Aptim Federal Services, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the prime contractor.
The contract calls for the complete decommissioning and dismantlement (D&D) and disposal of the Surface Ship Support Barge (SSSB), a World War II-era T-2 tanker that was converted into a dockside refueling facility. The SSSB was used to support the refueling of nuclear-powered surface ships at the Newport News Shipbuilding facility. It is currently docked in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia but will be transported to Alabama for dismantling after its contents are characterized and a decommissioning plan is approved.
The contract award calls for VNSFS to utilize its best-in-class capabilities to help manage, isolate, contain and stabilize radioactive waste that results from the waste packaging and disposal of the wet pit in the vessel’s hull, including approximately 24 inches of “gunk/crud.” The VNSFS team will also provide D&D site waste management, preparing incoming radioactive waste containers for loading, and providing certified radioactive waste packaging services. Using its deep experience, VNSFS will also provide integrated support to ensure waste loading and disposal cost efficiencies are achieved.