DOE News:LEXINGTON, KY ― The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that it has exercised its option to extend the contract with Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth LLC (FBP) for decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (GDP) for a period of 30 months beyond the current expiration date of Sept. 30, 2018.
The estimated value of the option period is approximately $850 million. The initial five-year base contract with FBP commenced in March 2011. An initial 30-month option was exercised on March 28, 2016. Today’s new option period will extend FBP’s current engagement through March 28, 2021. During the ensuing period, a follow-on contract for the D&D Project will be competitively procured.
The Department’s objective in exercising the option on the contract is to fulfill DOE’s requirement for the continuation of services and execution of the D&D Project, including deactivation and preparation for demolition and disposal of all GDP facilities, process equipment, related process buildings, and other ancillary facilities, and to continue environmental remediation, uranium stewardship, and community outreach programs.
In its determination for the option, the Department found that the option execution is the most cost-effective and best alternative for continued uninterrupted services as well as continuing momentum on important projects and workforce stability. The option also ensures accountability for excellent performance and cost containment.
