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 National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL), has issued a Request for Application (RFA) for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative. This program aims to accelerate the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of advanced nuclear technologies through two pathways: Launch Pad INL and Launch Pad U.S.A. Initial applications are due July 08, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT.
Purpose & Scope
The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad builds upon the success of DOE's Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs, creating an ecosystem to expedite advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks. The initiative seeks proposals for various nuclear facilities, including reactors, fuel fabrication, other fuel cycle facilities (e.g., recycling, enrichment), and supporting infrastructure. The RFA outlines the application process and evaluation criteria for selecting participants.
Key Requirements & Eligibility
Applicants must propose advanced nuclear facilities with sufficiently mature designs, established nuclear material plans, adequate financial resources, a mature supply chain, and execution readiness. A developed commercialization plan is also required. Key deliverables include Nuclear Safety Design Agreements, design documentation, safety analyses, and waste management plans. Applicants must 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. Foreign entities may participate with an explicit waiver request.
Contract & Funding
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. The development of the application is the financial responsibility of the applicant.
Submission & Evaluation
- RFA Issue Date: April 29, 2026
- Initial Submission Deadline for Questions: June 19, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT (email: 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.
- Initial Anticipated Selections: By August 19, 2026. Applications will be evaluated based on merit, focusing 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.
Contacts
- Primary: AnnMarie Marshall (Ann.Marshall@inl.gov)
- Secondary: Sam Reiss (Samuel.Reiss@inl.gov)