The University of Texas and Texas A&M systems may compete for the contract to operate the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
The federal nuclear weapons lab is where the first nuclear weapons were built.
Both university systems have filed formal statements showing interest in bidding to operate the lab. Neither has made a final decision on whether to bid.
The UT System's interest has been well-known since February, when regents decided to explore the possibility.
The Texas A&M System filed a statement with the U.S. Energy Department last week, showing its interest. The Austin American-Statesman reported the department did not post a notice of the filing on its Web site until this week.
It's possible the rival systems could fashion a joint bid to operate Los Alamos.
