The National Nuclear Security Administration has issued a second amendment to the final Request for Proposals for its combined Y-12/Pantex management and operating contract, clarifying how prospective contractors will assume control of benefits plans and clearing up guidance on how bidders should prepare cost savings plans. The agency also released a ninth set of Questions and Answers, and posted briefing material from site tours earlier this month at Y-12, Pantex and the Savannah River Site.
According to the amendment: “In the event the NNSA determines it is appropriate to spin off any portion of any defined benefit plan in order to address benefits for employees who used to perform work under the former M&O Contract, but who subsequently perform work under a different NNSA contract, the Contractor shall negotiate in good faith regarding the disposition of pension plan assets and liabilities consistent with direction from the Contracting Officer.” The amendment also directs bidders to use “then-years” dollars rather than “unescalated” dollars when outlining cost reduction plans and explain what factors it used to come up with the savings.