BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -The Texas A&M University System has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to help manage and operate the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. This announcement is part of a larger $30 billion contract awarded to PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, a joint venture led by BWX Technologies, Inc.
PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, includes BWXT Technical Services Group, Inc., Fluor Federal Services, Inc., SOC LLC, and the Texas A&M University System. The contract, which will begin with a four-month transition period starting in mid-July 2024, has an estimated value of $1.5 billion annually and can be extended for up to 20 years if all options are exercised.
John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M System, expressed pride in the university’s involvement. “It is a privilege to be part of the management of another component of the country’s nuclear deterrent,” Sharp said. “We take our national security responsibilities seriously, and we will bring the same level of care and expertise to Pantex as we have done for the past several years to Los Alamos.”
The Texas A&M System’s inclusion in this contract highlights its ongoing role in national security. The System is already a member of Triad National Security LLC, the team managing the Los Alamos National Laboratory. This experience will be invaluable as the university joins efforts to maintain the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile at Pantex.
The Pantex Plant, located near Amarillo, plays a crucial role in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise. Responsibilities at the plant include nuclear weapons life extension programs, surveillance, assembly and dismantlement, high explosive component development and testing, and interim storage and surveillance of plutonium pits.
Heatherly Dukes, president of BWXT’s Technical Services Group, emphasized the significance of the PanTeXas Deterrence team. “The PanTeXas Deterrence team was purpose-built to bring the very best of industry experience together to meet crucial global security imperatives,” Dukes said. “We look forward to getting started with a strong emphasis on safe and secure operations in full support of NNSA’s integrated Nuclear Security Enterprise.”
The current Management and Operating contract for Pantex, held by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, will expire on September 30, 2024. The transition to PanTeXas Deterrence is designed to minimize disruption for the workforce and ensure continuity of operations at the plant.
Vice Chancellor for Research Joe Elabd says during their recent management role at Los Alamos, Texas A&M achieved one of the highest ratings ever received at the laboratory. He says it’s an achievement that underscores their dedication to enhancing national security through impactful research and education initiatives.
“With the Los Alamos Management and contract, they recently received one of the best ratings they’ve ever received in the history of the laboratory. And because of our excellent stewardship of that laboratory, now when teams form to go after bids for new DOE facilities that are up for bid, we are being approached by many people now because of our excellent reputation in this space,” said Elabd.
“We really lean in the management and operation. We have a lot of people from our top leadership who dedicate a lot of our time and resources to the management and operation of Los Alamos, and we will do the same for the Pantex plant as well. We become a trusted partner in the national security enterprise.”
The Texas A&M University System, with a budget of $7.3 billion and a network of 11 universities, a comprehensive health science center, and eight state agencies, continues to be a vital contributor to both state and national initiatives.
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