The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is a jointly staffed office within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. DNDO is the primary entity in the U.S. government for implementing domestic nuclear detection efforts for a managed and coordinated response to radiological and nuclear threats, as well as integration of federal nuclear forensics programs. Additionally, DNDO is charged with coordinating the development of the global nuclear detection and reporting architecture, with partners from federal, state, local, and international governments and the private sector.
Mission
Prevent nuclear terrorism by continuously improving capabilities to deter, detect, respond to, and attribute attacks, in coordination with domestic and international partners.
Strategic Goals
- Champion and lead the development of a unified United States Government strategy for a robust Global Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA) and effective National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) capabilities
- Invest in and develop innovative technologies to meet partner requirements and make operations better
- Strengthen GNDA and NTNF operations, ensuring readiness
- DNDO will be an organization that others use as a benchmark, in terms of staff expertise, opportunities, and morale
Organization and Leadership
Mr. James F. McDonnell is the Director of DNDO. DNDO is organized toward addressing key mission areas while meeting the functional objectives outlined in its founding Presidential Directive.