The Department of Energy is moving forward with plans—first reported by WC Monitor early this year—to partially extend Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ contract to manage the Savannah River Site. On April 3, DOE issued a preliminary notice of intent to extend SRNS’ contract for an additional 38 months, short of the full five-year option period available. Explaining the proposed extension length, Bill Taylor, a spokesman for the DOE Savannah River Operations Office, said yesterday that the Department believes “38 months would be the best fit.” Taylor declined to comment on the anticipated value of the extension or what work would be performed, saying this week’s notice is only “preliminary.” DOE was required to issue the notice at least 12 months before SRNS’ initial five-year contract period ends July 31, 2013. SRNS, which also includes Honeywell and Northrop Grumman, has managed Savannah River since the summer of 2008. SRNS’ contract is set to run for up to 10 years, consisting of a five-year base period and the five-year option period.