To all Laboratory Employees:
As you are aware, recent enacted law has called for the contracts for managing Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to be competed when their existing contracts expire. Specifics regarding the competition and the timeline are yet to be determined, but we do know that they will be competed. The University is focused on strong and effective management of the laboratories and we are preparing as if we will compete. The UC Board of Regents will make the final decision on competition based on an assessment of the terms and conditions of the competition.
In the coming months there will be news articles, statements, and speculations from many different sources about various possibilities, assumptions and strategies associated with UC’s management of the laboratories and the impending competition. During this time, the University will work to ensure that you are kept informed regarding management and competition issues. We will continue to disseminate the University of California’s LAB UPDATE and will incorporate information about competition activities when appropriate. In addition, we will continue to provide information to the public affairs offices at each laboratory and to the larger University community via the University’s website.
I would be remiss to send a message at this time without reminding you of the responsibility that each of us has for laboratory security, particularly at the weapons labs. The University considers safety and security as top priorities and I have directed each laboratory, as appropriate, to ensure that proper policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safe operations and secure handling of information and materials, as well as the security of the facilities. Our nation has placed a great trust in all of us to safely and securely do our job and as the laboratories’ manager, on behalf of the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration, we expect no less than your full and utmost attention to and compliance with all safety and security procedures. Anything less, of course, is unacceptable to us all.
As I have previously said, I ask that you remain focused on your mission and your responsibilities at the laboratory. The University of California is very proud of the work of the national laboratories, and the ongoing contributions that you are making to the scientific and technological advances that continue to keep our nation at the forefront. The work the labs are doing in the areas of homeland security and in maintaining the safety, security and reliability of our nation’s nuclear stockpile, among many other areas, is invaluable to our country’s national security.
Bob Foley
Vice President for Laboratory Management
University of California