Kathy Keith

As the process for choosing a new M&O contractor begins, the Lab’s mission and support for community partners continues.

Northern New Mexico community leaders may have seen that on July 13 the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) released a draft request for proposals (RFP) for the next management and operations (M&O) contract for the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This draft RFP is a key step in the process the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will follow to choose a new contractor to manage and operate the Laboratory when the current contract with Los Alamos National Security (LANS) expires Sept. 30, 2018. The NNSA is inviting prospective bidders to submit questions and other feedback on the document by 11 a.m. EDT July 26.

This is not the first time the Laboratory Management and Operating (M&O) contract has been put out to bid. As many of you may recall, the last transition took place in 2006. Speaking to Laboratory staff recently, Laboratory Director Charlie McMillan said, “The work that you do at Los Alamos on behalf of our nation will transcend the contract changeover. We must continue to execute our national security mission safely and securely while the NNSA works to complete their process.”

Los Alamos has a long history—next year will mark our 75^th anniversary—and through the contract transition the Laboratory will continue to focus on its mission, including planning for the future, and working with the broader Northern New Mexico community. The crucial work the Laboratory undertakes will continue.

The transition process is being managed by the NNSA for the DOE and is expected to culminate in October 2018. Throughout this period the Laboratory’s Community Partnerships Office will remain engaged with our neighbors and will continue to share news about the process as it is shared by the NNSA.

There is also another important contract transition underway at the Laboratory: the Environmental Management (EM) cleanup of legacy waste. We are currently awaiting additional information on the announcement of a new contractor for those efforts.

If you have any questions about LANS’ community commitments during the M&O contract transition, please email me directly at kkeith@lanl.gov.