Strategic Planning


GEM has extensive experience in the development of strategic planning documentation.  Our planning objectives include maintaining the continuity and effectiveness of site/facility security, the integrity of safeguards and security at a manageable and realistic cost, and creation of a program “architecture” that aids adjustment to new technologies, staffing requirements, security missions and continuous improvement of processes.

GEM has provided planning assistance in adapting security operations to new missions and technologies and adjusting methods and procedures for maximum cost efficiency.  We have developed contingency plans covering adversary threats, review and update of SECON Level plans, demonstrations, and assured that Operations Security planning and assessment is conducted in support of the control of classified and unclassified sensitive information. 

We have also provided review, operational analysis, and planning for the development and implementation of security procedures, plans, and directives in support of specific mission requirements. GEM has extensive experience in the development of implementation changes to existing or new orders, directives, and manuals that are applicable to facility/site operations.  This includes development of plans and procedures to implement the program areas covered in Site Safeguards and Security Plans.  Documentation includes but is not limited to facility security plans, new and revised local policies and procedures, Biosafety facility plans, Design Basis Threat Implementation Plans, cyber security plans, and resource plans.

GEM has provided concept of operations and strategic plans necessary to counter adversary threats based upon the latest threat policy, intelligence reports, and activities of known penetrator groups.  GEM support of the defense-in-depth concept is based on use of Department of Defense Special Operations tactics derived from real life threat environments.  To ensure the defense-in-depth concept, GEM has developed plans that address all aspects of the protection of classified matter and sensitive information, special nuclear materials, nuclear weapons, and critical operations.  When updating safeguards and security plans and procedures, GEM has ensured all identified vulnerabilities and compliance deficiencies are adequately addressed and mitigated. 

The Site Safeguards and Security Plant (SSSP) is a management document, used by the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration, which provides summary information to describe safeguards and security programs, vulnerabilities, system effectiveness, and proposed upgrades. GEM has extensive experience in the completion of Volumes I and II (all 13 chapters) of the SSSP.

Prior to the development of the SSSP, GEM developed a SSSP Program Plan that detailed the scope, approach, schedule, and milestones for the completion of the SSSP. GEM conducted a review of all local safeguards and security policies, procedures, and implementation directives to assure proper coverage of and consistency with applicable Federal orders, manuals, and directives. We used these policies, procedures, and directives in formulating Volume I, the first 11 Chapters of the SSSP.  In doing so, we interviewed and worked closely with customer subject matter experts in the formulation of each Chapter of Volume I the SSSP.

GEM has taken the results of the facility/site vulnerability analysis, as set forth in the vulnerability analysis report, and completed Volume II, Chapter 12, Summary of the Vulnerability Assessment and System Effectiveness Results.  Chapter 12 summarizes the system effectiveness of the baseline and proposed protection posture against defined threat(s) with recommended upgrades in place to address vulnerabilities.

GEM has extensive experience in the completion of the SSSP Resource Plan (Chapter 13 of the SSSP), as well as identifying near and long-term upgrades and required funding to assure the integrity of adequate protection posture/system effectiveness. We have made sure that Chapter 13 is in accordance with and updated consistent with the approved site/facility Design Basis Threat Implementation Plan.

Once the SSSP was drafted, GEM coordinated with the customer for review, comment resolution, and editing of the SSSP in preparation for formal submission and approval.

back to Safeguards & Security main page