DEMONSTRATION OF RECYCLING OF DEFENSE USED NUCLEAR FUEL REQUEST FOR APPLICATION (RFA)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy (DOE), specifically the Office of Environmental Management (EM), is issuing a Request for Application (RFA) to solicit proposals for a large-scale demonstration of the commercial viability of recycling defense-related used nuclear fuel (UNF). This involves a long-term lease for property at the DOE EM cleanup site in Idaho Falls, ID. The goal is to establish a new, dedicated facility for this demonstration. Proposals are due by Friday, June 19th, 2026.
Scope of Work
This opportunity seeks to demonstrate complete steady-state recycling operations, including:
- UNF handling, recycling, product separation, and waste management.
- Development and deployment of recycling technologies and facilities.
- A comprehensive business plan covering financing, permitting, construction, operation, and decommissioning.
- A robust security plan compliant with DOE directives.
- A detailed regulatory pathway (DOE authorization and/or NRC licensing).
- Plans for material control and accountability, criticality control, remote operation and maintenance, main process description, product specification, mass balance, waste management, and decommissioning.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Application (RFA) for a long-term lease, likely an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) or a Lease Agreement.
- Lease Period: May include development, construction, two operational phases, decommissioning, and site restoration.
- Applicants' Responsibility: All project costs, including UNF handling, utilities, and site support.
- Proposal Due: Friday, June 19th, 2026, by 10:00 AM ET.
- Questions Due: Tuesday, May 19th, 2026.
- Industry Day: Anticipated for Wednesday, May 27th, 2026.
- Published: March 4th, 2026.
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Technical adequacy and likelihood of project success.
- Experience and capabilities of the applicant.
- Budget and financing plans.
- Regulatory compliance. The government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the applications.
Eligibility
- Open to: Private Sector Companies, Consortia, and Partnerships.
- Requirements: Applicants must be organized under U.S. laws, have majority domestic ownership and control, and a physical place of business in the U.S.
- Restrictions: Non-U.S. company involvement must be clearly defined and limited to non-sensitive areas. Entities of Concern are prohibited.
Additional Notes
- Applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration.
- This RFA is for a real estate transaction (property use), not an acquisition of goods/services.
- Applicants may explore financing options through DOE's Energy Dominance Finance (EDF) program.
- Transparency of foreign connections disclosure is required.
- Contact: Aaron Nebeker (nebekeas@id.doe.gov).