The National Nuclear Security Administration awarded but then rescinded a contract to manage and operate the Nevada National Security Site, where some waste from Oak Ridge is shipped.
The NNSA, a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy, awarded the contract to manage and operate the Nevada National Security Site, or NNSS, to Nevada Site Science Support and Technologies Corporation, or NVS3T, on August 26, a statement said. The winning proposal identified NVS3T as a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.
In making the award, NNSA evaluated past performance and other factors based upon the proposal as submitted, the statement said. The award was valued at $5 billion over 10 years if all options were exercised.
But after the award was made, DOE and NNSA learned that Leidos Innovations Corporation had acquired NVS3T from Lockheed Martin.
“NVS3T did not notify the NNSA contracting officer of the change in ownership and control as required by the request for proposal,” the statement said. “This change in ownership raises substantial questions about the information in the NVS3T proposal, which could significantly impact the evaluation of the proposal and award decision.”
Accordingly, NNSA has decided to rescind the award to NVS3T, said the statement, which was issued August 31.
“This allows the current procurement action to continue,” the statement said. “In the interest of fairness, NNSA will reconsider all offers previously received in response to the request for proposals. In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations, NNSA cannot comment on the details of individual proposals, negotiations, or proposal evaluations.
“As we proceed with the procurement, the current contract with National Security Technologies LLC, or NSTec, will remain in place until performance begins on a new contract. This development will not have an impact on NNSS’ workforce or on its ability to execute its national security missions.”
During a celebration of final demolition at the K-27 Building in Oak Ridge last week, cleanup executives said some waste from that building that didn’t meet the waste disposal criteria for the Environmental Management Waste Management Facility on Bear Creek Road in Oak Ridge was packaged and shipped to the Nevada National Security Site.
The 1,360-square mile NNSS is described as an experimental testing facility and training ground supporting a variety of nuclear nonproliferation and advanced-technology missions vital to national security. It is involved in scientific experiments supporting the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program, and it provides radiological/nuclear emergency response capabilities and training, and—as a former nuclear test site—also serves as a major center for research and development advancing international nuclear monitoring and verification capabilities.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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