The DNDO coordinates efforts, including deployment of technology, to detect and report unauthorized attempts to possess, import or transport nuclear weapons or radiological material for use in an attack. Its mission includes developing detection system architecture and recommending ways to plug gaps, conducts engineering development and procurement of nuclear detection systems and assesses the operational performance of technology and agencies in the field. The office works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on deployment of radiation portal monitors, including the troubled development of next-generation detectors. It is also trying to develop radiation detectors the Coast Guard can use at sea to detect the presence of radiological material on small boats or commercial vessels. It is also developing a nuclear forensics center to search for clues of nuclear trafficking.
Stern served until March as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Incident and Emergency Center, where he led the effort to prepare for and respond to nuclear and radiation emergencies, and is a senior advisor to the assistant secretary of state for international security and nonproliferation.
He began his career in 1985 at the Central Intelligence Agency, then served nine years as the senior technical advisor in the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.
Stern later served as a fellow in Sen. Hillary Clinton’s office in 2003, providing guidance on nuclear energy, waste, safety and security issues and helping to write the Dirty Bomb Prevention Act. He was the State Department’s senior coordinator for nuclear safety and deputy director of the Office of Nuclear Energy, Safety and Security before heading to the IAEA in August 2006.
The DNDO was headed by Vayl Oxford during the Bush administration.
