Brian A. Harkins

Brian A. Harkins serves as a Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Office of River Protection within the Department of Energy, providing critical technical oversight for the acquisition and implementation of specialized services related to radioactive waste treatment and immobilization. In this role, he supports the procurement mission by evaluating technical proposals, validating contractor capabilities, and ensuring compliance with nuclear safety and environmental protection standards for the Hanford Site’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. His acquisitions primarily involve complex scientific and technical consulting services essential to the safe management of legacy tank waste and the operational readiness of high-hazard nuclear facilities. Mr. Harkins collaborates closely with a broad range of engineering, environmental, and nuclear science contractors who provide expert analysis, process design, systems integration, and operational support for waste treatment technologies. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his engagements consistently require vendors with proven experience in radioactive waste processing, nuclear chemistry, and regulatory compliance under DOE Order 413.3B. His working relationships are characterized by rigorous technical due diligence, iterative review cycles, and a strong emphasis on performance-based deliverables aligned with mission-critical timelines. Mr. Harkins’ procurement activities reflect a strict preference for open, non-set-aside competitions, with 100% of acquisitions conducted under unrestricted solicitation. This reflects the highly specialized nature of the technical services required and the limited pool of qualified vendors capable of meeting stringent nuclear safety and engineering standards. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through socioeconomic set-asides, all vendors must demonstrate technical competency regardless of size. His primary focus is on NAICS 541690—Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services—encompassing expert consulting in nuclear waste characterization, process engineering, remote handling systems, and environmental remediation technologies. He procures services that support the design, testing, and commissioning of advanced treatment systems, requiring deep domain expertise in radioactive material handling, vitrification processes, and regulatory frameworks governing DOE’s environmental cleanup missions.