Graphite Rotary Furnace for Kernal Fabrication

Amendment / Modification

This amendment, dated 03/23/2026, incorporates the following Questions & Answers into the solicitation for the ORNL Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate Graphite Rotary Furnace (RFP No. PR451983):

• Vacuum Requirement: Vacuum is required to purge the chamber of trace air.
• Production Rate: The process is not planned to be continuous. The goal is to achieve a single batch of 500g or more.
• Kernel Properties: Kernels start as microspheres with a tap density of 0.5 to 1.25 g/cc and sizes from 0.6mm to 5.0mm. Upon conversion, they shrink to diameters of 0.2 to 2.0mm, with a final bulk density ranging from 1.5 to 14.5 g/cc.
• Volatiles: Expected volatiles include water, trace organics, CO, and CO2.
• Project Timeline: The project timeline is still to be determined (TBD).

This amendment primarily provides clarifications through a Q&A format, impacting the understanding of technical requirements and project scope.

No changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements are indicated. Bidders should incorporate the clarified information regarding vacuum, production rate, kernel properties, volatiles, and timeline into their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

• Amendment 2, dated 03/25/2026, extends the proposal due date.

• The proposal due date has been modified.

• Proposals are now due by 5 PM EST on Monday, April 13th, 2026.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for the design, manufacturing, delivery, and support of a high-temperature graphite rotary furnace for the Advanced Fuel Fabrication Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The furnace is intended for research and development activities in nuclear fuel fabrication, specifically for producing consistent, high-quality fuel kernels through thermal conversion processes.

• Design, manufacture, and deliver a high-temperature graphite rotary furnace capable of operating at very high temperatures (up to 2000 C), with programmable heating/cooling rates, controlled rotation, vacuum capability, and multiple process gas inputs (up to 10 SLPM).

• The system must be suitable for air-sensitive materials and require controlled thermal and atmospheric environments.

• The SOW outlines specific tasks including System Design and Engineering, Design Baseline and Manufacturing Authorization, Manufacturing and Assembly, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Delivery and Installation, Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and Final Acceptance and Training.

• The furnace must meet specified technical, safety, and functional requirements as defined in the Technical Specifications (Rotary Furnace Technical Specifications v1.1).

• Key performance aspects include maximum operating temperature, ramp rate, rotation range, gas flow and pressure control, vacuum performance, and interlock/alarm functionality.

• The Seller must provide monthly status reports throughout the project duration.

• The document does not explicitly state the overall period of performance but details milestones and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.

• Installation and acceptance testing will occur at the Company's site (ORNL).

• The Seller must maintain a Quality Assurance Program compliant with ASME NQA-1 (2008/2009a) or an ORNL-approved equivalent.

• Safety-significant components must be uniquely identified and traceable.

• The Seller must provide a Suspect/Counterfeit Items Prevention Program.

• Independent inspection and verification for critical characteristics are required.

• The Seller is responsible for packing, shipping, installation, and start-up, including providing training for ORNL personnel.

• Post-installation service and maintenance are required, with a commitment for emergency service within two working days.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B - Technical Specification," details the technical requirements for a graphite rotary furnace to be procured by the Advanced Fuel Fabrication Group. It outlines the capabilities and specifications necessary for high-temperature thermal conversions of fuel kernels.

• Procurement Objective: To acquire a graphite rotary furnace capable of high-temperature thermal conversions (up to 2000°C) with precise control over ramp rates, vacuum, and process gases.
• Technical Specifications:
  • Maximum operating temperature: ≥ 2000 °C
  • Ramp rates: Controllable from 1-30 °C/minute
  • Outer shell temperature: ≤ 60 °C
  • Crucible: Graphite, internal dimensions at least 3" diameter x 17" length, fully accessible.
  • Vacuum capability: Chamber and crucible capable of at least 1E-3 mbar.
  • Overpressure capability: Approximately 300 mbar.
  • Rotation rate: 0.5 to at least 15 RPM.
  • Process gases: Separate lines for Ar, N2, CO, H2 with 10 SLPM max flow rate MFCs.
  • Controls: Programmable temperature and gas controls with readouts and data logging (USB offload).
  • Safety: Interlocks for temperature, water, and gas flow anomalies.
• Other Requirements:
  • Power supply: Not to exceed 80 kVA, 460 V / 3 PH / 60 Hz.
  • Certification: Must have Nationally Recognized and Testing Laboratory (NRTL) certification.
  • Logistics: Bidders must provide shipping, on-site installation, and follow-on maintenance costs and schedules.
  • Registration: Bidders must be fully registered as an ORNL Supplier.

This attachment is critical for bidders responding to the solicitation. It defines the precise technical capabilities, performance standards, and operational requirements of the furnace. Bidders must ensure their proposed equipment meets all listed specifications. The document also outlines key evaluation criteria, including meeting technical specifications, demonstrated excellence in similar furnace design, quality assurance, and a plan for shipping, installation, and maintenance. Understanding these requirements is essential for preparing a compliant and competitive proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for the design, manufacturing, delivery, and support of a high-temperature graphite rotary furnace. This furnace is intended for use by the Advanced Fuel Fabrication Group at ORNL.

• Design, manufacturing, delivery, and support of a high-temperature graphite rotary furnace.

• The specific requirements are detailed in the attached Statement of Work (SOW) and Technical Specifications.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: To Be Determined (TBD).

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but proposals exceeding $15,000 require specific forms.

• Offers Due By: March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

• Offer Validity Period: 120 days.

• Proposal Format: MS Excel, MS Word, or PDF formats are acceptable. Proposals must be submitted on company-provided forms if available, otherwise, Offeror's format is acceptable.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on Best Value (Tradeoff), considering the following factors in descending order of importance: Technical Approach, Management Approach, Past Performance, Exceptions, and Cost/Price.

• Key Deadlines: Offers are due by March 30, 2026.

• Small Business Set-Aside: No.

• NAICS Code: 333994/Industrial Process Furnace & Oven Manufacturing/750 employees.

• Offerors are encouraged to maintain active registration in SAM.gov for verification of small business status and eligibility.

• The RFP includes several attachments detailing the SOW, Technical Specifications, ORNL Terms and Conditions, Prime Contract T&C Flow Downs, and Representations and Certifications.

• Offerors are encouraged to suggest practical performance incentives and identify alternatives that may offer value.

• Payment terms are Net 30 (Large Business) or Net 15 (Small Business) days upon final acceptance.