Contract Extended for Operation of CEBAF (Release)
Contract Extended for Operation of CEBAF
NEWPORT NEWS, VA — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that it is extending its contract with the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) for the operation of the DOE's Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF).
DOE's non-profit contract with SURA has been extended through September 30, 1999. Dean Helms, DOE Site Manager at CEBAF, said: "The agreement signed today by DOE and SURA is a performance based contract reflecting new management principles established by Secretary of Energy Hazel R. O'Leary last year. These principles will guide the Department's relationships with contractors in the future and are expected to result in improved performance, greater accountability, and additional costs savings.
Construction of the $600 million CEBAF was completed this spring and is currently undergoing preoperational testing. Helms said, "SURA's record to date at CEBAF speaks for itself. Under the leadership of Dr. Hermann Grunder, CEBAF Director, the project was finished on time and within budget, with all technical objectives achieved or exceeded."
Scientists from around the world will begin conducting experiments at CEBAF in late June. CEBAF is a world class nuclear physics laboratory designed to provide unprecedented capabilities for exploring the structure of matter found in the nucleus of the atom. Knowledge and insights gained through this research are expected to greatly expand the understanding of nuclear physics and contribute to the nation's applied research and technology development programs in the years ahead.
CEBAF was funded by DOE, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the City of Newport News. Also highly specialized research equipment is being contributed by foreign laboratories and collaborators. The partnership of federal, state, local, and foreign interests is a model of cooperation and collaboration.
SURA is a consortium of 41 colleges and universities in 13 southeastern states and the District of Columbia. SURA's mission is to foster excellence in scientific research and to strengthen the academic research capabilities of the Southeast by encouraging and supporting large initiatives that derive from inspired, dedicated leadership and can best be handled by a consortium.
News Media Contact:
Dean Helms (757)249-7140
Steven Wyatt (615) 576-0885