Triad National Security to begin operating Los Alamos National Laboratory

Triad National Security, LLC was awarded a $25 billion contract last month to operate the Los Alamos National Laboratory by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DoE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Consisting of Battelle, the University of California and Texas A&M University, Triad National Security was notified by NNSA that it could launch the transition process on July 5. Additional partners include Fluor Federal Services, Huntington Ingalls Industries/Stoller Newport News, Longenecker & Associates, TechSource, Strategic Management Solutions and Merrick & Company.

“We are honored by DOE’s decision to award the Los Alamos National Laboratory management and operations contract to our team,” Battelle President and CEO Lou Von Thaer said. “We have the lab management experience to make a difference, and I’m committing the resources of Battelle to help ensure the success of this contract.”

The contract includes an initial five-year term and up to five one-year extensions. The estimated value is $2.5 billion over the 10-year life of the contract. Thom Mason, senior vice president for global laboratory operations at Battelle, will serve as director designate during the lab’s transition.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as director-designate of one of the world’s leading scientific institutions, that is working at the forefront of science to solve complex nuclear security and energy challenges,” Mason said. “I look forward to working closely with NNSA, the current management team, laboratory staff and community members to carry out a seamless transition that advances the laboratory’s long legacy of scientific excellence in service to the nation.”

Los Alamos National Security currently operates the laboratory under a contract slated to expire in September. A four-month extension will be used to help ease the transition.

“We’re both honored and excited to have this opportunity,” Ron Townsend, executive vice president for global laboratory operations at Battelle, said. “We recognize the importance of the nuclear mission and understand the challenge and the opportunity. Our experience and proven track record in lab management, along with the experience of our partners, provide NNSA with a team that will drive appropriate culture change, improve safety and execute the lab’s mission with distinction.”