When queried about SNS use of ORNL services, Madia and Deputy Director for Operations Jeff Smith reminded the audience that SNS, although not mandated to use ORNL services, buys a plethora of Lab services. But they want as much independence as they can have to get the job done, said Madia. If the Lab can provide a high-value service, so be it. When asked about the possibility of staff cuts in ORNL s future, Madia could not rule them out. We decided not to fix our overhead shortfall with staff cuts, but it could happen, he said.
Nobody s off limits.
However, he also remarked that, in addition to an aging facility, ORNL also has an aging staff, and the inflow of new talent is at a trickle. ORNL s agenda, he said, is to build the Lab and maximize research dollars. Remember, he reminded the group, the main issue is that our costs are too high. Wash. ORNL Reporter recently visited PNNL for a meeting of public affairs staff from most of the labs. The first impression one gets of PNNL is that of an oasis.