SOC image. Courtesy/SOC

Negotiations are going down to the wire as the contract for SOC LLC to provide protective force services to Los Alamos National Laboratory ends April 25. 

SOC LLC was awarded a three year contract in 2010 with two one-year extension options at a total value of about $251 million. 

LANL spokesperson Kevin Roark said in a statement to the Los Alamos Daily Post: “While we still are hoping that SOC-LA – the protective force subcontractor for Los Alamos National Laboratory – can resolve this labor situation, in anticipation of a possible work interruption SOC-LA has developed a comprehensive contingency plan to fully address physical security needs at the Laboratory. 

“As part of the plan, the Laboratory has worked closely with SOC-LA and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to assemble a security police officer augmentation force that includes current Laboratory employees who are fully trained and certified to act as Protective Force officers, SOC-LA supervisors, and officers from other DOE/NNSA sites. Members of the augmentation force have begun training to assume post and patrol duties on April 25, if necessary.

“In a work interruption, SOC-LA and the Laboratory are fully prepared to execute the contingency plan and will ensure the Laboratory remains open and secure and that national security interests are protected – including the safety and security of special nuclear materials.”

Attempts to reach a representative from International Guards Union of America Local 69 for comment have thus far been unsuccessful.

SOC LLC, operating as SOC Los Alamos, was previously known as Protection Technology Los Alamos or PTLA.