“Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition LLNL MO Contract Extension - signed” (dated May 28, 2024)
“XI. STEPS TO FOSTER COMPETITION
Consistent with statute, regulation, and DOE policy, DOE/NNSA has determined it is appropriate to noncompetitively extend the current LLNI M&O contract as there is no expectation of meaningful improvement in performance or cost resulting from competing the contract and replacing the incumbent contractor. However; DOE/NNSA will continue to foster competition for each of its M&O contracts and utilize tools such as draft solicitations, comment workshops, one-on-one meetings, pre-proposal conferences, and websites to provide information to interested parties for future actions.”
https://www.highergov.com/document/nnsa-2024-002371-attachment-1-justification-for-other-than-full-and-open-competition-llnl-mo-contract-extension-signed-pdf-3ec221/
Comments
Really? So a ~10% reduction in operating expenses (no CA sales tax) by moving to a non-profit LLNL contractor, is not an improvement in cost reduction? This cost savings advantage, was clearly communicated by NNSA Leadership to NM residents when Triad, a non-profit contractor, was selected to manage LANL (?).
Besides, this money is given to California which evidently needs more money to help solve the numerous problems there, which will enhance US competitiveness overall. As you know silicon valley is now the most important part of the US economy, and thus the Federal government will recover perhaps all of the 10% via income tax, and tax on investment capital gains, while this will help lower debt to GDP by growing the economy.
10/24/18
NNSA Won’t Rule Out Forcing LANL Manager to File for Tax-Exempt Status
“Gordon-Hagerty’s office believes Triad is required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation to seek any cost savings possible, including 501(c)(3) status, Burgess said."
https://www.exchangemonitor.com/nnsa-wont-rule-forcing-lanl-manager-file-tax-exempt-status/
1/20/19
County Fears GRT Loss If LANL Gets Nonprofit Status
https://ladailypost.com/county-fears-grt-loss-if-lanl-gets-nonprofit-status/
The profit amount of UC or other LLNS LLC members was already baked into the cake when the NNSA no bid determination was made. In 2019, Los Alamos County Officials feared losing “tens of millions of dollars a year” in tax revenue. Livermore, CA sales tax in 2024 is 10.25%, and Los Alamos, NM is 7.07%.
By 2018 NNSA standards, a 10.25% LLNL cost savings would appear to qualify as a Gordon-Halferty “any cost savings possible” expectation and goal. So what really happened?
“Those in power are so afraid of losing it, they will do anything to keep the world under their control. Even when ‘anything’ means ignoring dangerous truths that threaten to grow more powerful the longer they’re unaddressed.”
-Romina Russell
In 2024, is employee morale, retention, and an objective cost of LLNL operations, “dangerous truths” compared to pre-October 2007?