BPMI Inc. Uses IPC Standards to Support the U.S. Nuclear-powered Naval Fleet

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Our IPC member profile focuses on Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc (BPMI), responsible for the fabrication, test, delivery, installation, and field support of high-quality nuclear power plant components for installation in submarines and aircraft carriers.

What is Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc (BPMI)?
Since 1956, at the direct request of the Navy's Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, our employees have successfully supported our nation's fleet and sailors in various aspects of the design, development, and continuing support of naval nuclear propulsion equipment—a vital part of our nation's defense. We work with our many partners to deliver and maintain safe, reliable, and cost-effective products that ensure the long-term viability of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP).

The NNPP comprises the military and civilian personnel who design, build, operate, maintain, and manage the nuclear-powered ships and the many facilities that support the U.S. nuclear-powered naval fleet. The Program has cradle-to-grave responsibility for all naval nuclear propulsion matters and elements that include:

• Research, development, and support laboratories
• Contractors responsible for designing, procuring, and building propulsion plant equipment
• Shipyards that build, overhaul, and service the propulsion plants of nuclear-powered vessels
• Navy support facilities and tenders
• Nuclear power schools and naval reactors training facilities
• Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program Headquarters and field offices

What part does Bechtel play in the NNPP?

BPMI is a large network of engineers, contract professionals, logistics analysts, IT professionals, and other professional services personnel organized into two basic functions: equipment and operations. Our workforce is responsible for the design, manufacturing, and procurement management for the fabrication, testing, delivery, installation, and field support of high-quality nuclear power plant components for installation in submarines and aircraft carriers. BPMI supports the operating fleet by providing upgraded and replacement components during refueling and overhauls and provides information technology solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of IPC Community, click here.

Note: Questions for this article were answered by Gerald Leslie (Les) Bogert.