Support for NNSA’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program
Background
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a key agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is tasked with enhancing national security, maintaining the safety and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, reducing global threats from weapons of mass destruction, providing the U.S. Navy with safe nuclear propulsion, and responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies both domestically and internationally. Summit Exercises and Training (SummitET), a preparedness solutions company with a longstanding partnership supporting DOE/NNSA since 2014, was awarded a new contract to assist with the Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) at NNSA field offices and sites.
Mission
The mission of this initiative was to proactively safeguard NNSA employees by establishing, developing, and implementing a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Program. The program aimed to foster a culture of safety and preparedness, ensuring all personnel were equipped to prevent and respond effectively to potential workplace violence incidents.
Solution
SummitET collaborated closely with the NNSA to deliver a suite of services, including specialized training, consultation, threat assessment, and intervention protocols as part of the WVPP. The partnership was designed to build organizational capacity, enhance staff awareness, and establish robust procedures for identifying and mitigating threats. According to Cliff Gordon, Assistant Manager for Safeguards & Security at the NNSA Sandia Field Office, “The training to be developed as part of this program will help NNSA take a proactive approach toward safeguarding our employees.”
Result
Through SummitET’s involvement, the NNSA advanced its commitment to employee safety by embedding a prevention-focused culture within its operations. The comprehensive training and protocols provided by SummitET equipped NNSA staff with the tools and knowledge necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond to workplace violence. This proactive strategy not only reduced risk but also demonstrated the agency’s dedication to the well-being of its workforce. SummitET’s ongoing support for other DOE/NNSA programs further strengthened the collaborative relationship and the overall security posture of the organization.
Conclusion
SummitET’s partnership with the NNSA exemplifies the importance of proactive, organization-wide initiatives in workplace violence prevention. By investing in specialized training and robust protocols, NNSA set a standard for safety and preparedness in high-security environments. As John Duda, CEO of SummitET, stated, “NNSA’s commitment to establishing and training a workplace violence prevention culture demonstrates a proactive approach to reduce risk and care for the safety of their employees.” This case highlights the critical role of collaboration and preparedness in safeguarding both personnel and national interests.
Read about Isotope Crossroads with DOE, NNSA, FBI and ORS.
