University of Chicago Announces Team for Laboratory Bid
The University of Chicago unveiled its team that will bid for the contract to manage and operate theIdaho National Laboratory (INL). The team comprises world-class companies committed to bringing people, experience, and proven methods that will result in effective management and operation of the new laboratory. The team is uniquely suited to manage new technology development projects for the INL.
“The University of Chicago has been part of the Idaho community for 54 years,” explained University of Chicago President Don Randel. “Our view is that the best way to assure the success of the new laboratory as a world-class center for research and development is to begin with the best partnerships. Our goal is to accelerate progress from the first day of operation. By doing so, we’ll assure that Idaho establishes its rightful place as a center for breakthrough nuclear technologies in this decade — and for the rest of the century.”
Led by the University of Chicago, the Idaho Laboratory Affiliates team includes: Kellogg Brown and Root Services, Inc. (KBR), Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. (TBE), and Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS).
The University of Chicago developed and operated the world’s first nuclear research reactor in 1942. In 1949, it began its association with Idaho nuclear research. Today, the university manages and operates Argonne National Laboratory – West (ANL-W) in Idaho and Argonne National Laboratory – East (ANL-E) in Chicago.
“We are extremely proud of the innovative technologies developed by the University of Chicago here in Idaho,” explained Tom Rosenbaum, Vice-President for Research and for Argonne National Laboratory at the University of Chicago.
“The companies we’ve asked to be part of the INL team are world-class leaders in their fields. By attracting the best talent for high priority projects, INL will secure its position as a leader in nuclear research.”
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established that the operator to manage the Laboratory will create a joint laboratory/university center for advanced energy studies in Idaho. The center will contribute to the growth of new technologies, a new generation of nuclear engineers, and to the overall growth of Idaho’s economy. The University of Chicago has a global reputation for educational partnerships. A total 75 Nobel Laureates have been faculty
members, students or researchers at the school at some point in their careers. The Nobel Prize has been awarded to 12 such persons in the last decade.
KBR has an energy heritage that includes key roles in the earliest of DOE- related programs. Today, the company delivers project management, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance, logistics, special project support, and integrated security solutions to a wide range of government clients. “KBR is there to support scientific programs by ensuring that the Laboratory receives maximum use of its functional space,” said David Swindle, KBR Vice
President for Business Acquisition and National Security Programs. “Idaho has the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for creating a center for scientific research. The first step in the process is to create an infrastructure that fosters innovation and is cost effective,” said Mr. Swindle.
Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. has an international reputation for excellence in space and defense-related technology development and implementation. Current projects involve future space launch vehicles, microgravity science, threat reduction of international weapons of mass
destruction, cyber security software, and space exploration.
“The demonstration of advanced research in NASA-related projects as well as cyber security for homeland defense can be extraordinary opportunities for INL growth,” said James Link, president, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. “Our relationship with international customers can expand INL’s global reach.”
Nuclear Fuel Services is a supplier of advanced nuclear fuel for the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program. It has operated highly enriched uranium fuel fabrication facilities for nearly 50 years. It has demonstrated expertise in nuclear safeguards and security, providing planning for the U.S. government’s new Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savannah River Site using the government’s new design basis threat requirements. The company is also a leader in the commercialization of surplus government uranium for use in nuclear power reactors.
“America’s energy future requires that new technologies emerge for the efficient use of nuclear power to produce electricity,” said Nuclear Fuel Services’ Chief Executive Officer Dwight Ferguson. “Our team will assure that Idaho plays a key role in new technologies for defense and commercial nuclear power. We can also help assure that safeguards and security at INL will
protect people and important national defense technology.”
