New UPF project director replaces Strock, who is retiring

Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC announced last week that Brian Reilly will become project director for the Uranium Processing Facility.

CNS is the new contractor that will manage and operate the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge and Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, starting this summer.

A press release said Reilly has 34 years of commercial nuclear engineering, procurement, and construction leadership and project management experience. A Bechtel senior vice president, Reilly managed Bechtel’s global nuclear operations for six years and has led numerous nuclear projects from conceptual studies and design through all aspects of engineering, procurement, and construction.

“The Uranium Processing Facility is critical to national security and must be delivered safely, securely, and efficiently,” said Jim Haynes, CNS chief executive officer. “Brian’s experience, industry leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to continuous improvement will be important factors in working with our customer to analyze alternative approaches and then execute the chosen design.”

Reilly replaces retired Lt. Gen. Carl Strock, who is retiring after 43 years of government and private sector service. His distinguished career includes serving as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and later as the corporate manager of construction for Bechtel.

“Carl’s leadership was critical for maintaining the confidence of the customer and UPF employees during this period of change,” Haynes said. “The initiation of site readiness and construction activities during his tenure provides a strong foundation for the UPF team to continue to build upon.”

CNS said federal officials are making key decisions about the future of the UPF, and there will be changes to the UPF design, based on UPF team input and recommendations from a so-called Red Team.

“Over the near term, the UPF team will continue to focus on design activity,” CNS spokesperson Jason Bohne said. “Carl Strock came to UPF to lead construction of the existing design, but with alternative designs under consideration, making the change now makes sense for the project, and for Carl. Brian Reilly will be able to participate in UPF decisions and execute the outcomes with full ownership.”

Consolidated Nuclear Security will manage design and construction of the Uranium Processing Facility for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration effective July 1. CNS will also then manage and operate Y-12 and Pantex, key facilities that maintain the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.

Consolidated Nuclear Security’s members include Bechtel National Inc., Lockheed Martin Services Inc., ATK Launch Systems Inc., and SOC LLC, with Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., as a teaming subcontractor. The consortium will assume responsibility for managing and operating these government facilities from B&W Pantex and B&W Y‐12—both companies owned by Babcock and Wilcox Co. and Bechtel National Inc.—following a four-month contract transition.

See Reilly’s bio here.