In June 2024, the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced it has selected PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC – a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies subsidiary, which includes Fluor; SOC LLC; and The Texas A&M University System – to manage and operate the Pantex Plant. The Pantex Plant is the primary US site for assembly of nuclear weapons.
The contract involves an initial term of five years and may span up to 20 years, with an estimated value of $1.5 billion annually. The award comes after a long search for a new manager after NNSA ended its deal with Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) for failing to meet safety and security standards, amounting to “unacceptable risk” in 2020. The current contract held by CNS is set to expire on September 30 and will be extended until the transition period is complete.
BWX Technologies is a supplier of nuclear components, services and fuel. In addition to the newly awarded Pantex Plant contract, it is part of the team that manages and operates the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, responsible for the life-extension and modification of US nuclear warheads.
Fluor is an engineering and construction company. Through Savannah River Nuclear Solutions it is responsible for the management and operation of the production of critical components for nuclear weapons. Fluor also supports, as a subcontractor of the Triad National Security joint venture, the work performed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, responsible for the nuclear design and life extension programs of nuclear warheads. The Texas A&M University System is one of the main contractors of Triad National Security.
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