ASC (Advanced Simulation and Computing). The National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA’s) collaborative program between Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories to ensure the safety and reliability of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile.
CD-0 (Critical Decision 0). Begins the initiation phase of a project by approving mission need.
CD-1 (Critical Decision 1). Approves the definition phase of a project and provides authorization for the execution phase to begin.
CD-2 (Critical Decision 2). Marks the approval of the performance baseline and requires the preliminary design for all projects.
CD-3 (Critical Decision 3). Authorizes the use of all resources necessary, within budget, to execute a project.
CD-4 (Critical Decision 4). Approves project completion and initiates transition to operations.
CINT (Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies). A Department of Energy nanoscale science research center leveraging the expertise of Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.
CMRR (Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Replacement). A project relocating some mission-critical technical capabilities from the current Chemistry and Metallurgy Research building to the Radiological Laboratory/Utility/Office Building (RLUOB).
CSA (comprehensive safeguards agreement). An agreement with the IAEA where the IAEA has the right and obligation to ensure that safeguards are applied on all such nuclear material for the exclusive purpose of verifying that such material is not diverted to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices
DU (depleted uranium). Uranium with a lower content of the fissile isotope than natural uranium.
ECSE (Enhanced Capability for Subcritical Experiments). A LANL program geared toward understanding how plutonium reacts under extreme pressure from explosive shocks to ensure the safety and reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent without full-scale underground testing.
EPCU (Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade). A project to increase electrical power capacity to meet the peak seasonal power demand for the Lab and Los Alamos County.
EU (enriched uranium). Uranium in which the percent composition of uranium-235 (written 235U) has been increased through the process of isotope separation.
GBD-IIIF (Global Burst Detector IIIF). Payloads on GPS satellites that can monitor the globe and detect nuclear explosions, ensuring compliance with treaties like the Limited Test Ban Treaty.
HPC (high performance computing). A practice using supercomputers to solve advanced computational problems. The ability to process data and perform complex calculations at high speeds.
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). The IAEA is the international center for cooperation in the nuclear field. The Agency works with its member states and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
LAMP (LANSCE Modernization Project). A critical upgrade to LANSCE to ensure the facility’s readiness and reliability.
LAP4 (Los Alamos Plutonium Pit Production Project). An NNSA directive to produce 30 plutonium pits per year by 2026.
LLW (low-level waste). Items that have been contaminated with radioactive material or have become radioactive through exposure to neutron radiation.
NASA/RPS (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Radioisotope Power Systems). A type of nuclear energy technology used by NASA that uses heat produced by the natural radioactive decay of plutonium-238 to produce the electrical power for operating spacecraft systems.
PEI2 (PF-4 Equipment Installation-Phase 2). A subproject to upgrade operations at the Plutonium Facility.
pRad (proton radiography). The use of protons from the LANSCE accelerator facility to diagnose dynamic experiments.
RACR (Radiography/Assembly Complex Replacement). A project to consolidate and modernize existing radiography operations and assembly complex operations near major experimental facilities.
TLW (transuranic liquid waste). Liquid waste that contains manmade elements heavier than uranium.
USNDS (United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System). A national system to detect, locate, and report nuclear detonations in the Earth’s atmosphere, near space, or deep space in real time.
WCRR (Waste Characterization, Reduction, and Repackaging). A facility supporting the packaging and staging of low-level waste, mixed low-level waste, and hazardous waste in PF-4.