Laboratory employees need to work together as a team to put Los Alamos back in the national mindset as the premiere science laboratory in the world. That’s the message New Mexico Sen. Pete Domenici gave the work force at an all-employee meeting Thursday.
Domenici’s talk focused on the future of the Laboratory after the recent contract decision by the National Nuclear Security Administration to award a new management and operating contract to Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a consortium led by the University of California and Bechtel National Corp. Los Alamos National Security, LLC begins operating the Laboratory on June 1.
Domenici, who noted that Los Alamos has a bright future, also praised Laboratory Director Bob Kuckuck for his involvement with the Lab. “He [Kuckuck] has told me that he thought with this new change, things were just going to be fine here at Los Alamos. And I am glad to hear that from him,” said Domenici.
“I think we are here because after a very arduous competition a group prevailed and from what we can tell, that team… the Los Alamos National Security LLC is an appropriate winner, and they are going to do an excellent job running the Lab with you, for us, and for America’s future,” said New Mexico’s senior senator.
Domenici said he’s aware of scientists’ concerns with the bureaucratic process. “I am not freeing you of any jobs that you have, because if you have them you have to do them. But I am convinced that many of you are right …We have to reduce the bureaucracy and free up the scientists to do more of what they want to do under the guidance and map that is set by our federal government,” said Domenici. “ I am encouraged that this new group will make things a little more scientific and a little less regulatory up here.”
Domenici, who had his right arm in a sling because he said he is undergoing a procedure to alleviate discomfort in his fingers, told employees that a team effort will be needed to move the Laboratory back into the national mindset as the premier science laboratory in the world. “Everyone is going to have to work as a team to make a difference. We do not want anybody to be second-guessing which is the greatest science laboratory in the world …That is why we are all working so hard, but that will not happen unless you all work together,” he said.
“We hope there are new ideas, new visions, and new challenges for scientific growth at the labs…Clearly it should be your goal to make the operations at the Laboratory on par with the scientific excellence for which it is known,” he said.
Domenici then addressed the younger members of the work force. He challenged them to be more active in the Lab’s future and take leadership roles. “We cannot allow people like you and institutions like this to become some kind of endangered species. The future success of this lab will depend upon whether we are successful in educating a new generation of scientists,” he said.
He also briefly touched on proposals to address the nation’s future competitiveness in the math and sciences, increasing funding to physical sciences, a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) level of 8 percent for all engineering or scientific institutions, and 30,000 meritorious scholarships for young students in the fields of math and science.
Domenici also encouraged Lab staff members to take an active role in the community. “You [Lab employees] are part of an organization that is part of a city. That means you have to be participants … you ought to support the development of commercial businesses in your town,” he said.
Domenici later took part in the groundbreaking of phase one of the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Replacement project at TA-55. The CMRR complex will replace the 53-year-old CMR building at TA-3.
Domenici’s talk will be rebroadcast on LABNET Channel 10 beginning Tuesday. Check the LABNET Channel 10 for viewing times.
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