Two runners-up for a potential $13 billion tank closure contract at the Energy Department’s Hanford Site in Washington state filed protests Wednesday with the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Hanford Tank Closure Co. and Tank Closure Partnership LLC both objected to DOE’s May 14 award to Hanford Works Restoration, which is comprised of BWX Technologies, Fluor, and two smaller firms, Intera and DBD.
Hanford Tank Closure is led by Atkins with Amentum as a minority partner, sources have said. Amentum is currently the lead in incumbent radioactive waste tank manager Washington River Protection Solutions, with Atkins the minority partner.
Jacobs is believed to lead Tank Closure Partnership, which might also include Honeywell and Perma-Fix Environmental Services, according to sources. Spokespeople for Atkins, Amentum, and Jacobs did not immediately return requests for comment.
A ruling should be made on the bid protests by Sept. 4, according to the Government Accountability Office website. Details of the protests are generally not made public until the congressional auditor issues its written decision.
The BWXT-led Hanford Works Restoration proposal was selected as the best value based on key personnel, technical and management approach, past performance, and cost, DOE said earlier this month.
About 56 million gallons of high-level radioactive waste left over from decades of plutonium production is stored inside 177 aging underground tanks at Hanford. The work includes managing and closing old tanks and preparing low-activity waste for vitrification at the Waste Treatment Plant.
