Dr. William Conwell, Deputy Associate Administrator for Budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration, discusses the importance of the budget and the challenges of managing the nuclear security enterprise. The budget is allocated to five major national security endeavors, including maintaining the nuclear weapons stockpile, reducing global nuclear threats, and strengthening science and technology capabilities. Modernizing the nuclear security infrastructure is a key focus. The budget is divided into four appropriations, with the largest portion allocated to weapons activities. The budgeting process involves working closely with the Nuclear Weapons Council and other agencies to determine requirements. Challenges include workforce recruitment and retention, accurate cost estimation, and managing organizational changes.

Dr. Conw ...