Legal aspects 2

From a legal point of view, what is LANS?

Here are some answers that I have been told. (Yes, they are contradictory.)

1. A project related LLC that will disappear when the contract for managing the Lab disappears.
2. A way to protect the assets of the four companies from any legal assault.
3. A shell that can be breached easily in a suit to recover damages.
4. A semi governmental something or other operating under unclear legal rules. (Think Blackwater in Iraq)
5. A covert arm of NNSA.
6. A private company subject to all risks that might previously have been directed at UC.

Does anyone have solid suggestions?
The people who told me each of the above were very experienced in their fields and were sure that they were right.

Thanks,

Originally posted 12 October 2007