DOE TO COUNTER PARSONS’ ‘FINAL OFFER’ ON SWPF STARTUP

While Parsons submitted a ‘best and final offer’ in late March for an agreement on commissioning and startup of the Salt Waste Processing Facility, the Department of Energy is preparing to counter the offer, WC Monitor has learned. It is unclear whether Parsons will consider the counteroffer, or will stick to its final proposal. After the project breached its cost cap, DOE and Parsons reached an agreement-in-principle last June on the construction portion of the plant. But since then, talks have dragged on for a separate agreement covering the startup portion. DOE’s fact finding process for the discussions begin in September, and formal negotiations began in December. Reviews have warned that delays beyond October 2013 could lead to issues at the project.