RFA - DEMONSTRATION OF RECYCLING OF DEFENSE USED NUCLEAR FUEL
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) is seeking proposals for a large-scale demonstration of recycling defense-related used nuclear fuel (UNF) at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) in Idaho Falls, ID. This Request for Application (RFA) aims to establish the commercial viability of UNF recycling. Proposals are due June 19, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFA supports Executive Order (EO) 14302, "Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base," by soliciting entities to enter a long-term lease for property at the DOE EM cleanup site in Idaho. The goal is to demonstrate a complete, steady-state recycling operation, including UNF handling, recycling, product separation, and waste management, using prototypical process equipment. The demonstration will initially utilize 3,400 UNF elements from DOE's Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), with potential for other defense-related UNF. Applicants are responsible for all project costs and must demonstrate a sound understanding of nuclear fuel recycling. Teaming is encouraged, but non-U.S. company scope must comply with national security concerns, and all staff require requisite security clearances.
Key Clarifications & Requirements
Responses to industry questions clarify several aspects:
- Demonstration Scale: Focus is on large-scale demonstration using prototypical equipment to recover High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
- Security & Confidentiality: DOE will establish security plans and address confidentiality with selected offerors. All staff must be capable of obtaining security clearances.
- Current & Pending Support: Applicants must include Current and Pending Support disclosures for key personnel.
- Waste Management: Proposals should detail waste forms, quantities, and storage plans. DOE is open to various waste stabilization approaches (e.g., cementation, vitrification).
- Facility & Infrastructure: Applicants are responsible for all facility costs, including RADCON and physical security staff.
- Lease/OTA Terms: Lease or Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements will be negotiated post-selection, covering aspects like water rights, electrical grid, and security services.
- Evaluation Criteria: Selection will be based on criteria outlined in the RFA, including understanding of demonstration scale, business plan, product specification, material control, waste management, and regulatory pathway.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Application (RFA) for a long-term lease and demonstration project.
- Agency: Department of Energy (DOE)
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Offer Submittal Deadline: Friday, June 19, 2026.
- Published Date: May 26, 2026.
- Industry Day: Anticipated for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Willow Creek Building, Idaho Falls, ID. Interested attendees should contact Aaron S. Nebeker.
Additional Notes
Amendment 2 provided responses to 26 industry questions and corrected the RFA regarding Current and Pending Support disclosures.