National Nuclear Security Administration begins work on security, assessment program

Updates are on the way for the existing perimeter intrusion detection and assessment system (PIDAS) and other security features at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee, care of a $100 million endeavor from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Groundbreaking for the Security Infrastructure Revitalization Program (SIRP) was announced last week as part of a multi-year effort at improvement. PIDAS, a major focus of this update, was first installed at the Y-12 complex in 1988. While that original security system has remained robust, according to the NNSA, the modernization push incorporates new technologies to improve it further. Updates were pushed by the NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Security and built by Sandia National Laboratory’s Physical Security Center of Excellence.

“We’ve been planning some of these projects for several years, so it’s exciting to see them move to implementation,” Teresa Robbins, NNSA Production Office manager, said. “This modernization effort enhances our protection of this vital national security facility.”

In addition to PIDAS updates, SIRP will also help upgrade entry booths, vehicles, and pedestrian access to the protected grounds of the Y-12 complex. As it does, it will interface with other ongoing upgrades to the site.

All projects under the SIRP umbrella will likely be completed by late 2025.

The National Nuclear Security Administration this week held the groundbreaking of the multi-year Security Infrastructure Revitalization Program at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee. The project will replace a portion of the existing perimeter intrusion detection and assessment system, known as PIDAS, and upgrade other security features.

In addition to replacing a portion of the PIDAS, the project will also upgrade entry booths and modify the vehicle and pedestrian access to the protected area. The program also interfaces with other site upgrades, including the West End Protected Area Reduction Project, which broke ground last spring.

The SIRP portfolio of projects is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.