DoE Dusts Off Nuclear Response Rolodex for Emergencies
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Energy is bringing back a system called ARMS to keep track of people and gear ready to respond to nuclear emergencies. This affects workers and equipment involved in national safety and kicks in after April 23, 2026, unless public feedback says otherwise. No new costs are mentioned, but it helps the government stay prepared and quick in emergencies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
ARMS Collects Sensitive Personal Data
The Department of Energy is reestablishing the ARMS system to collect and store personally identifiable information for federal employees, NNSA employees, military personnel, contractors, and subcontractors. The system may hold names, home addresses, work and home phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, DOE badge and security clearance numbers, blood types, immunization and other medical information.
Very Long Data Retention Periods
Some ARMS records are currently unscheduled and will be retained as permanent until the National Archives approves a DOE records disposition schedule; other records will be destroyed between 3 and 250 years. This means your records in ARMS could be kept for decades or permanently.
Records May Be Shared With Many Agencies
ARMS records may be routinely disclosed to federal agencies such as the FBI, Department of Defense, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State when approved as agents by NNSA. Records can also be shared to obtain visas for official foreign travel, to gain access to incident areas, to state/local agencies for suspected legal violations, in litigation, and to DOE contractors who need the records.
Technical and Physical Security Safeguards
DOE will store ARMS records electronically and use safeguards such as role-based access, two-factor authentication or password protection, complex frequently-changed passwords, privacy and security training, NIST SP 800-53 controls, secured server facilities with guards, badges, and cameras, and locked storage for paper records.
You Can Request, Access, and Appeal Records
Individuals covered by ARMS may request copies of their records and can appeal a denial. Appeals of denials must be filed within 90 calendar days after receipt of the denial and are directed to the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals.
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