-liquid coexistenceregion for the existence of a predicteddiamond-liquid-bc8 triple point at 8.5million atmospheres. (1600) NW, ST&E

Partnerships &alliancesMoving through the air in three dimensions, theNovint Falcon outperforms existing joysticks andmice, offering high-fidelity three-dimensional touchand a realistic experience that surpasses existing

point-and-click technology. Novint’s software is basedlargely on technology developed at Sandia. Novint isSandia’s first start-up licensee company to go publicand is one of the first publicly traded companies inwhich Sandia holds an equity position. The NovintFalcon and Novint/Sandia 3D Touch Software won a2007 R&D 100 Award for technological innovation.(1400) NW

The T-1A is a fiber optic, anti-tamper loop seal forsecuring high-value, high-risk assets. People loseconfidence in mechanical seals as soon as they are

applied because they are not monitored directly andcontinuously, but active seals like the T-1A, whichautomatically reports in several times a day, renewconfidence in their security each time they reporttheir status. Sandia and commercial partner CanberraAlbuquerque combined a license agreement for thecurrent T-1A sensor with a cooperative research anddevelopment agreement to jointly develop the next-generation sensor. (6700) ER&N

Letters between the US president and the prime min-ister of the United Kingdom in December 2006 initi-ated a series of enhanced collaborations thatinclude work in key strategic areas required to meetnational requirements, and for which the US/UKinteraction is considered mutually beneficial. Majortopical areas in which Sandia will play a significantrole include radiation sciences, safety subsystems, gastransfer systems, and surveillance sensor develop-ment. (1100, 1700, 1800, 2100, 2600, 2800, 2900,5300, 8200, 12300) NW

The Systems Integration Technical Support (SITS)group developed both a roadmap integrating some20 NNSA plans and roadmapsand a standardized weaponsstockpile concept for DoDand NNSA. SITS also sup-ported development ofNNSA’s Readiness inTech Base and FacilitiesCorporate PhysicalInfrastructure Plan andWeapon Program BaselineGuidance Handbook, as wellas the NNSA Office of Transfor-mation’s development of strategic planning docu-ments and processes such as the Preferred Alternative.During FY07 the number of SITS staff members hasincreased fourfold, commingling Sandia personnelwith representatives from sites across the complex.(500, 200, 8200, 2100) NW

Installation of Z’s new center section

Z machine’scenter duringthe renovationprocess, itshuge conduitsbeing readiedto focus an evenmore massiveelectrical currenton a target

The Novint Falcon

The T-1A fiber optic, anti-tamper loop seal on radioactivematerials containers


IT, networks, &facilitiesSandia’s Facilities program completed several major pro-jects in FY07, adding much-needed space for missionwork and improving the site infrastructure. Projectsincluded the Microsystems and Engineering SciencesApplications (MESA) complex, the Center for IntegratedNanotechnologies (CINT) Core Facility, the Test CapabilitiesRevitalization Phase 1 project, the Neutron Initiation Tech-

nology building, and the Exterior Communications Infra-structure Modernization project. The Innovation ParkwayOffice Center (IPOC), a new off-site leased facility, providesunclassified space for the Badge Office and other groupswhile freeing up classified space on site. (4800, 10200) IES

Computing Support Services (CSS), a virtual organizationserving more than 12,000 desktop computing customersand resolving more than 135,000 trouble tickets each year,achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification in March 2007. Thisinvolved developing a quality management system andundergoing several audits prior to certification. As a result,CSS has improved a number of its primary processes, insti-tuted an internal method by which CSS employees cansuggest process improvements, and improved how its fiveorganizations (representing several centers) collaborate tosupport desktop computing. (9300, 9500, 8900) IES

The current technologies for building extremely large net-work switching infrastructures for supercomputing envi-ronments suffer from fundamental limitations. A Sandiateam initiated a consortium of leading network vendors todemonstrate the effectiveness of dynamic routing for scal-able switching infrastructures. They also demonstrated theefficiency of new lightweight protocols over standard Eth-ernet™ that compares well with more complex specialtyhardware for cluster interconnects. These technologies willprovide a high-speed Ethernet switching infrastructurethat should scale to the thousands of ports required byfuture petascale computing environments. (9300, 8900)

Sandia’s Energy Management Program continues toensure that utility systems are reliable and efficient andenergy management isinstitutionalized.Energy intensity forregular buildingsdecreased 0.41 percent from FY06 toFY07, and meteringrequirements for 99percent of Sandia facil-ities were met fiveyears ahead of sched-ule. Energy- and water-saving efforts, criticalin preparation for theanticipated doublingof electricity costs inJanuary 2009, resultedin a Federal EnergyManagement Programaward for Bldg. 833’sphotovoltaic roof andUS Green BuildingCouncil certificationfor four Sandiafacilities. (4800) IES

An Extended Enterprise was developed in FY07. Its premiseis to retain an IT resource base that can expand or contractquickly to staff new and existing projects using off-site per-sonnel. The benefits include maximizing the amount andtypes of work provided to customers while minimizing thecosts of administering individual contracts. With SandiaDelegated Representative approval, the entire Laboratoriescan use these software engineering contracts. Other ITorganizations are encouraged to use the Extended Enter-prise to reduce costs and overhead Labs-wide. (9500) IES

DOE Headquarters requires Sandia to submit ES&H/envi-ronment-related liability reports for inclusion on DOE’sFY07 financial statements. Sandia completed a compre-hensive review of prior-year submissions across the entiresite on legacy materialsdisposition and the long-term stewardship pro-gram. This effort requiredcoordination amongDOE/HQ, the Sandia SiteOffice, and several Sandiaorganizations. Sandia’ssubmission was validatedby KPMG auditors as partof their annual financialaudit. IES

The CounterintelligenceAwareness Program con-tinues to focus on theinsider threat to Sandia.Malicious outsiders cando only limited damageto a well-protected insti-tution without the cooperation of a malicious insider.However, an insider assisted by a sophisticated foreignintelligence service can defeat even the best physical orcyber defense. Thus, deterring insiders is critical to effective

and cost-efficient security. Data collected during recentsurveys shows a marked improvement in staff awareness ofthis issue. (301) ITS

To describe the resultsof inspections of all ofSandia sites’ physicalsecurity areas this year,DOE Office of Indepen-dent Oversight inspec-tors used the phrase“phenomenal perfor-mance.” Sandia’s self-assessment program wasrecognized as “a modelfor the entire complex.”Inspectors noted theconsistent upward trendin protection program/posture effectiveness likethis: “The general levelsof security-relatedknowledge among thesite population and the

swift response to issues identified during this inspectionalso reflect management’s support for the safeguards andsecurity program and the recognition of that support bylaboratory employees.” (4200, 8500) NW

The new IPOC building outside the Kirtland Air Force BaseEubank Gate

Photovoltaic lights are among SandiaEnergy Management Programimprovements.

Sandia made significant progress in FY07 removing itscategory 1 and 2 special nuclear material (SNM), asseven of the ten identified SNM groups have been shippedoff-site. The materials include Sandia Pulsed Reactor reac-tor plates, sodium experimental debris, calibration sources,and other material. The completed milestones includedapprovals for material packages, acceptance agreements,criticality safety analyses, procedural development, andquality assurance support to meet Sandia’s integrated safetymanagement and security requirements for shipmentauthorization. Remaining materials are being shipped inFY08. (1200, 1300, 4200, 10200, 4100) NW, ST&E

ES&H & security

SPR plate being prepared for packaging

Sodium materials being shipped off-site

Supply chainSandia’s Supply Chain Management Center had out-standing results in the FY07 wall-to-wall physicalinventory. This inventory adhered to the industry stan-dard find rate (98 percent), increased the accountableequipment threshold value ($7,500), and removed itemsfrom inventoried status if the net book value (costminus depreciation) equaled $0 (18,197 fewer items).The cost savings and cost avoidance totaled almost$1 million. Similar cost avoidances are expected annually.(10200) IES

The Supply Chain and Materials Management CouncilProject is a pioneering, inclusive communication andimprovement process for ensuring that supply chainservices contribute to mission success. It starts withsupply chain data collection and analysis for a specificSandia customer group. The information is discussed ina summit between supply chain experts (Procurement &Logistics) and customers. The successful inaugural eventresulted in 13 center/division customer summits andmany high-impact business process improvementsresulting in cost savings. IES

Fleet Services received approval from NNSA on theTransportation Concept Initiative Implementation Pro-ject Plan in February 2007 and initiated a two-year pilotprogram facilitating Sandia Fleet Services self manage-ment of the Sandia fleet. The pilot has yielded successin meeting initiative goals of demonstrating effective andefficient stewardship of resources. Highlights include a10 percent reduction of carts at Sandia/New Mexico andan increase in cart fleet utilization to 89 percent.(10200) IES Cart fleet utilization increased to 89 percent in FY07.

Michelle Fleming (3651) scans a laptop during a wall-to-wallinventory. Revised standards in FY07 resulted in a costsavings or avoidance of almost $1 million.

(Photo by Randy Montoya)

Inspectors recognized Sandia’s security self-assessment program as“a model for the entire complex.”

Shippingcask forsodiumdebris

Sandia received excellent results in January 2007 for partic-ipation in the 2006 Diversity Maturity Model (DMM),resulting in a score of 3.3 (on a 5-point scale, 0.2 above the3.1 target), up from the 2.2 score earned in 2005. Theresults were similarly improved across Lockheed Martin,with all business units exceeding their targets. The 2006DMM Assessment Response Team received a TeamEmployee Recognition Award for its approach to the Diver-sity Maturity Model. (3500, 200, 3000, 3600, 9200, 10200,12100) IES

Sandia/California’s Life Design Center Preventive HealthPrograms captured the 2007 California Fit Business GoldAward. Sponsored by the California Task Force on Youthand Workplace Wellness, the award was created by Califor-nia State Senator Tom Torlakson’s office, with corporateand private sponsors. The Gold Award is the highest honorand is given to companies that demonstrate excellenceand creativity in nutrition, fitness, and site culture. Stafffrom the Life Design Center Preventive Health Programsand Health, Benefits, & Employee Services received theaward on Nov. 8, 2007. (8500) IES

Faced with escalating health care costs and declining carestandards, Health, Benefits, and Employee Services (HBE)contained costs while providing exceptional healthcarefor employees. HBE deploys a long-term cost control strat-

Human resources, finance, & legal

Management


quality, reliability, and convenience of receiving live andon-demand communications at the desktop have improved,with more than 100,000 streams in FY07. An industryreturn-on-investment study showed that streaming returnsalmost $4 in value for every $1 invested. (3600, 9300) IES

The Microsoft Project/Oracle Integration Tool, added tothe Oracle Project Modules, has demonstrated favorableresults during the FY08 budget call. The tool allows usersto import data from Microsoft Project directly into OracleProjects. A Nuclear Weapons business analyst uploadedalmost 700 financial tasks from a project plan in less thanone minute, saving many hours of manual keying. AnInternational Programs business analyst set up an FY08work breakdown structure for 65 projects in about anhour; this effort usually requires three to four days of dataentry.

DOE/NNSA issued final approval to Sandia for an exemp-tion from the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) thatauthorizes Sandia to use actual and reasonable costsinstead of per diem allowances for travel expenses due tothe demonstrated annual savings of approximately$750,000 over the past five years. This approval allowsSandians to continue saving taxpayer dollars by using theirjudgment when making spending decisions while ontravel. (10500) IES

Sandia completed full second-year implementation ofOMB Circular A-123, Appendix A, and provided reason-able assurance to DOE and NNSA that an adequate inter-nal controls structure exists for financial reporting. Thefinal assurance statement was delivered before the sched-uled milestone date. Teams consisted of a site assessmentteam, a laboratory cross-functional group of more than 60managers of various levels, financial process owners, andtesting teams of approximately 20 lab staff members. TheA-123 implementation team received a Turquoise Presi-dent’s Quality Award in FY06. IES

The corporate tax function aggressively pursued taxcredits based on tax questionnaires completed by programmanagers and financial analysts to reduce Sandia’s taxobligation. Over the past 12 years, Sandia has averaged acorporate tax rate of 3.11 percent. In FY07, the rate was2.82 percent, representing a savings of $6.5 million overthe historic average despite state and local tax increases inFY05, FY06, and FY07. (10500) IES

egy that includes prevention, consumerism, health-riskmodifications, and disease management. A blend of on-site and off-siteservices encour-ages a workplaceculture of individ-ual responsibility.Sandia wenttobacco-free inMarch 2007, forexample, andHBE’s smokingcessation programhas helpedemployees quitsmoking at successrates that are sig-nificantly higherthan the nationalcomparison rates.(3300) IES

The Video Services and Infrastructure Computing organi-zations implemented new video streaming functionalitysuch as interactivity, single sign-on, and full-resolutiongraphics. The Sandia Restricted Network was multicast-enabled to reduce bandwidth consumption. Usability,

Sandia successfully implemented the Assure, Assess,and Improve Process (AAIP), which is the contractorassurance system (CAS) portion of the IntegratedLaboratory Management System (ILMS). AAIP com-pletes the implementation of the model contract atSandia. Implementation of the model contract hasresulted in improved management performance andeffectiveness, including cost savings/avoidances of$177 million since beginning the implementation ofthe Model Contract in FY04. (9700)

A system that integrates several processes and tools to pro-vide one web-enabled location for actions required to plan,authorize, track, and report (PLATR) nuclear weaponswork was developed by the Nuclear Weapons StrategicManagement Unit. PLATR facilitates the planning andmanagement of all FY08 and future work falling withinthe SMU. The PLATR team delivered the core planningcapability in May 2007, with subsequent functionalitydelivered throughout the summer. (200, 9500) NW

The Ethics Office gave 275 guidances and investi-gated 55 cases while improving its case closure rate,facilitating 100 percent Labs-wide completion ofannual ethics training, and sponsoring LockheedMartin Corporation investigator training. CorporateInvestigations completed 16 cases, conducted 48 pre-liminary inquiries, and assumed responsibility for theWorkplace Violence Program. Working to help shapethe ethics culture at the Labs, the Ethics and BusinessConduct Center conducted strategic planning studiesthat included focus groups from technical andadministrative staff and management. (12400)

Corporate Internal Audit teamed with two statisticalmodeling experts from Sandia’s Threat Analysis Tech-nologies department to pilot the application ofadvanced statistical modeling processes and tech-nologies in internal auditing. Together they exploredthe use of text mining, clustering, and predictive model-ing technologies. The results of this initial effort werepresented in competition with other best-practice nomi-nees at the DOE contractor internal audit directorsmeeting, where it placed second. Corporate InternalAudit will refine the techniques during FY08internal audits. (12800, 5600) IES

An effective contractor assurance system providesconfidence in Sandia’s ability to manage its own work,including the identification of root causes of problems.Akin to medicine, a correct diagnosis is essential to thesuccessful resolution of a problem. A collaborativeeffort led to recognition of the economic value of acorporate root cause analysis program, which isbeing established. A strong program results in lesstime and lower costs in correcting problems to thesatisfaction of DOE. (12800, 4100, 4200, 9700) IES

WFO/CRADA Agreements Dept. 9732 and WFO Finan-cial Management Dept. 10513 teamed with the SandiaBusiness School (SBS) to develop a suite of SBS coursesrelated to Work for Others (WFO). Sandia’s WFO pro-gram increased 86 percent in the past five years and isnow a major element of Sandia’s overall budget, result-ing in the need for more formalized training for WFOproject managers and business support personnel.Course content includes WFO policies, processes, andprocedures for WFO proposals, agreements, and projects,including financial management requirements.(9700, 10500)

ECP contributions supported United Way agencies such as St. Martin’s Hospitality Center,where homeless New Mexicans can find conversation, meals, employment services, andother assistance. (Photo by Randy Montoya)

Sandia’s medical clinics are part of ablend of on-site and off-site healthservices provided to employees.

For the last 15 years, Sandia has sponsored detailed publicopinion polls on national security issues such as deter-rence, nuclear weapon policy, terrorism, and energy secu-rity. The long-term nature of the program permits trendand causal analysis. Results suggest that there is substan-tial, long-standing support for US nuclear weapon policy,especially deterrence. The data also reveal some interestingtrends, such as increasing support for nuclear energy.Results support long-term planning and are available onthe ITS SMG website. (303) ITS

How can Sandia’s diverse expertise be best harnessed tosolve wicked problems? This issue was examined experi-mentally by comparing the effectiveness of individualversus group electronic brainstorming. Findings indi-cated that individuals produced significantly (p<0.05)better ideas than the group. Thus, although group partici-pation is often touted as providing synergistic benefit,these results suggest that individuals may perform betterin isolation. The results could impact future electronicinteractions within Sandia to find solutions to very diffi-cult problems. (12300, 1400, 6700) ST&E

Sandia’s Employee Caring Pro-gram (ECP) celebrated 50 yearsof giving to the United Way ofCentral New Mexico in 2007.The campaign total was$3,576,000 this year. Since1957 Sandians have donatedmore than $15 million to helpaddress community needs.More than 73 percent ofSandia employees participated.

Sandia Site Office Manager Patty Wagner and Sandia Presidentand Director Tom Hunter signed the FY08 Performance Evalua-tion Plan, which documents the criteria by which the site officeappraises Sandia Corporation’s performance in its managementand operation of Sandia. Behind them are Labs Deputy DirectorJohn Stichman and SSO Deputy Manager Kim Davis. The annualPEP is a major part of an effective contractor assurance systemthat provides confidence in Sandia’s ability to manage its ownwork. For FY07, Sandia’s overall performance was rated “out-standing” in the NNSA’s annual Performance Evaluation Report.

Other Public opinion pollsshow long-standingsupport for US nuclearweapon policy.

Sandia received excellent results in January 2007 for partic-ipation in the 2006 Diversity Maturity Model (DMM),resulting in a score of 3.3 (on a 5-point scale, 0.2 above the3.1 target), up from the 2.2 score earned in 2005. Theresults were similarly improved across Lockheed Martin,with all business units exceeding their targets. The 2006DMM Assessment Response Team received a TeamEmployee Recognition Award for its approach to the Diver-sity Maturity Model. (3500, 200, 3000, 3600, 9200, 10200,12100) IES

Sandia/California’s Life Design Center Preventive HealthPrograms captured the 2007 California Fit Business GoldAward. Sponsored by the California Task Force on Youthand Workplace Wellness, the award was created by Califor-nia State Senator Tom Torlakson’s office, with corporateand private sponsors. The Gold Award is the highest honorand is given to companies that demonstrate excellenceand creativity in nutrition, fitness, and site culture. Stafffrom the Life Design Center Preventive Health Programsand Health, Benefits, & Employee Services received theaward on Nov. 8, 2007. (8500) IES

Faced with escalating health care costs and declining carestandards, Health, Benefits, and Employee Services (HBE)contained costs while providing exceptional healthcarefor employees. HBE deploys a long-term cost control strat-

Human resources, finance, & legal

Management


quality, reliability, and convenience of receiving live andon-demand communications at the desktop have improved,with more than 100,000 streams in FY07. An industryreturn-on-investment study showed that streaming returnsalmost $4 in value for every $1 invested. (3600, 9300) IES

The Microsoft Project/Oracle Integration Tool, added tothe Oracle Project Modules, has demonstrated favorableresults during the FY08 budget call. The tool allows usersto import data from Microsoft Project directly into OracleProjects. A Nuclear Weapons business analyst uploadedalmost 700 financial tasks from a project plan in less thanone minute, saving many hours of manual keying. AnInternational Programs business analyst set up an FY08work breakdown structure for 65 projects in about anhour; this effort usually requires three to four days of dataentry.

DOE/NNSA issued final approval to Sandia for an exemp-tion from the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) thatauthorizes Sandia to use actual and reasonable costsinstead of per diem allowances for travel expenses due tothe demonstrated annual savings of approximately$750,000 over the past five years. This approval allowsSandians to continue saving taxpayer dollars by using theirjudgment when making spending decisions while ontravel. (10500) IES

Sandia completed full second-year implementation ofOMB Circular A-123, Appendix A, and provided reason-able assurance to DOE and NNSA that an adequate inter-nal controls structure exists for financial reporting. Thefinal assurance statement was delivered before the sched-uled milestone date. Teams consisted of a site assessmentteam, a laboratory cross-functional group of more than 60managers of various levels, financial process owners, andtesting teams of approximately 20 lab staff members. TheA-123 implementation team received a Turquoise Presi-dent’s Quality Award in FY06. IES

The corporate tax function aggressively pursued taxcredits based on tax questionnaires completed by programmanagers and financial analysts to reduce Sandia’s taxobligation. Over the past 12 years, Sandia has averaged acorporate tax rate of 3.11 percent. In FY07, the rate was2.82 percent, representing a savings of $6.5 million overthe historic average despite state and local tax increases inFY05, FY06, and FY07. (10500) IES

egy that includes prevention, consumerism, health-riskmodifications, and disease management. A blend of on-site and off-siteservices encour-ages a workplaceculture of individ-ual responsibility.Sandia wenttobacco-free inMarch 2007, forexample, andHBE’s smokingcessation programhas helpedemployees quitsmoking at successrates that are sig-nificantly higherthan the nationalcomparison rates.(3300) IES

The Video Services and Infrastructure Computing organi-zations implemented new video streaming functionalitysuch as interactivity, single sign-on, and full-resolutiongraphics. The Sandia Restricted Network was multicast-enabled to reduce bandwidth consumption. Usability,

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Sandia successfully implemented the Assure, Assess,and Improve Process (AAIP), which is the contractorassurance system (CAS) portion of the IntegratedLaboratory Management System (ILMS). AAIP com-pletes the implementation of the model contract atSandia. Implementation of the model contract hasresulted in improved management performance andeffectiveness, including cost savings/avoidances of$177 million since beginning the implementation ofthe Model Contract in FY04. (9700)

A system that integrates several processes and tools to pro-vide one web-enabled location for actions required to plan,authorize, track, and report (PLATR) nuclear weaponswork was developed by the Nuclear Weapons StrategicManagement Unit. PLATR facilitates the planning andmanagement of all FY08 and future work falling withinthe SMU. The PLATR team delivered the core planningcapability in May 2007, with subsequent functionalitydelivered throughout the summer. (200, 9500) NW

The Ethics Office gave 275 guidances and investi-gated 55 cases while improving its case closure rate,facilitating 100 percent Labs-wide completion ofannual ethics training, and sponsoring LockheedMartin Corporation investigator training. CorporateInvestigations completed 16 cases, conducted 48 pre-liminary inquiries, and assumed responsibility for theWorkplace Violence Program. Working to help shapethe ethics culture at the Labs, the Ethics and BusinessConduct Center conducted strategic planning studiesthat included focus groups from technical andadministrative staff and management. (12400)

Corporate Internal Audit teamed with two statisticalmodeling experts from Sandia’s Threat Analysis Tech-nologies department to pilot the application ofadvanced statistical modeling processes and tech-nologies in internal auditing. Together they exploredthe use of text mining, clustering, and predictive model-ing technologies. The results of this initial effort werepresented in competition with other best-practice nomi-nees at the DOE contractor internal audit directorsmeeting, where it placed second. Corporate InternalAudit will refine the techniques during FY08internal audits. (12800, 5600) IES

An effective contractor assurance system providesconfidence in Sandia’s ability to manage its own work,including the identification of root causes of problems.Akin to medicine, a correct diagnosis is essential to thesuccessful resolution of a problem. A collaborativeeffort led to recognition of the economic value of acorporate root cause analysis program, which isbeing established. A strong program results in lesstime and lower costs in correcting problems to thesatisfaction of DOE. (12800, 4100, 4200, 9700) IES

WFO/CRADA Agreements Dept. 9732 and WFO Finan-cial Management Dept. 10513 teamed with the SandiaBusiness School (SBS) to develop a suite of SBS coursesrelated to Work for Others (WFO). Sandia’s WFO pro-gram increased 86 percent in the past five years and isnow a major element of Sandia’s overall budget, result-ing in the need for more formalized training for WFOproject managers and business support personnel.Course content includes WFO policies, processes, andprocedures for WFO proposals, agreements, and projects,including financial management requirements.(9700, 10500)

ECP contributions supported United Way agencies such as St. Martin’s Hospitality Center,where homeless New Mexicans can find conversation, meals, employment services, andother assistance. (Photo by Randy Montoya)

Sandia’s medical clinics are part of ablend of on-site and off-site healthservices provided to employees.

For the last 15 years, Sandia has sponsored detailed publicopinion polls on national security issues such as deter-rence, nuclear weapon policy, terrorism, and energy secu-rity. The long-term nature of the program permits trendand causal analysis. Results suggest that there is substan-tial, long-standing support for US nuclear weapon policy,especially deterrence. The data also reveal some interestingtrends, such as increasing support for nuclear energy.Results support long-term planning and are available onthe ITS SMG website. (303) ITS

How can Sandia’s diverse expertise be best harnessed tosolve wicked problems? This issue was examined experi-mentally by comparing the effectiveness of individualversus group electronic brainstorming. Findings indi-cated that individuals produced significantly (p<0.05)better ideas than the group. Thus, although group partici-pation is often touted as providing synergistic benefit,these results suggest that individuals may perform betterin isolation. The results could impact future electronicinteractions within Sandia to find solutions to very diffi-cult problems. (12300, 1400, 6700) ST&E

Sandia’s Employee Caring Pro-gram (ECP) celebrated 50 yearsof giving to the United Way ofCentral New Mexico in 2007.The campaign total was$3,576,000 this year. Since1957 Sandians have donatedmore than $15 million to helpaddress community needs.More than 73 percent ofSandia employees participated.

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Lab Accomplish 2008