Press Releases

Funds to be distributed through Amarillo Area Foundation

AMARILLO, Texas – Charitable organizations from across the Texas Panhandle are once again invited to apply for grants from the Pantex Community Investment Fund established by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS), managing and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant.

CNS established the fund last year through the Amarillo Area Foundation, as part of its commitment to Amarillo and the surrounding communities. Over its two previous grant cycles, CNS awarded almost $300,000 in grants to more than 30 local nonprofit organizations.

The Amarillo Area Foundation is announcing a Request for Proposals, and the CNS employee advisory committee for the CNS Pantex Community Investment Fund, a component fund of the Amarillo Area Foundation, will entertain proposals from nonprofit and charitable institutions throughout the 26 northernmost counties in the Texas Panhandle. Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $10,000. Individuals and non-charitable organizations are not eligible.

The application process will be competitive. Organizations who fit the eligibility requirements and whose work is in line with the priorities are encouraged to apply. Only one application per organization will be accepted. General operating support is a low priority. The priorities for funding are:

• Basic Needs (Food, Clothing, and Shelter)
• Children, Youth, and Family
• Community Development
• Education
• Health and Wellness

Please note this will be the only CNS Pantex competitive grant cycle in 2017.

Priority will be given to proposals from organizations located and operating in one of the 12 contiguous counties surrounding the Pantex Plant with preference given to projects that serve multiple priority counties. These counties are: Armstrong, Carson, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hutchison, Moore, Oldham, Potter, Randall, and Swisher.

Applications are available online at aaf.spectrumportal.net and are due April 28, 2017, by noon. See https://www.amarilloareafoundation.org/application-2016 for instructions on how to register in the Spectrum portal. If you have any questions, please contact AAF grant staff at 806.376.4521 or grants@aaf-hf.org.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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.

Consolidated Nuclear Security employees give back to local communities

AMARILLO, Texas/OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – United Way contributions at the Pantex Plant and the Y-12 National Security Complex totaled some $1.2 million, Consolidated Nuclear Security, the managing and operating contractor, announced today. Contributions from employees, retirees and the corporation were gathered during the sites’ recent campaigns.

The campaigns also added more than 500 Leadership Givers, who have pledged to donate $1,000 or more. Corporate gifts of some $155,000 also added to the total. Funds also were raised through special events, such as silent auctions, and the sales of jewelry, books and food items.

“I am proud of what we accomplished with our campaign this year,” said Pantex Site Manager Todd Ailes. “I believe being a member of a community comes with the responsibility to make the community better. Over the years, Pantexans, as a group, have strongly supported United Way and are one of the largest givers.”

“People at Y-12 really showed their support for the United Way and local communities,” said Y-12 Site Manager Bill Tindal. “Our campaign slogan this year was ‘locally sown, locally grown’ because it’s reminder that this is about our community, our friends and neighbors. United Way agencies are helping people a lot closer than we think.”

Y-12 employee contributions to the United Way are distributed in 17 East Tennessee counties, while Pantex contributions benefit the Texas Panhandle region and equated to 11 percent of the overall Amarillo and Canyon United Way campaign.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – CNS CEO Morgan Smith has announced Lyle Cary as Vice President of Safeguards, Security and Emergency Services at the Pantex Plant and Y-12 National Security Complex.

Cary replaces Ken Freeman, who is retiring December 30, after a career spanning 40 years of security leadership, including a 30-year Air Force career that concluded as deputy director of Security Forces.

“To have the expertise of these two patriots is an incredible asset,” said Smith. “Ken has made lasting improvements to our physical security performance, which has been demonstrated by the exceptional marks received at each site for their most recent Department of Energy security assessments. I am certain Lyle will carry that performance excellence forward.”

Cary has more than 30 years of leadership experience in security, emergency management and law enforcement in public and private sectors. He is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, where, for 25 years, he led large USAF organizations. As director of Security Forces for USAF Major Command, Cary was responsible for 11 military installations, 7,500 security forces personnel, nuclear and weapon system security, antiterrorism, law enforcement, information protection, and training and equipment. Cary also was a three-time commander and chief of security police, where he worked closely with law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, county and municipal levels. After his Air Force career, Cary has led security and emergency operations functions at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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
Ellen Boatner
Public Affairs
Office (865) 241-4937
boatnerea@y12.doe.gov

Honoring technological advancements made at Pantex

AMARILLO, Texas – Seventeen Pantexans were recently recognized for their creativity and innovative spirit during the inaugural Pantex Technology Transfer Awards ceremony. The honorees submitted various innovative ideas and inventions that have led to the development of new capabilities in support of the ongoing mission at Pantex.

The awards range from workers who submitted an idea for an invention, to those who submitted a full invention disclosure to be considered for a patent application. Often times, the inventions created here and at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, result in savings that can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars and in some cases, result in the technology being transferred and used in the private sector.

In addition, there were special awards for four Pantexans who received the “Government Use Award” which includes a cash award and plaque. These awards were given to those whose inventions or copyrighted work had significant value to the Department of Energy or other Government Agencies in regards to cost, schedule, or technical impact. Those awards went to Tek Ferguson, Adam Myers, Guadalupe Rivero, and Chris Petmecky.

Consolidated Nuclear Security Deputy Enterprise Manager, Michelle Reichert told the award recipients, “We issued the challenge to take your ideas a step further and you did. In many cases, they have been applied to other industries. You have created value through the DOE and NNSA with what you do.” She added, “Most importantly, we are here to honor you. Your creativity, ingenuity and innovations.”

Those honored at the awards ceremony include: Dan Chisum, Chris Foster, Alan Harrison, Cheri Harrison, Brian Harlow, David Hattz, Jack Holy, Shane Laurent, Brad Maples, Amanda Morgan, Chris Petmecky, Richard Ray, Roger Robertson, Wayne Rodin, Juan Rodriguez, Stephanie Steelman, and Jeff Yokum.

CNS manages and operates the Pantex Plant and Y-12. A central Technology Transfer Program Office manages the commercialization and partnership efforts for both sites.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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
Public Affairs
Office (806) 477-0490
Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Almost $300,000 invested in local nonprofits across Texas Panhandle

AMARILLO, Texas - Fourteen nonprofits in the Texas Panhandle recently received news that they will be able to continue or expand their missions thanks to grants from Consolidated Nuclear Security’s (CNS) Pantex Community Investment Fund, which is administered by the Amarillo Area Foundation.

CNS, which manages the Pantex Plant for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration, announced this week the recipients of charitable funds totaling more than $125,000. Earlier this year, more than $170,000 was given in the first round of employee-directed grants, totaling more than $296,000 for 33 various non-profit organizations for the entire year.

“We are very proud to continue our employees’ legacy of giving through the CNS Community Investment Fund. Pantex has always been committed to improving and supporting our surrounding communities,” said Pantex Site Manager Todd Ailes.

The company announced the fund availability in January as part of its commitment to the Amarillo and surrounding areas. A Pantex Community Investment Advisory Committee comprised of CNS employees reviewed proposals from almost 200 area organizations throughout 2016. After their evaluation, the committee recommended grant awards to CNS management and the Amarillo Area Foundation.

The advisory committee selected grantee organizations based on the following funding preferences and priorities: basic needs, child and family development, community development, education, financial literacy, and health and wellness.

“By working together with the Amarillo Area Foundation, we are confident that these grants and their recipients will have a positive impact in the Panhandle.” said Jason Bohne, CNS Communications and Public Affairs director. “Our goal is to give our employees more of a voice in determining where corporate dollars are invested in the community where they work, live, and volunteer.”

The advisory committee gave priority to proposals from organizations located and operating in the 12 contiguous counties surrounding the Pantex Plant, which includes Armstrong, Carson, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hutchinson, Moore, Oldham, Potter, Randall and Swisher. Applications for 2017 will be due in early 2017 through the Amarillo Area Foundation.

Organizations and the funds they will receive are as follows:

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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
Public Affairs
Office (806) 573.0490
Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

AMARILLO, Texas – Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC achieved a significant increase in contracting with small businesses during fiscal year 2016, eclipsing its small business contracting goals and awarding more than $276 million at Pantex and Y-12.

The small business dollars awarded represented an increase of more than $36 million over FY 2015 figures, and were 67 percent of all funding awarded, exceeding CNS’ FY 2016 goal of awarding 55 percent of all procurement dollars.

CNS uses small businesses in a range of diverse roles, from staff augmentation services to construction support work.

“Small businesses help form the fabric of a community, and Pantex could not meet its mission without their help,” Pantex Small Business Program Manager Ryan Johnston said.

Y-12 Small Business Program Manager Lisa Copeland added, “They’re not only valuable to the East Tennessee economy—and the national economy—but they’re extremely valuable to Y-12. We’re going to continue to be proactive in recognizing mission-matched capabilities and qualifications of small businesses locally and across our great nation.”

Approximately $99 million worth of goods and services were purchased from small businesses at Pantex, and $177 million was purchased from small businesses at Y-12, which includes first-tier small business subcontracts awarded by the Uranium Processing Facility. Y-12 made awards to more than 770 small business suppliers, and Pantex awarded to more than 625 small business suppliers.

“CNS is committed to ensuring small businesses remain an essential part of completing the Pantex and Y-12 mission,” CNS Supply Chain Manager Skip Skelton said. “Partnering with small businesses ensures we’ll be able to grow and thrive into the future.”

Not only did CNS eclipse its overall goal for small business contracting, it surpassed goals in five socioeconomic categories recognized by the Small Business Administration: woman-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) businesses.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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
Public Affairs
Office (806) 573.0501
allison.roberts@pantex.doe.gov

NNSA NEWS
U.S. Department of Energy
National Nuclear Security Administration
Production Office News Release

Oak Ridge, Tenn.--More than 230 Pantex and Y-12 employees were recognized at National Nuclear Security Administration Defense Programs Awards of Excellence ceremonies recently held at the respective sites.

Two Pantex teams and six Y-12 teams were recognized by members of site management, as well as Roger Lewis, NNSA Associate Deputy Administrator for Stockpile Management, and Mike Thompson, NNSA Assistant Deputy Administrator for Major Modernization Programs, in Washington, D.C.

“It is an honor for me to present you with these awards,” Lewis said. “The accomplishments you have achieved and the jobs you do every day contribute to our mission of maintaining a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.”

Geoff Beausoleil, NNSA Production Office manager, joined Lewis and Thompson in presenting the awards at Pantex. “I enjoy these ceremonies because I get to celebrate the talent and determination of the people at these sites,” Beausoleil told the crowd.

Teams were recognized for their contributions to several Defense Programs projects, including support for the B61 program, weapon component assembly efforts and packaging of nuclear materials.

Pantex Plant Manager Todd Ailes told the recipients, “Day in and day out, you do the work that keeps this site safe and moving forward, as well as keeping our nation secure. And, you do that work with an unwavering commitment to safety, security and quality. Please accept my thanks and congratulations on a job well done.”

During a ceremony held at Y-12, Mike Thompson said, “I’m impressed by the magnitude of your achievements. I’m also impressed with how you accomplished your work — your complete dedication to problem solving through teamwork, respect, and mutual accountability.”

Established by NNSA in 1982, the Defense Programs Awards of Excellence recognize significant individual and team accomplishments across the nuclear weapons complex in support of NNSA’s nuclear weapons program. The awards are given annually to recognize significant achievements in quality, productivity, cost savings, safety or creativity in support of NNSA’s nuclear weapons program.

The mission of the NNSA Production Office is to ensure the safe, secure and cost-effective operation of the Pantex Plant, Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Y-12 and Pantex are operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, for NNSA.

Follow NNSA News on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation’s national security enterprise. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; reduces the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad. Visit http://www.nnsa.energy.gov for more information.

CONTACT
Steven Wyatt
NNSA Production Office
Public Affairs
Office (865) 576-9918

Three subcontractors recognized for contributions to Pantex mission success

AMARILLO, Texas – Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) recently presented three Small Business Achievement Awards at the West Texas A&M Contract Procurement Center’s Focused and Fearless: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Texas event. CNS recognized A-1 Communications, Inc., Stanek Tool, and Tri-State General Contracting for their commitment to excellence.

“Our ability to partner and collaborate with small business plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve mission success,” said CNS Deputy Enterprise Manager Michelle Reichert during her remarks as the event’s keynote speaker. “During fiscal year 2016, Pantex spent $99.3 million on goods and services from more than 625 small businesses, which is more than 80 percent of total procurements,” added Reichert.

A-1 Communications, a local small business providing leased pagers, has a 16-year working relationship with the Pantex Plant. The woman-owned company is an integral part of the success of Pantex operations and emergency communications.

Wisconsin-based machine shop Stanek Tool has provided special tooling to the Plant since 2007. Anne Marie Wilkerson, the Pantex procurement specialist who nominated the company for the award, said “they go the extra mile to ensure what they deliver to us is high-quality and on time.”

CNS also recognized Tri-State General Contracting, which has provided minor and major construction support to Pantex for 13 years. The company was one of the first subcontractors selected for CNS’ mentor-protégé program.

Pantex Small Business Program Manager Ryan Johnston said, “Small businesses are the backbone to our local and national economy. We are proud to recognize these three businesses for their contributions and commend them for modeling the CNS values—integrity, trust, respect, teamwork and excellence.”

Overall, CNS used small businesses for 67.7 percent of subcontracts at Pantex and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn., surpassing the company’s goal of 55 percent.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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.

Groundbreaking ceremony for 343,000 square foot facility

AMARILLO, Texas – Representatives from Congress, the Department of Energy, and other distinguished national, state and local leaders joined leaders from Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC—the managing and operating contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Pantex Plant—for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction for the new Administrative Support Complex (ASC).

The ASC is designed to provide a modern administrative and support facility for the weapons mission at Pantex and relocate employees from aging facilities that have proved functionally and technologically challenging.

“NNSA’s mission to maintain the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nuclear weapons stockpile is critical to America’s security. The incredibly dedicated, talented and hardworking workforce at Pantex deserve a safe, functional, and adaptive workspace to carry out that mission,” said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz (Ret.), Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator.

“I am pleased to join Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and Rep. Mac Thornberry in celebrating today’s milestone with the Pantex community.”

“This new facility is a significant investment in the future of the Pantex facility and its critical national security mission,“ said CNS Deputy Enterprise Manager, Michelle Reichert. “This milestone underscores our commitment to address the Pantex Plant’s aging infrastructure challenges, and to invest in the site to position it for the future.”

The 343,000 square foot state of the art building will provide an administrative and support facility for the nuclear security mission at Pantex and relocate employees from numerous aging facilities that are costly to operate and do not meet modern standards. Along with office space for nearly one-third of Pantex employees, the facility will be equipped with a 390-seat auditorium, conference center, cafeteria, visitor's center, and medical and employee health and fitness facilities.

“The ASC will allow us to consolidate administrative functions from over 35 legacy facilities at the Pantex site into one modern, energy efficient facility. This will allow us to take the resources that we’ve being dedicating to those older facilities and concentrate them in facilities for the enduring mission we have at Pantex,” added Reichert.

Construction is scheduled to take approximately two years with more than 2,000 craftsmen working on the 3-story complex.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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.

Lightning mapping array system predicts electrical discharges

AMARILLO, Texas – Given the prevalence of lightning in the Texas Panhandle and the criticality of the work performed at the Pantex Plant, Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC recently installed a new lightning mapping array (LMA) system designed to detect pre-strike electrical activity. The eight new sensors around the Plant will improve safety and stability in critical operational areas, in addition to providing redundancy for the current system.

“We are looking forward to seeing the benefits that this system may provide through both improved safety and operations at Pantex,” added NNSA Production Office Electrical System Engineer Scott Dolezal.

Pantex plant shift superintendents use the current Lightning Location and Protection System to issue lightning protective action warnings to employees. With employee safety being a top priority, these protective actions sometimes can pause weather-dependent operations until the lighting warnings are lifted. The new LMA sensors detect small electrical discharges within a cloud and generate a map showing frequency and location. They also dissect a storm to determine its height and intensity.

“Our current system only detects cloud-to-ground strikes,” said David Hattz, with the Pantex Electromagnetics Group. “The LMA system detects the first inner-cloud strikes allowing us to notify our employees up to an hour sooner.”

In addition to the sensor installations, Pantex engineers are developing a software package to study lightning and atmospheric data. Texas Tech University is partnering with the Plant by sharing the data from its 12 LMA sensors. Data collected from the Pantex and Texas Tech systems will allow Pantex to measure the amount of operations time impacted by lighting warnings.

“The research element of this project is an important study of how well lightning can be predicted using the LMA system sensors, combined with other existing Pantex sensors and meteorological data. The software we are developing will generate metrics to show how much forewarning we received prior to a strike, and how much time we were under lightning protective actions that never resulted in a strike,” said Hattz.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) 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. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the 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.