Request for Application: NRIC Nuclear Energy Launch Pad
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 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have issued a Request for Application (RFA) for the NRIC Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative. This RFA seeks to promote the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of advanced nuclear technologies. The initial application deadline is July 08, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT, with questions due by June 19, 2026.
Scope of Opportunity
The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad builds upon DOE's successful Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs, creating an ecosystem to expedite advanced nuclear technology deployment. It offers two distinct pathways: Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A.). The initiative aims to unlock private capital and fast-track commercial licensing for various nuclear facilities, including reactors, fuel fabrication, other fuel cycle facilities (e.g., recycling, enrichment), and supporting infrastructure.
Key Requirements for Applicants
Applicants must propose advanced nuclear facilities with a sufficiently mature design for imminent development and safety basis documentation. Key requirements include established nuclear material plans, adequate financial resources, a mature supply chain, execution readiness for materials, systems, components, and staffing, and a developed commercialization plan. Eligibility requires applicants to be organized or legally formed under U.S. laws, with majority domestic ownership and control, and a physical U.S. business location. SAM.gov registration is mandatory.
Contract Details
This initiative utilizes flexible agreement instruments, such as Other Transaction Authority (OTA) and Strategic Partnership Projects (SPP). It is crucial to note that NRIC and DOE will not provide funding for selected projects; all industry deployments will be privately funded. Applicants are responsible for the financial cost of developing their applications. Key deliverables include Nuclear Safety Design Agreements, design documentation, safety analyses, waste and spent nuclear fuel management plans, and project schedules.
Submission & Evaluation
- RFA Issue Date: April 29, 2026
- Initial Submission Deadline for Questions: June 19, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT (submit to NRIC@inl.gov)
- Industry Day: May 19, 2026 (virtual, details on NRIC website)
- Initial Submission Deadline for Applications: July 08, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed periodically on a rolling basis.
- Initial Anticipated Selections: By August 19, 2026, with further selections on a rolling basis.
- Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be merit-evaluated based on technical adequacy, technology maturity, nuclear feedstock/fuel plans, waste management, testing capability, project schedule, site plan, and understanding of DOE authorization. Priority will be given to high-quality proposals with earlier deployment timelines.
Additional Notes
Applicants are responsible for adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, and permits, including NEPA compliance. Detailed cybersecurity and IT governance requirements, including NIST standards and Interconnection Security Agreements, are also specified.