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) Office of Environmental Management (EM) has issued a Request for Application (RFA) for a large-scale demonstration of the commercial viability of recycling defense-related used nuclear fuel (UNF). This opportunity involves leasing property at the DOE EM cleanup site in Idaho for a new, dedicated facility. Proposals are due June 19, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
DOE EM seeks proposals from entities interested in entering a long-term lease to demonstrate complete, steady-state recycling operations for defense UNF. The goal is to establish commercial viability and potentially expand to other defense-related UNF. This includes UNF handling, recycling, product separation, and waste management using prototypical process equipment.
Key Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- 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, accountability, criticality control, remote operations, main process description, product specification, mass balance, waste management, and decommissioning.
Contract Details
The agreement will likely be an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) or a Lease Agreement. The lease period may include development, construction, two operational phases, decommissioning, and site restoration. Applicants are responsible for all project costs, including UNF handling, utilities, and site support. This RFA is for a real estate transaction for property use, not an acquisition of goods/services.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This opportunity is open to Private Sector Companies, Consortia, and Partnerships. Applicants must be organized under U.S. laws, have majority domestic ownership and control, and a physical place of business in the U.S. Non-U.S. company involvement must be clearly defined and limited to non-sensitive areas. Entities of Concern are prohibited. Applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration.
Submission & Key Dates
- RFA Issue Date: April 22, 2026
- Questions Due: May 19, 2026
- Industry Day: May 27, 2026, 8:00 am (MST) at Willow Creek Building, 1955 Fremont Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83415. Potential attendees should email Aaron S. Nebeker (nebekeas@id.doe.gov) for more information.
- Proposals Due: June 19, 2026
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated based on technical adequacy (likelihood of project success), experience and capabilities, budget and financing, and regulatory compliance. The government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the applications.
Additional Notes
Applicants may explore financing options through DOE's Energy Dominance Finance (EDF) program. Transparency of foreign connections disclosure is required.