What We Do
We've been supporting the U.S. Navy for nearly seventy years.
Since the late 1950s, BPMI has been a dedicated prime contractor—a company that has a direct contract with the federal government—for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP). We support the design, purchase, quality control, and delivery of major nuclear propulsion plant components installed on the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, and prototype plants.
After delivery and installation of these components, BPMI provides upgraded replacement components in support of refueling and overhaul activities; delivers information technology and operational solutions; and aids in the ultimate storage and disposition of spent naval fuel. These broad services are fulfilled by a workforce of nearly 1,200 employees ranging in expertise from engineering and information technology to business and supply chain management.U.S. Navy activities supported by BPMI:
- Design and Manufacturing Oversight of Nuclear Components on Naval Ships
- Strengthening, Growing, & Managing the subset of U.S. Defense Industrial Base suppliers that support the NNPP
- Supply Chain Management & Optimization
- Contract Management & Procurement
- Project Engineering & Management
- Nuclear Component Design & Maintenance Expertise
- Refueling & Maintenance of Nuclear Ships
- Digital Transformation & Innovation
- Advanced Manufacturing Innovation
- Component Technical Manuals
- 24/7 Field Support
- Ship End-of-Life Defueling & Disposal
- AUKUS/International Program Support
- and more!
What is the U.S. defense industrial base?
“The U.S. defense industrial base (DIB) is the network of people, organizations, facilities, and resources that provides the U.S. government—particularly the Department of Defense (DOD)—with defense-related materials, products, and services.
The DIB encompasses a wide variety of entities, including commercial firms operated on a for-profit basis, not-for-profit research centers and university laboratories, and government-owned industrial facilities. It provides everything from large, technologically sophisticated weapons platforms (e.g., nuclear submarines) and highly specialized operational support (e.g., intelligence analysis) to general commercial products (e.g., laptop computers) and routine services (e.g., information technology support). By supplying and equipping the armed services, the DIB enables the United States to execute national strategy and develop, maintain, and project military power.”
The DIB encompasses a wide variety of entities, including commercial firms operated on a for-profit basis, not-for-profit research centers and university laboratories, and government-owned industrial facilities. It provides everything from large, technologically sophisticated weapons platforms (e.g., nuclear submarines) and highly specialized operational support (e.g., intelligence analysis) to general commercial products (e.g., laptop computers) and routine services (e.g., information technology support). By supplying and equipping the armed services, the DIB enables the United States to execute national strategy and develop, maintain, and project military power.”
What is nuclear propulsion?
In the 1940s, the U.S. Navy began researching nuclear energy to power and propel ships. While a nuclear power plant cruising around the ocean in a ship may sound odd at first, the Navy found that it’s actually a very efficient and effective energy source. Nuclear energy improves the endurance, mobility, and sustainability of naval ships and doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases—leaving the world’s atmosphere and oceans clean.
The U.S. Navy needed an enterprise of professionals to ensure safe, reliable, and long-lived operation of nuclear-powered ships. This is where BPMI comes onto the scene. Since 1956, BPMI has been contracted by the NNPP to help bring research and development to life by coordinating the design, manufacturing, and supply chain management of the nuclear power plant components installed in all U.S. nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.
In other words, BPMI is the link between the NNPP enterprise and U.S. manufacturing companies that support the Navy’s mission. Our teams and professionals ensure that where there is a nuclear-powered ship, there is a network of professionals and suppliers to support it.
Want to learn more about the benefits of nuclear power and propulsion in the U.S. Navy? Our Program history and mission? The dedication to protection of people, Sailors, and environment? Read the Department of Energy’s booklet on the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (PDF).
The U.S. Navy needed an enterprise of professionals to ensure safe, reliable, and long-lived operation of nuclear-powered ships. This is where BPMI comes onto the scene. Since 1956, BPMI has been contracted by the NNPP to help bring research and development to life by coordinating the design, manufacturing, and supply chain management of the nuclear power plant components installed in all U.S. nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.
In other words, BPMI is the link between the NNPP enterprise and U.S. manufacturing companies that support the Navy’s mission. Our teams and professionals ensure that where there is a nuclear-powered ship, there is a network of professionals and suppliers to support it.
Want to learn more about the benefits of nuclear power and propulsion in the U.S. Navy? Our Program history and mission? The dedication to protection of people, Sailors, and environment? Read the Department of Energy’s booklet on the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (PDF).