NNSA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) announced today it has selected PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC for the Management and Operating (M&O) contract for the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas.
PanTeXas Deterrence is a limited liability company, which consists of BWXT Technical Services Group, Inc. (BWXT TSG); Fluor Federal Services, Inc. (Fluor); SOC LLC (SOC); and the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS).
“For over 40 years, Pantex has been the nation’s primary nuclear weapon assembly and disassembly center, allowing the nuclear deterrent to stay safe, secure, and reliable at all times,” NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby said. “The selection of PanTeXas Deterrence through full and open competition will help us accelerate weapon delivery and technology insertion, execute our infrastructure modernization, and continuously improve safety and security.”
The contract includes a four-month transition period currently planned to start in mid-July 2024 and a five-year base period with three five-year options, for a total contract period of up to 20 years and four months if all options are exercised.
The estimated value of the contract is $1.5 billion annually.
NNSA has designed the contract and transition period to minimize the impact on workers at Pantex. Aside from a handful of top managers, the contract requires PanTeXas Deterrence to offer a position to all current employees it deems necessary for completing the requirements of the contract, and to offer the same pay to all employees who remain in their current positions. PanTeXas Deterrence will also be required to become the sponsor of the existing benefit plans.
The current M&O contract for the Y-12 National Security Complex and Pantex is held by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS). The Pantex portion of CNS’ contract expires on Septe. 30, 2024, and will be extended until the transition period is complete to provide stability for the workforce employed under the current contract, and to ensure efficient continuity of operations for the vital NNSA missions performed there.
The contract awarded to PanTeXas Deterrence presented the best value to the government when all factors were considered.
About NNSA
Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.