A&M System part of team contracted to manage, operate Pantex Plant near Amarillo [Video]

The Texas A&M University System has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration to be part of a team that will manage and operate the Pantex Plant near Amarillo. The plant maintains the safety, security and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile.

The NNSA awarded the contract to PanTeXas Deterrence LLC (PXD), a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary. BWXT is the lead of the group. The contract is up to 20 years and four months and worth $30 billion — $1.5 billion annually — if all options are exercised. The base contract includes a four-month transition period planned to begin in mid-July and a five-year period that includes three five-year extensions.

A&M System officials said it brings expertise and valuable related experience to the table. The A&M System is currently part of a team that manages the Los Alamos …