University of California Office of the President

Statement by University of California Board of Regents Chairman Gerald Parsky regarding the announcement by UC, Bechtel National Inc, BWX Technologies, Inc., and Washington Group International that they are teaming to prepare for the competition to bid to manage Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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I am pleased that the University of California will be joined by Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Inc., and Washington Group International in our preparations for the Los Alamos contract competition. This excellent team combines the superior scientific and technological expertise of the University of California with the considerable project management, operations, safety and security skills of these leading industrial partners. This UC-Bechtel-led team will ensure that the laboratory’s management is strong, allowing the world’s best science and technology to continue to thrive at Los Alamos.

While moving forward to strengthen its management team, the final decision about whether to compete for the new Los Alamos contract will be made by the University’s Board of Regents. I know I speak for the entire board when I say that we take this decision very seriously and will weigh a variety of factors in the process, including the best interest of the University, the nation, the laboratory and our employees. We will carefully review the Department of Energy's final Request for Proposals to ensure that science and technology remains as the foundation of the laboratory’s work. This guiding principle is critical to Los Alamos and to the nation. It is also one of the University's strengths and compatible with its mission of research and public service.