Nuclear Physicist – Nuclear Data Evaluation and Reaction Modeling Support

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Request for Quote (RFQ) Number 473609 for a Nuclear Physicist – Nuclear Data Evaluation and Reaction Modeling Support position.

• Level of Effort: Hours are expected to be distributed uniformly, approximating a part-time appointment (20 hours/week, 48 weeks/year). While generally uniform, periods of higher activity may occur and will be communicated.
• Place of Performance: The candidate is expected to perform duties remotely, with ad hoc in-person visits to BNL for meetings. The contract budget includes provisions for 4 one-week domestic trips per 12-month period for these visits or related conferences, subject to BNL approval.
• Technical Qualifiers: The stated technical qualifications (25+ years of research, specific experience) are considered "must-haves." BNL may consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis if no applicants fully meet all criteria. Structuring the effort with a senior expert supported by a mid-level physicist is not feasible due to budget constraints.
• Options for Expansion: Increased hours or topic expansion are possible in option years, subject to funding and mutual agreement. Adding additional personnel may require a new contract.
• Labor & Travel Costs: Labor costs are burdened. The contract budget also includes funds for domestic travel (airfare, lodging, per diem) for approved trips, bound by GSA rate limits.

This Q&A clarifies key aspects of the solicitation, including the expected workload distribution, place of performance, the strictness of technical qualifications, and the process for potential contract expansion. It also confirms that travel costs are included within the contract budget.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Amendment 1 to the Quotation Pricing Sheet (Form No. AMS-Form-043, Revision No. 0.1) for Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 473609. It is used by bidders to submit their pricing for the "Nuclear Physicist – Nuclear Data Evaluation and Reaction Modeling Support" opportunity.

• Base Period (Year 1): Requires bidders to provide fully burdened hourly rates, estimated hours (960), and calculate the extended labor total and total base year ceiling.
• Option Years (1-4): Similar to the Base Period, requires pricing for escalated or same hourly rates, estimated hours (960), extended labor total, and option year ceiling for each of the four option years.
• Total Potential Contract Value: A field to sum the Base Year and all Option Years.
• Price Firmness: The submitted price must remain firm for 60 days.
• Payment Terms: Net 30 Days (Net 10 for Small Business).
• Company Information: Fields for company name, signature, address, typed name, title, telephone number, and date.
• SAM Registration: Bidders must affirm SAM registration and provide their UEI number.

This pricing sheet is critical for bidders to detail their proposed costs for the services outlined in the solicitation. It requires specific labor category rates and hours, and the total potential contract value. Completing this form accurately is essential for proposal submission and evaluation. Bidders must also confirm their SAM registration and provide their UEI.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. IRS Form W-8BEN, "Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals)." It is used by foreign individuals to establish their foreign status and to claim a reduced rate of, or exemption from, U.S. tax withholding.

• Part I: Identification of Beneficial Owner: Collects name, country of citizenship, permanent residence address, mailing address, U.S. taxpayer identification number (if any), foreign tax identifying number, and date of birth.
• Part II: Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits: Allows the beneficial owner to claim benefits under a U.S. tax treaty, specifying the country of residence and the specific treaty article and rate of withholding.
• Part III: Certification: The beneficial owner certifies that the information provided is true, correct, and complete, and that they are not a U.S. person. They also authorize the sharing of this form with withholding agents.

If this opportunity involves payments to foreign individuals or entities that are subject to U.S. tax withholding, bidders may be required to obtain and submit this form from their foreign subcontractors or partners to ensure correct tax treatment and compliance with U.S. tax regulations. It is crucial for understanding potential tax implications and ensuring proper documentation for payments made to non-U.S. persons.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Vendor ACH Authorization Form, required for vendors to authorize Brookhaven National Laboratory/Brookhaven Science Associates (BNL/BSA) to make payments via Automated Clearing House (ACH) credit entries or to correct entries to a specified bank account. This form is essential for setting up electronic payment processing.

• Vendor Information: Requires Vendor/Company Name or DBA, Vendor Number (if applicable), and Tax ID Number (TIN).
• Depository Information: Requires Financial Institution name, Routing/Transit/ABA Number, and Checking Account Number.
• Authorization Statement: Outlines the vendor's authorization for BNL/BSA to initiate ACH transactions and the conditions for termination or modification.
• Authorized Representative Details: Requires the name, email, phone number, signature, and date of the authorized representative.

Vendors selected for contract awards will likely need to complete and submit this form to receive payment electronically. It is crucial for understanding the payment process and providing the necessary banking details for financial transactions with BNL/BSA.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Quotation Pricing Sheet" (Form No. AMS-Form-043, Revision No. 0.1) used in response to Brookhaven National Laboratory's (BNL) Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 473609 for "Nuclear Physicist – Nuclear Data Evaluation and Reaction Modeling Support." Bidders must use this form to submit their pricing details.

• Base Period (Year 1): Requires bidders to provide fully burdened hourly rates, estimated hours, and extended labor totals for labor categories/key personnel. A total base year labor cost and a total base year ceiling are required.
• Option Years (1-4): Similar to the base period, bidders must provide pricing for each option year, including hourly rates, estimated hours, and extended labor totals, along with an option year ceiling.
• Total Potential Contract Value: The sum of the base period and all option years, if all options are exercised.
• Firm Price Period: The submitted price must remain firm for 60 days.
• Payment Terms: Net 30 Days (Net 10 for Small Business).
• Company Information: Requires signature, company name, address, typed name, title, telephone number, date, and UEI number.
• Affirmations: By signing, the firm acknowledges agreement with BNL's requirements, terms, conditions, and delivery schedule. It also affirms SAM registration and current representations and certifications.

This form is critical for bidders to detail their proposed costs for the services outlined in RFP No. 473609. It requires specific pricing for labor categories across a base period and four option years, culminating in a total potential contract value. Bidders must accurately complete this sheet to comply with the solicitation requirements and to allow BNL to evaluate their pricing.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for Nuclear Physicist services, specifically for Nuclear Data Evaluation and Reaction Modeling Support. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA), operating Brookhaven National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy, is seeking quotes for coordination, evaluation, and development support for the Reference Input Parameter Library (RIPL) and associated Nuclear Data Activities.

• The offeror must furnish all labor, services, materials, and equipment in strict accordance with the attached DRAFT Contract (Enclosure A).

• The offeror must demonstrate extensive knowledge of low-energy nuclear reaction models, nuclear reaction computer codes (EMPIRE preferred), international nuclear data collaborations, experience with the Reference Input Parameter Library (RIPL-3), and significant experience in nuclear physics research and coordinating international projects.

• Specific technical qualifiers are detailed in Section 3.1, requiring documentation such as publications, CVs, and records of past collaborations.

• Contract Type: Time & Material.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: One (1) year base period from award, with four (4) one-year option periods.

• Submission Method: Email only to the BSA Contractual Representative.

• Quote Due Date & Time: Friday, April 03, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.

• Questions Due Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.

• Basis of Award: Lowest total price among responsive and responsible offerors who meet all technical requirements and qualifiers.

• Quote Validity: 60 days.

• Required Submission Items: Completed Quotation Pricing Sheet (Enclosure C), documentation demonstrating compliance with Technical Qualifiers, and confirmation of active SAM registration.

• NAICS Code: 541690 – Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.

• Size Standard: $19.0M.

• This action is being solicited for full and open competition.

• Brookhaven National Laboratory is a tax-exempt entity.

• Offerors must clearly note their acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Draft Contract.

• Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required for all contractors. Foreign vendors may use AMS-Form-050 in lieu of SAM registration.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. It is used by entities and individuals to provide their correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to a requester, which is typically an entity making reportable payments. This ensures accurate tax reporting by the requester to the IRS and helps prevent backup withholding.

• Part I: Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Requires the entry of a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for entities.
• Part II: Certification: Requires the individual or entity to certify that the TIN provided is correct, that they are not subject to backup withholding, that they are a U.S. person, and that FATCA reporting information is correct (if applicable).
• Sections for Tax Classification: Includes options for individuals, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, trusts/estates, and LLCs.
• Instructions: Provides detailed guidance on how to complete each section, including definitions of U.S. persons, foreign persons, and explanations of backup withholding and FATCA reporting.

Bidders may be required to complete and submit this Form W-9 to the government agency or prime contractor if they are selected for an award or as a subcontractor. It is essential for receiving payments and for compliance with tax regulations. Failure to provide a correct TIN can lead to backup withholding of payments.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Brookhaven National Laboratory Supplier Quality Assurance Requirements (BNL-QA-101)", outlines the quality assurance requirements that suppliers must adhere to when specified in procurement documentation. It details general and special requirements for suppliers to ensure the quality and conformance of products and services provided to Brookhaven National Laboratory (BSA).

• General Requirements: Covers quality system standards (e.g., ISO 9001), assessment by BSA, change approval processes, responsibility for subcontractors and conformance, protection of material and equipment, and calibration of measuring and test equipment.
• Special Requirements: Includes provisions for quality assurance programs, configuration control, process sheets, manufacturing/inspection/test plans, witness points, special processes, end-item documentation, material traceability, shipment procedures, failure reporting, source inspection, and various certifications (e.g., Certificate of Conformance, Calibration Certification).
• Specific Clauses: Addresses requirements for electrical/fire protection equipment, hoisting and rigging, powered machine shop equipment, aerial devices, industrial trucks, and hazardous chemical handling (GHS).

This document is critical for any potential bidder as it defines the mandatory quality standards and procedures that must be followed if awarded a contract. Bidders must review these requirements to ensure their organization can comply with BSA's quality assurance expectations, which will impact proposal preparation, operational processes, and overall contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, AMS-FORM-050, is a form for Annual Representations & Certifications required by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL/BSA) for offerors providing goods or services in support of U.S. Government (USG) contracts. It gathers essential registration information and additional representations and certifications.

• Section A.1: Business Information: Collects business name, address, contact information, and Unique Entity Identifier (SAM.gov). It also asks for NAICS code and physical business location.
• Section A.2: Applicable Only to Small Business Offerors: Requires small businesses to certify their status and select relevant subcategories (e.g., Woman-Owned, HUBZone, 8(a)). It references FAR 52.219-1 for Small Business Program Representations.
• Section B: Additional Representations and Certifications: Includes clauses related to:
  • FAR 52.203-11: Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions.
  • FAR 52.204-10: Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards.
  • FAR 52.209-5: Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters.
  • FAR 52.209-7: Information Regarding Responsibility Matters.
  • FAR 52.222-22: Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports.
  • FAR 52.222-25: Affirmative Action Compliance.
  • Government Property Certification.
  • FAR 52.225-1 & 52.225-9: Buy American Supplies/Construction Materials.
• Section C: Authorized Signature of Offeror: Requires the offeror's authorized representative to certify the accuracy of the information provided.

This form is critical for any offeror seeking to do business with BNL/BSA under USG contracts. Bidders must accurately complete all relevant sections to be considered eligible. Failure to provide accurate information or complete the form may result in disqualification or render the offeror non-responsible. The information gathered here is used to assess the offeror's business status, compliance, and responsibility.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI (No. 473609) from the National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) seeks information from qualified organizations or individuals. The goal is to understand capabilities for supporting NNDC's mission in nuclear data evaluation, reaction modeling, technical coordination, and workforce development, which are critical for the Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF) library.

Respondents are asked to describe experience in areas including:

• Technical review of nuclear reaction evaluations for the ENDF library.
• Performing nuclear data evaluations.
• Identifying and resolving issues within evaluated nuclear data libraries.
• Developing and maintaining the EMPIRE nuclear reaction modeling code.
• Training and mentoring nuclear data evaluators and modelers.

Respondents should provide concise details on:

• Technical Experience and Expertise: Experience with nuclear data evaluation and reaction modeling relevant to ENDF, including evaluation types and issue resolution.
• Nuclear Reaction Codes and Tools: Experience with codes like EMPIRE and libraries like RIPL-3.
• Collaboration, Coordination, and Leadership: Experience in U.S. or international nuclear data collaborations (e.g., CSEWG, IAEA CRPs).
• Personnel Qualifications and Workforce Development: Information on proposed key personnel, their qualifications, and mentoring experience.
• Availability and Engagement: Availability for meetings, reporting, and potential on-site collaboration.
• Administrative and Eligibility Information: Confirmation of SAM.gov registration, eligibility to work in the U.S., and whether services are commercial.

Supporting documentation such as CVs, publication lists, and capability statements may be included. The RFI does not specify evaluation criteria or deadlines, as it is for information gathering purposes.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC (BSA) for market research and acquisition planning purposes. It seeks information on capabilities to support nuclear data evaluation, reaction modeling, and coordination activities, as described in an attached RFI Document. The information gathered will help BSA assess technical expertise and inform future acquisition strategies.

This RFI is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ), and does not obligate BSA or the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to issue a solicitation or make an award.

Respondents are requested to submit:

• An indication of interest in performing the described services.
• A brief Statement of Capabilities demonstrating how the respondent meets the requirements in the RFI Document.
• Complete responses to questions within the RFI Document, including supporting documentation.

Submittals are due no later than 4:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Late responses may not be considered.

• Submit responses electronically via email to csmith2@bnl.gov.
• Use the subject line: "BSA RFI-473609".
• Questions regarding the RFI should also be submitted in writing via email to the same address.