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CNS resumes takeover of nuclear plants

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 10 (UPI) -- Preparations for Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC to manage and operate two U.S. nuclear plants are restarting following dismissal of contract award protests.

Lockheed Martin, a partner firm in CNS, said losing bidders for a five-year award to manage and operate the National Nuclear Security Administration's Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, and Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn., had protested last year's contract decision but the U.S. Government Accountability Office ruled against them for the third time late last month.

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"Bechtel, Lockheed Martin, ATK, SOC, and Booz Allen Hamilton have site knowledge, technical leadership and experience with high-hazard operations that will lead Pantex and Y-12 to complete the critical mission," said Jim Haynes, CNS chief executive officer. "Our team has maintained a high state of readiness to effect a smooth transition, and we are committed to delivering our work during transition and the length of our contract to the highest standards of safety, security, and efficiency."

Lockheed Martin Services Inc., Bechtel National Inc., ATK Launch Systems Inc. and SOC LLC -- with sub-contractor Booz Allen Hamilton -- are part of CNS.

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The five-year base contract includes options for an additional five years.

"Lockheed Martin has a rich history in providing critical mission support and information management capabilities for the Department of Energy, including the Hanford site in Washington state, as well as operations management at the Sandia National Laboratory," said Frank Armijo, vice president of energy solutions at Lockheed Martin's Information Systems and Global Solutions. "As part of the CNS team, we look forward to leveraging that experience to support the NNSA's critical mission."

Pantex is responsible for nuclear weapons life extension programs, weapons dismantlement, development, testing, and fabrication of high explosive components, and storage and surveillance of plutonium pits. Y-12 is responsible for uranium storage, processing and manufacturing operations.

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