Press Releases

As part of ongoing outreach to business owners and potential vendors, Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) representatives will host a Partners in Excellence (PIE) Forum on Thursday, June 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. CDT. During the virtual event, leaders will offer attendees information about successfully doing business with the Pantex Plant in Texas and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee.

Ben Skipper, executive director of aerospace and defense programs for the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will offer the keynote address. He earned his doctorate in Management from Auburn University and holds an M.S. in Logistics Management from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology. His current research interests include supply chain disruption and disruption avoidance, supply chain strategy, and supply chain leadership. His talk will focus on supply chain disruption and business impacts.

Free event series explains government contracting
The event is free and open to all, but registration is required via WebEx. .

CNS procurement leaders will share site information, requirements, and upcoming opportunities with potential vendors and subcontractors. Other speakers include Drake Russell, National Nuclear Security Administration acting management and operating policy manager; Bill Tindal, CNS chief operating officer; John O’Connell, Supply Chain Management Center (SCMC) principal customer programs leader; and Robert Leuszler, SCMC senior manager.

CNS began the PIE event series in 2018 to explain the government contract solicitation process, which is sometimes considered complex and cumbersome for businesses, particularly newcomers and small businesses. Since the pandemic began, CNS has demonstrated a commitment to business partnership by holding the events virtually.

“With this virtual event, we are hoping to reach businesses in Texas, Tennessee, and across the country,” said Greta Ownby, Y-12 Small Business Program manager. “We hold smaller workshops with invitations targeted based on agenda content, but PIE forums like this one are a great way for us to reach a broader audience of business owners.”

Sites award more than $1 billion in subcontracts annually
Each year, CNS awards more than $1 billon in subcontracts to businesses that help accomplish specialized tasks in support of our vital national security mission.

“Our goal is to increase the capacity and capability of our contractor base to support our small project execution,” said Cindy Morgan, director of CNS Supply Chain Business Management. “In our world, small projects are defined as $50 million or less.”

While CNS has a focus on modernizing the aging infrastructure of Pantex and Y-12, the company doesn’t only need construction contractors.

“We purchase a variety of goods and services from small and large businesses, and we need vendors for everything from general office supplies to information technology and staff augmentation,” said Randy Crawford, Pantex Small Business Program manager.

Gain business knowledge, network with business owners
The PIE events are a chance for CNS leaders to break down the requirements for doing business with Pantex and Y-12 and share upcoming opportunities. During a previous PIE event, Bill Tindal provided an overview of the Pantex and Y-12 site histories and explained why the company uses subcontractors as partners.

There’s also a chance to network with fellow business owners to encourage partnerships. “Sometimes a small business is not able to bond for a large job, but they have the expertise and skills that a larger business does not,” said Morgan. “Providing a chance to network encourages those businesses to work together and submit a joint bid.”

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. CNS member companies include Bechtel National, Inc.; Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, Inc.; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Allison Roberts
Communications
Office (806) 573.0501
allison.roberts@pantex.doe.gov

Program completed for sole cruise missile-delivered weapon

AMARILLO, Texas – The last production unit for the W80-1 Alteration (Alt) 369 weapon was recently completed at Pantex following extensive planning, collaboration, and work execution. After several years of developing the design, the first production unit was completed in late 2017. The final production unit was completed in early May 2021, while maintaining all COVID-19 precautions and protocols.

The Alt 369 Program was a major collaborative effort among Pantex, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Headquarters, the NNSA Production Office, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Kansas City National Security Campus, and the Savannah River Site. The program team solved multiple technical issues and overcame unprecedented challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The completion of this program was the culmination of multiple years of effort at Pantex along with support from all across the Nuclear Security Enterprise,” said Pantex Site Manager Todd Ailes. “To be able to complete this Alt here at Pantex, especially during COVID, is an amazing effort. Even in a pandemic and facing its unique challenges presented to the team during production, we prevailed. When those challenges occurred, our team looked at unique ways to resolve any issue and did so successfully.”

The W80-1 Alt 369 program received top priority as a Tier One Project, resulting in complete support for the continued production schedule. During the pandemic, NNSA began categorizing production priorities to ensure the highest priority mission needs were preserved. Tier One projects received top priority, resulting in complete support for the continued production schedule of the designated program.

“We had a great team of Pantexans assembled, and the pandemic was a big challenge for all of us,” said Chad Hall, Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) Production Manager of the W80 Alt 369. “Our team developed a protocol that allowed us to work in a safe environment, and it allowed us to continue these very important mission operations.”

This Alt replaced critical components and upgraded hardware to sustain the weapon system. Although surveillance work on the W80-1 Alt 369 will continue throughout the life of the program, the program of record is completed.

“Having been associated with this effort since the first Alt 369 unit was completed in 2017, this milestone triggered many memories of the efforts, the challenges, the successes, and most importantly, the people involved. It is truly a significant accomplishment involving many sites and many people,” said Steve Ufford, CNS Stockpile Systems manager.

“In the context of America’s Nuclear Triad of air, land, and sea weapons, it's an air-delivered weapon system. It's mated into an air launch cruise missile warhead that is launched from a B-52, the only such system to be carried on a cruise missile in the Nation’s stockpile. This ensures our Nation and its nuclear deterrence is maintained,” said Michael Morgan, NNSA Cruise Missile team lead.

“Completion of the W80-1 Alt 369 unit is a major milestone and significant accomplishment for the Nuclear Security Enterprise. Completing this last unit represents years of effort by multiple stakeholders across the Enterprise. This milestone ensures that we have a safe, reliable nuclear deterrent,” said Jessica Holloway, director of NNSA for Air Delivered Weapons Division.

Because of this successful effort, NNSA will be able to sustain the W80-1 system until its replacement system can be fielded in the future through its Major Modernization activities.

“Now that this is completed, we can move resources to the next systems,” Melissa Moore, CNS Program Manager for the W80-1 Alt 369, said. “There is a group that will support other Major Modernization efforts, such as the B61-12, the W88 Alt 370, and the W80-4, which will be the next iteration of this particular weapon system.”

This milestone marks another example of the National Security Enterprise coming together to meet the Nation’s national security needs, and demonstrates CNS's commitment to adapt and deliver.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. CNS member companies include Bechtel National, Inc.; Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, Inc.; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

WASHINGTON - The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced its intention to extend the current contract for the management and operation of the NNSA’s Pantex Plant (Pantex) in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on June 1. The extension will include a two-month base period with four, one-month option periods which may be exercised if needed.

Read the full release on the NNSA website.

After taking a deep breath to appreciate the achievements of his team and consider his next steps, NNSA Production Office (NPO) Manager Geoffrey L. Beausoleil stepped out into retirement April 30.

NPO serves as the federal oversight for the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. As manager, Beausoleil was responsible for the overall administration of the management and operating contract for Pantex and Y-12, the day-to-day administration of the NPO, and oversight of plant operations.

Read the full press release on the NNSA website.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) will be hosting a virtual hiring event Wednesday, June 23, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Registration is available from now until the day of the event.

We strongly encourage job seekers to register and submit resumes before the day of the event.

Read the full press release on the NNSA website.

NNSA is off to a strong start in 2021. From supporting new technologies to critical infrastructure projects, NNSA's achievements between January and April of this year have advanced its vital national security mission. Concurrently, NNSA's labs, plants, and sites have continued to ensure the effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent while also making significant and lasting economic impacts on their communities, their states, and ultimately, our Nation.

Read full press release on the NNSA website.

NNSA celebrates the 51st anniversary of Earth Day across the Nuclear Security Enterprise

Last year was a big one. The United States celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. But the follow-up to any notable event is just as significant. That’s why this year, NNSA celebrated the 51st anniversary of Earth Day by honoring sustainability accomplishments from our sites across the country and highlighting achievements right here at “home.”

NNSA's Office of Safety, Infrastructure, and Operations has a small but dedicated team that works tirelessly to employ groundbreaking energy efficiency programs at NNSA sites, saving taxpayers millions of dollars while reducing energy use across the Enterprise.

Read full press release on the NNSA website.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) announced a major milestone in the dispositioning over 100 facilities at its Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas.

“For years now, we’ve been strategically removing legacy equipment and materials, packaging and shipping contaminated waste, and demolishing outdated facilities,” said Jim McConnell, Associate Administrator for NNSA’s Office of Safety, Infrastructure, and Operations. “Disposition means far more than just demolition, and this milestone represents NNSA’s commitment to legacy risk reduction and modernization.”

Read full press release on the NNSA website.

Pantex, Y12 honored for purchasing sustainable products

Amarillo, Texas— It’s not easy being green, but it’s getting easier … at least at Pantex and Y-12. Both sites were recently recognized with a GreenBuy award from the U.S. Department of Energy for fiscal year 2020.

Both sites, managed by Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) received the Silver award, meaning the sites met the goals of purchasing or using a minimum of six sustainable products in at least three product categories. Pantex had eight products in three different categories, and Y-12 achieved seven products in four different categories. Categories range from lowering health and environmental impacts to reducing maintenance and waste management costs.

Sherith Hudson, CNS Sustainable Acquisition program lead said, “During FY20, our sites continued their focus on electronic recycling; purchased concrete, paper towels/toilet tissue with recycled content, as well as electronic equipment as Priority Products; and transitioned to a bio-based dielectric fuel at Y-12.”

Sustainability practices have expanded

Both sites’ focus has increased from recycling, or managing waste, to purchasing sustainable products. According to Hudson, receiving recognition for sustainable purchasing helps guide the program toward more challenging opportunities. Site representatives agree.

“Previously, Y-12 only reported the amount of recycled content and bio-based products procured each year,” said Jan Jackson, manager of Y-12 Sustainability and Stewardship. “Now we actively participate in selecting the sustainable products to be used on projects around the site. Through the CNS Sustainable Acquisition Program, we support the overall goals of green purchasing.”

Alicia Barley of Pantex Environmental Compliance said, “At Pantex, the site has evolved from managing waste (recycling) to managing purchases also. Prioritizing the purchase of recycled content or bio-based products when possible can really contribute to our overall sustainability.”

“Procuring materials that meet sustainable requirements allows CNS to minimize the use of natural resources, meaning we leave a smaller/lighter footprint on the earth,” Hudson said.

Learn more about the GreenBuy Award Program and its recognition of DOE sites for excellence in “green purchasing.”

Both Y-12 and Pantex received a Silver Green Buy award from the U.S, Department of Energy. To earn this award, the sites met the goals of purchasing or using a minimum of six sustainable products in at least three product categories.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. CNS member companies include Bechtel National, Inc.; Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, Inc.; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Automation Technology, Main Sail honored for support of Pantex and Y-12

Amarillo, Texas.— Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) is pleased to recognize two small businesses for making a big impact on the success of the Pantex Plant and Y-12 National Security Complex. CNS operates those two sites in support of the National Nuclear Security Administration.

In a virtual awards ceremony held on April 14, 2021, CNS recognized Automation Technology, Inc. as the Pantex Small Business of the Year for 2020 and Main Sail, LLC as the Y-12 Small Business of the Year for 2020.

Automation Technology, a family-owned small business in Cantonment, Florida, was nominated by three Pantex subcontract administrators for their timely and open communication, efficiency in filling orders, and great customer service. With only six employees, Automation Technology has supplied a variety of commercial off-the-shelf and hard-to-find items to Pantex for approximately 30 years, including some used during the weapons process that require the utmost quality.

“I’m blown away by this honor,” said Automation Technology President Rusty Knowles. “It demonstrates that our personal approach to business is recognized and appreciated.”

Main Sail, founded in 2001, is a veteran-owned small business that provides integrated technology business enterprise services to government and commercial clients by evaluating business needs to develop and implement solutions.

“The customer service we received from Main Sail is above and beyond, so their selection as our Small Business of the Year was an easy one,” said Marisa Parkes, Procurement Operations subcontract administrator. “Main Sail has several subcontracts with CNS, from SAP® integration to development of a new air emissions tracking system (AETS) system, and they always get the job done.”

Expressing appreciation for the award, Main Sail Partner Scott Harris said, “The Main Sail team takes great pride in supporting the CNS Information Solutions & Services organization, helping their efforts to streamline operational efficiencies and implement new system functionality. We are fortunate to work with a great group of people at CNS and appreciative of this recognition for our role supporting the mission.”

Using subcontractor expertise is often the best use of taxpayer dollars, so CNS uses small businesses in a range of diverse roles, from staff augmentation services to construction support work. During fiscal year 2020, CNS spent $532 million on goods and services at Pantex, Y-12, and the Uranium Processing Facility at Y-12, which is more than 70 percent of total procurements.

“A great part of our mission success is due to our partnerships with small businesses.” said CNS Chief Operating Officer Bill Tindal. “We are proud to recognize these two businesses for their contributions and commend them for modeling the CNS core values of integrity, trust, respect, teamwork, and excellence.”

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. CNS member companies include Bechtel National, Inc.; Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, Inc.; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Allison Roberts
Communications
Office (806) 573.0501
allison.roberts@pantex.doe.gov