National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (NTESS), commonly referred to as Sandia, is the entity that manages and operates Sandia National Laboratories on behalf of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The management by NTESS continues the tradition of Sandia National Laboratories being a pivotal part of the U.S. nuclear weapons complex while expanding into other areas of national security and technology. For up-to-date information or very specific inquiries, one should consult the latest DOE/NNSA reports, or visit Sandia's official website or publications for the most current data on operations, performance, and initiatives.
Ownership and Management
NTESS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc. It was selected to manage Sandia National Laboratories beginning May 1, 2017, after Lockheed Martin's tenure. This transition was part of a competitive bidding process aimed at refreshing management practices and potentially bringing new ideas to the lab's operations.
Mission
Sandia National Laboratories, under NTESS, focuses on scientific research and technology development in multiple areas aimed at enhancing national security. Its work includes:
- Nuclear Weapons: Life extension programs, engineering, and nonproliferation.
- Defense Systems and Assessments: Developing technologies for national defense.
- Energy and Infrastructure: Research into renewable energy, grid modernization, and other infrastructure security.
- Global Security: Addressing threats like terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and cybersecurity.
- Homeland Security: Countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, border security, and more.
Facilities
Sandia operates primarily out of two main locations:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is the headquarters.
- Livermore, California, adjacent to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Research and Innovation
Sandia is known for its cutting-edge research in fields like materials science, computational science, nanotechnology, and systems analysis. It has made significant contributions to various technological fields, including the development of the Z machine, which is the world's most powerful pulsed-power accelerator.
Publications and Patents
The lab has an extensive record of publications and patents, contributing to both defense and civilian sectors.
Safety and Compliance
NTESS has been subject to various DOE and NNSA oversight for safety, security, and environmental compliance. There have been instances of investigations and enforcement actions related to security breaches or safety incidents, reflecting the high standards and scrutiny under which national labs operate.