LLNL STORIES
http://fullmeasure.news/news/cover-story/legal-swindle
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Perry's hearings
Perry's Senate hearing information can be found at
http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/1/nomination-hearing-of-the-honorable-rick-perry-for-secretary-of-energy
His written opening remarks are at
http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/files/serve?File_id=EE2F1E33-1AA1-48BC-AEE1-D47D9AC1A55B
http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/1/nomination-hearing-of-the-honorable-rick-perry-for-secretary-of-energy
His written opening remarks are at
http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/files/serve?File_id=EE2F1E33-1AA1-48BC-AEE1-D47D9AC1A55B
Heather and Sandia
Heather may be the only reason Sandia Corp lost their jobs.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2015/08/24/after-allegations-that-it-lobbied-with-federal-money-to-block-competition-lockheed-martin-agrees-to-pay-almost-5-million/?utm_term=.71794f68f526
Next stop for the swamp monster: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/23/511217975/trump-to-nominate-heather-wilson-as-secretary-of-the-air-force
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2015/08/24/after-allegations-that-it-lobbied-with-federal-money-to-block-competition-lockheed-martin-agrees-to-pay-almost-5-million/?utm_term=.71794f68f526
Next stop for the swamp monster: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/23/511217975/trump-to-nominate-heather-wilson-as-secretary-of-the-air-force
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
Good luck Perry!
From the CNN Blog on Senate Appointment hearings today...
Perry says he regrets recommending getting rid of the Energy department
From CNN's Dan Merica
Perry said in his hearing that he regrets saying in the past that he wanted to get rid of the energy department.
Here's the full remarks:
"I have learned a great deal about the important work being done every day by the outstanding men and women of the Department of Energy. I have spoken several times to Secretary Moniz about the operation. I have spoke to his predecessors. And if confirmed, my desire is to lead this agency in a thoughtful manner, surrounding myself with expertise on the core functions of the department."
"My past statements made over five years ago about abolishing the Department of Energy do not reflect my current thinking. In fact, after being briefed on so many of the vital functions of the Department of Energy, I regret recommending its elimination."
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Perry on nuclear testing
From CNN's Rene Marsh
Perry said it's important to have a nuclear arsenal that's "modern and safe."
The exchange with Sen. Bernie Sanders was as follows
Sanders: I'm looking for assurance department of energy will not test nukes because it’s a “dangerous idea.”
Perry: It's important to have a nuclear arsenal that’s modern and safe. I will rely on the observations of the scientist at the department of energy and in private sector on whether there is clear technical ability to use what (nuclear weapons) we have today. If we never have to test a nuke, that would be a good thing.
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Perry on cyber threats to grid and protecting climate scientists
From CNN's Rene Marsh
Cantwell asked: What’s your commitment to protecting scientists (who are researching climate change) at the department of energy and how much of an effort will you make to defend our nation against Russian cyber attacks?
Perry's response: “I’m going to protect all the science” whether it's having to do with climate or anything else the US is working on.
On cyber threats in the US:
Perry: “If they are trying to penetrate into Americans lives, you will see me engaged in activities at department of Energy ... I feel very comfortable we have the technology and ability to stop the cyber snooping."
Perry says he regrets recommending getting rid of the Energy department
From CNN's Dan Merica
Perry said in his hearing that he regrets saying in the past that he wanted to get rid of the energy department.
Here's the full remarks:
"I have learned a great deal about the important work being done every day by the outstanding men and women of the Department of Energy. I have spoken several times to Secretary Moniz about the operation. I have spoke to his predecessors. And if confirmed, my desire is to lead this agency in a thoughtful manner, surrounding myself with expertise on the core functions of the department."
"My past statements made over five years ago about abolishing the Department of Energy do not reflect my current thinking. In fact, after being briefed on so many of the vital functions of the Department of Energy, I regret recommending its elimination."
------------
Perry on nuclear testing
From CNN's Rene Marsh
Perry said it's important to have a nuclear arsenal that's "modern and safe."
The exchange with Sen. Bernie Sanders was as follows
Sanders: I'm looking for assurance department of energy will not test nukes because it’s a “dangerous idea.”
Perry: It's important to have a nuclear arsenal that’s modern and safe. I will rely on the observations of the scientist at the department of energy and in private sector on whether there is clear technical ability to use what (nuclear weapons) we have today. If we never have to test a nuke, that would be a good thing.
----------
Perry on cyber threats to grid and protecting climate scientists
From CNN's Rene Marsh
Cantwell asked: What’s your commitment to protecting scientists (who are researching climate change) at the department of energy and how much of an effort will you make to defend our nation against Russian cyber attacks?
Perry's response: “I’m going to protect all the science” whether it's having to do with climate or anything else the US is working on.
On cyber threats in the US:
Perry: “If they are trying to penetrate into Americans lives, you will see me engaged in activities at department of Energy ... I feel very comfortable we have the technology and ability to stop the cyber snooping."
Get ready!
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AnonymousJanuary 19, 2017 at 8:51 AMFrom the Hill article:
... "At the Department of Energy, it would roll back funding for nuclear physics and advanced scientific computing research to 2008 levels."
That would mean all of the increases due to bigger annual budgets, inflation adjustments, etc. over the last 8 years of Obama would be totally wiped out. These cuts in real terms would be very significant. I wouldn't worry about finding new employees to replace staff that are retiring from the NSNA labs. Instead, you may need to start worrying about that dreaded word: "RIF".
Quickly putting the labs under DOD might help insulate the NNSA weapon labs from future cuts, though.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Trump team focuses on finding DOE deputy secretaryT
Trump team focuses on finding DOE deputy secretary
Hannah Northey, E&E News reporter
Published: Monday, January 16, 2017
A lobbyist for a Texas financial services company and a nuclear regulator are in the running to be the Department of Energy's second in command in the Trump administration, according to a source close to the transition.
Among a dozen or so people in the running for deputy secretary, the source said, are Dan Brouillette, senior vice president at the San Antonio-based United Services Automobile Association (USAA), and Kristine Svinicki, a Republican member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Trump's pick for DOE chief, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), is scheduled for a confirmation hearing Thursday before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall is currently DOE deputy secretary. She replaced Daniel Poneman, who now oversees a uranium enrichment company, Centrus Energy Corp.
Brouillette has served as vice president of USAA for more than a decade, and before that was vice president of Ford Motor Co. from 2004 to 2006, according to his online biography. From 2003 to 2004, he was a staff director for the House Energy and Commerce Committee and was DOE assistant secretary from 2001 to 2003.
Svinicki, a nuclear engineer and policy adviser, has served at the NRC for about nine years. Svinicki's second term at NRC ends June 30.
Svinicki worked for more than a decade as a Senate Republican staffer and as a nuclear engineer for DOE, and in recent years has drawn fire from former Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for her work on Nevada's Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository and for opposing former NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko's call for fast-tracked safety upgrades to U.S. reactors following the 2011 disaster in Japan. Jaczko formerly worked for Reid.
Hannah Northey, E&E News reporter
Published: Monday, January 16, 2017
A lobbyist for a Texas financial services company and a nuclear regulator are in the running to be the Department of Energy's second in command in the Trump administration, according to a source close to the transition.
Among a dozen or so people in the running for deputy secretary, the source said, are Dan Brouillette, senior vice president at the San Antonio-based United Services Automobile Association (USAA), and Kristine Svinicki, a Republican member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Trump's pick for DOE chief, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), is scheduled for a confirmation hearing Thursday before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall is currently DOE deputy secretary. She replaced Daniel Poneman, who now oversees a uranium enrichment company, Centrus Energy Corp.
Brouillette has served as vice president of USAA for more than a decade, and before that was vice president of Ford Motor Co. from 2004 to 2006, according to his online biography. From 2003 to 2004, he was a staff director for the House Energy and Commerce Committee and was DOE assistant secretary from 2001 to 2003.
Svinicki, a nuclear engineer and policy adviser, has served at the NRC for about nine years. Svinicki's second term at NRC ends June 30.
Svinicki worked for more than a decade as a Senate Republican staffer and as a nuclear engineer for DOE, and in recent years has drawn fire from former Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for her work on Nevada's Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository and for opposing former NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko's call for fast-tracked safety upgrades to U.S. reactors following the 2011 disaster in Japan. Jaczko formerly worked for Reid.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Trump and NNSA
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AnonymousJanuary 15, 2017 at 5:55 PMBecause he doesn't care or know anything about nuclear weapons, and has proven he isn't interested in learning anything about anything.
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AnonymousJanuary 16, 2017 at 8:11 AMHe doesn't have authority to move NNSA, only Congress can restructure Cabinet agencies. And the Energy Committees (R or D lead, doesn't matter) in the House and Senate are not about to give up a huge portion of their portfolio and move it to other Committees (Armed Serves) that oversee DOD.
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AnonymousJanuary 16, 2017 at 8:21 AMHe doesn't have authority to move NNSA,
January 16, 2017 at 8:11 AM
But, "When you're a star, you can do anything!"
Thursday, January 12, 2017
NNSA Denies Report Top Nuclear Officials Removed by Trump Team
http://www.defensenews.com/articles/nnsa-denies-report-top-nuclear-officials-removed-by-trump-teamhttp://www.defensenews.com/articles/nnsa-denies-report-top-nuclear-officials-removed-by-trump-team
Monday, January 9, 2017
Interactive of nuclear reactor construction
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is pleased to announce several new and important contributions to the debate over nuclear power's role in a low-carbon economy, including a fantastic new interactive of global nuclear reactor construction since 1951. The interactive was built in partnership with the World Nuclear Industry Status Report, Visioncarto, and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Please contact me if you have any questions about the interactive or about the debate happening now at the Bulletin.
Best regards,
Janice
World Nuclear Power Reactor Construction, 1951-2017: http://ow.ly/
Does deep de-carbonization require nuclear power?http://ow.ly/U2G0307OXDD
Symposium report: Getting to deep de-carbonization: What role for nuclear power? http://ow.ly/
Janice Sinclaire
Communications Director
Chicago, IL 60637
U.S.A.
T. 773.382.8061
C. 707.481.9372
F. 773.980.6932E.
F. 773.980.6932E.
jsinclaire@thebulletin.org
Skype: janice.sinclaire_bas
Skype: janice.sinclaire_bas
Sunday, January 8, 2017
LANL: Seeking local talent to replace retiring staff, AA or no degree needed!
LANL: Seeking local talent to replace retiring staff, AA or no degree needed!
Looks like LANL is settings its sights high and introducing an aggressive program to tap the incredible talent pool that is Northern New Mexico. Community college associate degree or no degree needed! No longer recruiting from out of state. Heinrich declares LANL a NM jobs program for those with addiction and no higher education.
With job openings on horizon, LANL looks for ways to prime state’s youth
Los Alamos National Laboratory faces a mass exodus of seasoned employees over the next five years, creating openings for a new generation in its workforce, lab officials said Wednesday.
Human Resource representatives from the lab and New Mexico community college presidents met in Santa Fe with U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., to discuss how the state’s smaller educational institutions can better prime students for careers at the lab.
The lab estimates 2,425 job vacancies will arise between now and 2020 in a variety of positions, from nuclear defense to operations — a reflection of the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age, rather than an increase in the lab’s budget.
Kathy Keith, a lab spokeswoman, said the lab is looking for cross-disciplinary students, not just scientists with doctorate degrees.
She presented data showing that 33 percent of current LANL employees hold a Ph.D., the same percentage as those who hold no degree.
Representatives from Santa Fe Community College, Highlands University, Los Lunas Community College and The University of New Mexico campuses in Taos, among others, emphasized that science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, programs at their schools help prepare students to enter the workforce.
Many said imbuing students with a love of science from a young age is not being accomplished at the K-12 level in the state. Others said that while their students might be academically qualified, they might be unable to pass a background check and classification requirements of the lab.
Domingo Sánchez, president of Northern New Mexico College, said addiction and behavioral health issues in the state need to be addressed.
Dr. Sam Minner Jr., president of Highlands University, said the STEM “funnel is not big enough” in the first place, and students are being deterred from careers in the sciences long before they reach the college level.
The majority of the lab’s current workforce has come from out of state, with 40 percent from New Mexico.
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall and Rep. Ben Ray Luján, both Democrats, also met with educators and employers in Rio Rancho on Wednesday to address how the state’s labs could try to fill jobs with New Mexico workers. Between Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, there will be an estimated 5,000 vacancies in the state.
The Los Alamos lab has faced budget cuts and instability in recent years as federal inspections identified significant shortcomings in management, operations and safety.
“We are at a transition point because both the Sandia and Los Alamos contracts are going to be bid over the course of the next couple of years,” Heinrich said in an interview with The New Mexican on Wednesday. “… It is an opportunity to hit the reset button and say, ‘Here’s what we expect and how are you going to meet that?’
Looks like LANL is settings its sights high and introducing an aggressive program to tap the incredible talent pool that is Northern New Mexico. Community college associate degree or no degree needed! No longer recruiting from out of state. Heinrich declares LANL a NM jobs program for those with addiction and no higher education.
With job openings on horizon, LANL looks for ways to prime state’s youth
Los Alamos National Laboratory faces a mass exodus of seasoned employees over the next five years, creating openings for a new generation in its workforce, lab officials said Wednesday.
Human Resource representatives from the lab and New Mexico community college presidents met in Santa Fe with U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., to discuss how the state’s smaller educational institutions can better prime students for careers at the lab.
The lab estimates 2,425 job vacancies will arise between now and 2020 in a variety of positions, from nuclear defense to operations — a reflection of the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age, rather than an increase in the lab’s budget.
Kathy Keith, a lab spokeswoman, said the lab is looking for cross-disciplinary students, not just scientists with doctorate degrees.
She presented data showing that 33 percent of current LANL employees hold a Ph.D., the same percentage as those who hold no degree.
Representatives from Santa Fe Community College, Highlands University, Los Lunas Community College and The University of New Mexico campuses in Taos, among others, emphasized that science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, programs at their schools help prepare students to enter the workforce.
Many said imbuing students with a love of science from a young age is not being accomplished at the K-12 level in the state. Others said that while their students might be academically qualified, they might be unable to pass a background check and classification requirements of the lab.
Domingo Sánchez, president of Northern New Mexico College, said addiction and behavioral health issues in the state need to be addressed.
Dr. Sam Minner Jr., president of Highlands University, said the STEM “funnel is not big enough” in the first place, and students are being deterred from careers in the sciences long before they reach the college level.
The majority of the lab’s current workforce has come from out of state, with 40 percent from New Mexico.
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall and Rep. Ben Ray Luján, both Democrats, also met with educators and employers in Rio Rancho on Wednesday to address how the state’s labs could try to fill jobs with New Mexico workers. Between Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, there will be an estimated 5,000 vacancies in the state.
The Los Alamos lab has faced budget cuts and instability in recent years as federal inspections identified significant shortcomings in management, operations and safety.
“We are at a transition point because both the Sandia and Los Alamos contracts are going to be bid over the course of the next couple of years,” Heinrich said in an interview with The New Mexican on Wednesday. “… It is an opportunity to hit the reset button and say, ‘Here’s what we expect and how are you going to meet that?’
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Sandia announcements
Internal announcements being made within Sandia is that Steve Younger is the new director. Also, rumor that Chris Deeney (former Sandia, now NSTec) is to be his second in command.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
North Korea nucs
- And what would be the proposed plan?
North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen! (D. Trump) -
AnonymousJanuary 3, 2017 at 7:59 AMNo "proposed plan" is needed.
US or Japanese antimissile ships in the area could easily shoot it down, and should. NK's development of ICBMs already violates UN resolutions. Kim badly needs a slap upside the head. -
AnonymousJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:42 AMNorth Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen! (D. Trump)
January 3, 2017 at 4:33 AM
Trump is still in his personal business mentality. Unfortunately, he thinks Kim Jong-un is his son.
P.S. What won't happen? -
AnonymousJanuary 4, 2017 at 3:54 AMI say launch a preemptive strike against NK. SK electronics sucks anyway and competes unfairly with US business, such as Apple. Let SK get off their lazy butts and do something for once. Nothing like a war to juice funding for the labs.
NNSS M&O contract sewed-up
Looking more and more like Leidos has the NNSS M&O contract sewed-up
Business Operations Director
Leidos
Mercury, NV
Basic Qualifications:
BS+ 15 yrs experience
Finance office/Manager or M&O (Management & Operations) site experience
Experience with managing a 150+ million budget.
Responsible for managing the business operations of a large program with over 2,000 employees. This position is responsible for all contract operations, strategy development and execution, government affairs, business operations , contract, subcontract management, procurement, legal, community outreach, public affairs, human resources, facilities, procurement, supporting service operations and communications. Responsible for the Business and Financial management along with execution and operational support to ensure overall financial goals. Provides expertise on the scope of fiscal models/accounting systems available and quality control. Provides financial expertise to ensure that program financial systems and business operations are aligned with state-of-the-art best practices to ensure operational efficiency.
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/nevada-government-affairs-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,6_IS2756_KO7,25.htm
Business Operations Director
Leidos
Mercury, NV
Basic Qualifications:
BS+ 15 yrs experience
Finance office/Manager or M&O (Management & Operations) site experience
Experience with managing a 150+ million budget.
Responsible for managing the business operations of a large program with over 2,000 employees. This position is responsible for all contract operations, strategy development and execution, government affairs, business operations , contract, subcontract management, procurement, legal, community outreach, public affairs, human resources, facilities, procurement, supporting service operations and communications. Responsible for the Business and Financial management along with execution and operational support to ensure overall financial goals. Provides expertise on the scope of fiscal models/accounting systems available and quality control. Provides financial expertise to ensure that program financial systems and business operations are aligned with state-of-the-art best practices to ensure operational efficiency.
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/nevada-government-affairs-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,6_IS2756_KO7,25.htm
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TRUMP TEAM PREPARES DRAMATIC CUTS (The Hill, January 19th)
Donald Trump is ready to take an ax to government spending.
Staffers for the Trump transition team have been meeting with career staff at the White House ahead of Friday’s presidential inauguration to outline their plans for shrinking the federal bureaucracy, The Hill has learned.
The changes they propose are dramatic.
The departments of Commerce and Energy would see major reductions in funding, with programs under their jurisdiction either being eliminated or transferred to other agencies. The departments of Transportation, Justice and State would see significant cuts and program eliminations.
thehill.com/policy/finance/314991-trump-team-prepares-dramatic-cuts