Request for Information - AC100 Deployment Demonstration for Unobligated LEU Enrichment
ID: 89233125RNA000264Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFNNSA NON-MO CNTRCTNG OPS DIVALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87185, USA

NAICS

Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing (325180)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking information regarding the AC100 Deployment Demonstration for Unobligated Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) as part of its Domestic Uranium Enrichment (DUE) program. The initiative aims to establish new uranium enrichment capabilities to support defense mission requirements, particularly for tritium and naval propulsion, by deploying one to two cascades of 120-machine AC100 centrifuges at the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio. This project is critical for ensuring a domestic supply of enriched uranium, addressing the gap created by the closure of the last government-owned enrichment facility in 2013. Interested parties are encouraged to submit capability statements by February 4, 2025, to Kyle C. Krzywicki at kyle.krzywicki@nnsa.doe.gov, as the government conducts market research to gauge industry interest and capability without committing to a contract.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating the AC100 Deployment Demonstration for Unobligated Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) as part of its Domestic Uranium Enrichment (DUE) program. This program aims to establish a new uranium enrichment capability to support defense mission requirements, particularly for tritium and naval propulsion. The project plans to acquire one to two cascades of 120-machine AC100 centrifuges to produce unobligated LEU, addressing the U.S. government's lack of enrichment capacity since the closure of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in 2013. The project's implementation will unfold in three phases, with Phase 1 focusing on project execution, cascade design, and the production and operational demonstration of the AC100 machines at an American Centrifuge Plant (ACP) in Piketon, Ohio. Key requirements include unobligated machines, production capabilities of up to 4.95% U-235, and regulatory compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The contract encompasses detailed planning and modifications necessary to achieve operational readiness, identifying potential risks and storage capabilities for materials involved. This endeavor reflects a strategic move to bolster national security and ensure a reliable uranium supply for critical needs beyond the early 2040s.
    The request for information (RFI) outlines the need for a demonstration of the AC100 deployment as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Domestic Uranium Enrichment (DUE) program, which is vital for ensuring a domestic supply of unobligated enriched uranium (EU) for defense-related missions. The initiative stems from the closure of the last government-owned enrichment facility in 2013. The DUE program intends to establish enrichment capabilities by deploying one to two cascades of the AC100 centrifuge technology, focusing initially on a limited early production of low-enriched uranium (LEU). The project will unfold in three phases, starting with the development of a project execution plan and culminating in the successful operation of the centrifuges. The RFI emphasizes the importance of competitive procurement and highlights the government's irrevocable rights to related intellectual property. Interested parties are encouraged to submit capability statements detailing their experience in nuclear material projects, along with their approach to the acquisition strategy. The RFI's submission deadline is February 4, 2025, and aims to collect relevant market information to guide the eventual acquisition process without committing to a contract. Overall, the RFI serves the purpose of gauging interest and ability within the industry to support the critical need for domestic uranium enrichment for national security purposes.
    Similar Opportunities
    X--Request for Expression of Interest in DOE Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
    Active
    None
    Special Notice: Department of Energy Request for Expression of Interest in DOE Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is requesting expressions of interest (EOIs) from industry related to the lease or purchase of DOE Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) facilities or land near Paducah, Kentucky. The facilities and land can be used for various purposes, including continuing the use of the facilities to enrich uranium, other nuclear fuel industry applications (e.g., analytical laboratory, uranium transfer and shipping facility), or for other commercial purposes. Additionally, DOE is also seeking expressions of interest for the purchase, exchange, or transfer of various lots of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) inventories in standard and non-standard cylinders from the DOE PGDP and the DOE Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS). These inventories include high-assay depleted UF6 (DUF6) and slightly enriched and normal assay off-specification UF6. The purpose of this request for EOIs is to identify opportunities to create value for the U.S. government while lowering overall program costs for surveillance and maintenance and/or disposal of uranium materials. Interested parties must submit their responses by February 21st, 2013. For more information and to access the full expression of interest package, visit http://www.pppo.energy.gov/Notices.html.
    Utility Upgrades and Equipment Installation Project (UUEIP) at Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, is seeking qualified contractors for the Utility Upgrades and Equipment Installation Project (UUEIP) at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The project aims to upgrade utilities and infrastructure at the existing 9225-03 facility to support the installation of production equipment necessary for future mission needs, encompassing site demolition, preparation, and installation of both new and existing utilities. This initiative is critical for enhancing the operational capabilities of the facility, which plays a vital role in national security. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their qualifications and related experience to Troy Cherry at troy.cherry@y12nsc.doe.gov by December 31, 2024, as CNS will use this information to structure a Request for Proposal (RFP).
    LBNF Argon Receiving System
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through Fermi Research Alliance LLC, is soliciting proposals for the engineering, manufacturing, installation, and testing of an Argon Receiving System for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) located at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. This system is critical for the delivery and processing of liquid argon (LAr), which will support the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) by facilitating the storage, vaporization, and transfer of argon to underground detectors. The project aims to enhance scientific research capabilities in neutrino physics, with a focus on safety, quality, and compliance with federal regulations. Proposals are due by January 8, 2025, and interested parties should direct inquiries to Jeremy R. Duncan at jeremyd@fnal.gov or call 865-300-0443.
    A--Pilot-scale Rapid Operational Validation of key En
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), is seeking proposals for the "Pilot-scale Rapid Operational Validation of key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (PROVE IT)" initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This opportunity aims to validate energy technologies for large-scale adoption, focusing on point source carbon capture and long-duration energy storage using non-lithium electrochemical systems, with an emphasis on fostering innovation among small U.S. businesses, particularly those that are socially disadvantaged. Approximately $30 million is available for contracts, with around $4.3 million allocated per project, and the solicitation is anticipated to launch in early 2025. Interested parties can contact Raquel F. McCrae at raquel.mccrae@hq.doe.gov or (240) 751-2932 for further information.
    44--Electron Beam Melting Furnace
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), is seeking information from contractors capable of manufacturing an electron beam melting furnace designed to produce alloy ingots of refractory Nb metal-based and similar alloys. This Sources Sought Notice aims to identify potential sources for this specialized equipment, which is critical for advancing alloy manufacturing and materials performance in challenging environments. Interested parties are required to submit a cover page and a brief Statement of Capabilities by 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on January 3, 2025, to David Lahey at David.Lahey@netl.doe.gov, with no proposals or pricing information requested at this stage.
    Grid Research Integration and Deployment Center Technology Collaborations for US Power Electronics Industries
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking U.S. industry partners for collaborative projects at its Grid Research Integration and Deployment Center (GRID-C) to advance power electronics technologies for grid modernization. ORNL invites cost-shared proposals from industries aligned with its facilities and expertise in areas such as Materials & Components, Embedded Controllers, and Subsystems Devices. Selected partners will work closely with ORNL staff, leveraging its unique capabilities to demonstrate innovative grid integration solutions. The focus is on accelerating the development of resilient and energy-efficient power electronics, with projects conducted in short timeframes. Industry participants are required to contribute at least 20% of the project cost, which can include in-kind contributions, and must align with ORNL's facilities and capabilities. GRID-C collaborations aim to strengthen the U.S. power electronics industry and clean energy landscape. Proposals are evaluated based on technical feasibility, commercialization potential, and their impact on grid improvement. This initiative supports the DOE Transformer Resilience and Advanced Components (TRAC) Program's mission. For more details, eligible industries should refer to the proposal guidelines and contact Dr. Madhu Chinthavali for inquiries. The announcement remains open, with funding available through the DOE contract.
    Manufacturing Demonstration Facility: Technology Collaborations for US Manufacturers in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Technologies
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is seeking industry partners for collaborative projects aimed at developing energy-efficient manufacturing technologies within its Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF). The initiative focuses on reducing manufacturing energy intensity and enhancing U.S. competitiveness by inviting proposals from industries engaged in material processing, particularly in advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing and carbon fiber composites. Participants must provide at least a 50% cost share, and projects will be evaluated based on technical feasibility, potential for commercialization, and energy savings. Proposals can be submitted via email to MDFcollaboration@ornl.gov, and the submission period remains open, contingent on funding availability from the DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office.
    R--OCED Transaction Counsel FY25
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), is seeking feedback from contractors regarding the provision of legal support services for Transaction Counsel roles. The procurement aims to identify qualified vendors with expertise in advanced nuclear, clean hydrogen hubs, and carbon management programs, focusing on services such as due diligence reviews, legal advisory on federal funding issues, and participation in project documentation and negotiations. This initiative is crucial for ensuring compliance and effective management of energy-related projects, particularly those involving U.S. government agencies, with a submission deadline for capability statements set for January 24, 2025. Interested parties can reach out to Kevin T. Wade at kevin.wade@hq.doe.gov or call 301-366-1488 for further information.
    Integrated Biorefinery Facility North High Bay Revitalization Custom Equipment
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is soliciting proposals for the "Integrated Biorefinery Facility North High Bay Revitalization Custom Equipment" project. The objective is to design, build, and commission process equipment that will facilitate scale-up piloting experiments aimed at advancing renewable technologies for commercial deployment. This initiative is critical for enhancing biomass conversion and waste carbon utilization capabilities, ultimately supporting the U.S. government's commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Interested parties must submit their proposals electronically by February 7, 2025, with an estimated budget ranging from $9 million to $12 million, and can direct inquiries to Todd Labosky at Todd.Labosky@nrel.gov.
    Distributed Wind Competitiveness Improvement Project
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The U.S. Department of Energy, through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is preparing to release a request for proposal (RFP) in early 2025 for the Distributed Wind Competitiveness Improvement Project (CIP). This initiative aims to foster innovation in small- to mid-scale distributed wind energy systems by awarding fixed-price subcontracts that focus on optimizing designs, advancing manufacturing processes, and enhancing the certification and commercialization of wind technology. The project is particularly significant as it seeks to improve the cost competitiveness of wind energy and its interoperability with other energy resources, aligning with national energy goals. Interested parties can contact Kyndall Jackson at Kyndall.Jackson@nrel.gov for more information and are encouraged to attend an introductory workshop to stay informed about the RFP's release.