Richland national lab contractor earns $13M after new report card. Here are the scores

The Department of Energy contractor for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory had another strong year in fiscal 2024, as rated by DOE in its annual report card of Battelle’s performance.

Battelle, which holds the contract to manage and operate the national lab based in Richland, has been rewarded for the sixth straight year with 97% of the incentive pay possible. That’s $13.1 million out of a possible $13.5 million.

“Battelle continues to perform above and beyond the expectations of the department,” said Julie Turner, manager of the DOE Pacific Northwest Site Office in Richland.

Battelle is a major employer in Eastern Washington with about 6,440 employees, the majority of them based in Richland and an annual budget in 2024 of almost $1.7 billion.

Some of the incentive pay, or “fee,” paid to the nonprofit contractor is reinvested in the community by Battelle through its support of STEM education, performing and usual arts and local human services organizations.

The 2024 scorecard “validates that we are delivering innovative science and technology, strong programmatic leadership, and effective management and operations to our many sponsors,” said Steven Ashby, laboratory director.

PNNL’s research lays a foundation for innovations that advance sustainable energy through decarbonization and energy storage and enhance national security through nuclear materials and threat analyses.

It also collaborates with universities on fundamental research and with industry to help bring technologies to commercial use.

PNNL awarded As, Bs

Battelle’s grades for 2024 match the previous year’s for research and leadership: A for quality and productivity of research and development; A for science and technology project and program management; A- for construction and operation of research facilities; and A- for contractor leadership.

Its grades for maintenance and operation matched or were close to those in 2024.

It earned B+ for environment safety and health; A- for business systems, up from a B+ the year before; B+ for facilities maintenance and infrastructure, down from A- the year before; and A- for security and emergency management.

The 2024 performance evaluation noted some concerns in safety and security, Ashby said in a message to PNNL staff.

The evaluation said that a radioactive research sample was misplaced at the lab’s Radiochemical Processing Laboratory on the Hanford nuclear site. The sample did not leave the building, according to PNNL.

In addition, two small fires were reported. A magnifier inspection lamp set outside for disposal lit cardboard on fire, and a research battery failed and set materials nearby on fire.

DOE also is concerned about impacts of losing key researchers, but Ashby is is confident the lab will successfully address that.

PNNL’s 2024 strengths

The review was largely complimentary.

DOE and other agencies relying on PNNL commended Battelle and the lab for these accomplishments and many others, according to Ashby:

▪ In the lab’s science mission, DOE cited PNNL’s progress in advanced computing and artificial intelligence, including in a high-profile partnership with Microsoft.

It also praised a proposed expansion of the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory on PNNL’s Richland campus.

▪ In the lab’s energy and environment mission, DOE said PNNL was a “major contributor” to analysis to support reliable, resilient electric grid operations. PNNL opened its Grid Storage Launchpad, which is fast tracking next generation battery storage research, in August.

Other agencies praised PNNL for being at the forefront in addressing technical challenges in used nuclear fuel disposition and providing a depth of knowledge in support of Hanford nuclear site cleanup.

▪ In the lab’s national security mission, it was recognized for its “highly impactful” intelligence analysis and assessments.

DOE called out PNNL’s contributions to radiological security and countering nuclear smuggling.

▪ In the lab’s management and operations work, PNNL was complimented by DOE on its strong financial management.

DOE also highlighted its inclusive workplace and enhanced recruiting program. Its STEM ambassador program, with staff trained in outreach to spark interest in STEM learning and careers, is being copied at other labs.

Scorecard participation

The DOE Office of Science is the lead agency on the appraisal process but receives input with the other federal agencies that contributed at least $5 million to the lab’s budget in 2024.

They included the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institutes of Health and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Office of Electricity, Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, the Office of Environmental Management and the Office of Nuclear Energy contributed as well.