Duke Engineering & Services, Inc. (DE&S) of Charlotte, N.C., will be a subcontractor to the University of Tennessee-Battelle team to bid for the Department of Energy contract to manage Oak Ridge National Laboratory, UT officials announced Monday.
UT-President Joe Johnson said the firm was selected for its expertise in nuclear engineering and world-class reputation in management of nuclear research facilities.
“Duke Engineering & Services is a world leader in nuclear engineering, licensing and environmental services,” Johnson said. “Their presence strengthens the UT-Battelle team’s bid to manage ORNL. We are pleased and proud to have them on board.”
DE&S currently performs work for more than 90 percent of U.S. commercial nuclear facilities and at 12 DOE sites. It specializes in energy and environmental projects, providing full-scope engineering, technical and professional services to clients around the world.
“Our goal is to have team members who bring exceptional talents for each mission of the Lab. DE&S fits that role perfectly,” said Doug Olesen, president of Battelle.
Wayne Henry, executive vice president of DE&S’ Federal Group, said DE&S has extensive experience in research reactor operations, such as its work at DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory and Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory.
“We are extremely pleased to join the UT-Battelle team,” Henry said. “Our outstanding team brings
extensive skills and experience in performing government sector work.”
The firm is the energy, environmental and engineering arm of Duke Energy Corp., a global energy company with more than $24 billion in assets.
It joins Oak Ridge Associated Universities, a consortium of prominent research universities, as a supporting member of the UT-Battelle team. ORAU’s lead academic institutions in the project are Duke, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and Virginia Tech.
UT and Battelle, one of the world’s largest private independent research and development organizations, announced Jan. 20 plans to bid for the ORNL management contract.
DOE issued a draft Request for Proposal in December for the management of ORNL. The final request is expected to be issued in March and a contract decision is anticipated in late 1999.
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Contacts: UT: Homer Fisher (423) 974-3211
Battelle: Tom McClain (614) 424-7728
DE&S: Christy Phillips (704) 382-3403