NNSA completes major infrastructure modernization project to support power transmission at Nevada National Security Site

Originally constructed in 1963, the NNSS power distribution system was well beyond its useful design life and warranted enhancement and replacement in the site’s Mission Corridor; the 138kV project modernized the power lines and poles from Mercury Switching Center to Tweezer Substation. Operations continued without disruption during project execution.

Throughout this project, NNSA designed, constructed, replaced, and upgraded approximately 26 miles of power lines, degraded poles, and fiber optic lines that are critical for delivering reliable power and communications. The modernization supports ongoing national security mission activities conducted by the Department of Energy and NNSA, as well as the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and other federal partners.

“This project is, in a very literal way, energizing the site – it will provide enduring power security and represents tangible revitalization, signifying to everyone that there is an important, enduring mission to support here in Nevada,” said Dr. David Bowman, Nevada Field Office Manager.

The project was fully funded in FY 2020 at $69.7 million, and was later baselined in March 2021 at $50.3 million. This project’s acquisition was the first in the Nuclear Security Enterprise to utilize what is known as a Firm Fixed Price Management and Operations contract.