It is yet another historic first for an institution known for historic firsts as management of the Laboratory is transferred to Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS), a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, BWX Technologies and Washington Group International. Los Alamos has been managed by the University of California alone since its founding in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project.
"Building upon LANL's rich history and the accomplishments of its people, we now look toward an even brighter future," said incoming Laboratory Director Michael Anastasio.
"Every employee has a role in the success of Los Alamos National Laboratory and is critical to that success," said Anastasio. "Accomplishments are of greatest value when advancing our overall progress toward the institution's goals. Further, accomplishments are not solely the result of one person's efforts but rather the result of support the individual receives from others."
"With our highly skilled team of nuclear experts and industry leaders, we'll put top science and scholarship together with leadership, innovation and best business practices and a clear goal: make Los Alamos the premier national security science laboratory for the 21st century."
Following a rigorous bidding process, NNSA awarded LANS the management and operating contract on Dec. 21, 2005. Since that time, the new management organization has been preparing for today's transition by fulfilling all of the numerous and exacting requirements of the new contract as specified by NNSA -- retain the workforce, preserve great science, offer a "substantially equivalent" retirement and benefits package, and meet the current responsibilities for assessment and maintenance of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile.
During the transition, LANS has outlined its commitment to safety, security and science, its compensation package, hiring process, organizational structure, and business acumen through constant communication with Lab employees, all with the intent of making the transition to the new contract as seamless and worry-free for employees as possible.
The new contract runs from today through Sept. 30, 2013, may be renewed for up to 20 years, and includes a Maximum Available Performance Incentive Fee from the government of between $60 million and $73 million per year.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and the Washington Division of URS for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.