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Small businesses reap nearly all subcontracts

12.30.2008

RICHLAND, Wash.—In fiscal year 2008, Washington Closure Hanford awarded more than 90 percent of its subcontracted work to small businesses, exceeding by a substantial margin its 65 percent goal with the U. S. Department of Energy.

“Our 65 percent goal is very aggressive and to exceed it by such a wide margin is good for us and for those small businesses we subcontract with,” said Dennis Houston, Washington Closure procurement manager.

Of the $117 million subcontracted in FY08, more than $107 million went to small businesses. Of that, 47 percent went to small businesses located in Benton County, where the Hanford Site is located.

In addition, one of Washington Closure’s subcontractors, Terranear PMC of Exton, Pa., was named the U.S. Department of Energy Protégé of the Year award. DOE’s mentor- protégé program is designed to promote economic and technological growth, promote and foster long-term business relationships, and increase the number of small disadvantaged businesses that receive DOE, other federal agency and commercial contracts by teaming small businesses with DOE contractors.

Washington Closure is a limited liability company owned by the URS Washington Division, Bechtel National and CH2M Hill. Washington Closure manages the River Corridor Closure Project, an eight-year, $2.2 billion cleanup project at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in southeastern Washington state.

In its work to protect the Columbia River and complete cleanup in the 218-square-mile River Corridor by 2015, Washington Closure will demolish 486 contaminated buildings, clean up 370 contaminated waste sites and expand the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility as necessary.

Washington Closure expects to subcontract an equivalent amount in the next year. To prequalify for upcoming business opportunities and view a rolling 90-day (or greater) forecast of upcoming procurements, businesses may visit http://www.washingtonclosure.com/procurement/90-day_forecast/.