Triad National Security, LLC

Triad National Security, LLC is a consortium that manages and operates the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) under the U.S. Department of Energy.

Formation and Management

Triad was formed by Battelle Memorial Institute, Texas A&M University System, and the University of California. This collaboration leverages the expertise and resources of these organizations to manage one of the United States' premier scientific institutions.

Mission

Their mission involves ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, reducing global threats, and solving complex national security challenges through scientific research, technology development, and innovation.

Leadership

The President and CEO of Triad National Security, LLC, and also as the Director of Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Operations

Under Triad's management, LANL focuses on several areas including nuclear security, environmental management, renewable energy, supercomputing, and other scientific research for not only DOE/NNSA but also for other government and private organizations.

Challenges and Performance

Triad has faced scrutiny regarding operational aspects like safety and management practices. For instance, there have been assessments concerning nuclear safety issues at LANL, with findings related to the management of safety issues, particularly in nuclear engineering and operations at the Plutonium Facility.

The management by Triad has been subject to performance evaluations by NNSA, including reviews on how well Triad meets its goals, which in turn affects the amount of incentive fees awarded. Public and watchdog groups have occasionally raised concerns over operational transparency and safety.