Request for Proposals: Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure and Energy Generation on DOE Land at the Oak Ridge Reservation
ID: DE-ORR-0037830Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFSC OAK RIDGE OFFICEOAK RIDGE, TN, 37831, USA

NAICS

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (53)

PSC

LEASE/RENTAL OF OTHER NON-BUILDING FACILITIES (X1PZ)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e8b3edb46fd847a8bf997f663ce5c805/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy (DOE) is soliciting proposals for long-term lease agreements for federal land at the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, aimed at developing artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and energy generation infrastructure. The initiative seeks to enhance U.S. leadership in AI and energy, encouraging innovative solutions, particularly in geothermal and nuclear energy, while emphasizing environmental compliance and security protocols. Proposals must be submitted by December 1, 2025, with a maximum length of 10 pages per section, and should demonstrate financial capability and organizational experience. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Ryan Fuesting at fuestingrj@ornl.gov or Matt Reardon at matthew.reardon@emcbc.doe.gov.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Industry Day - List of Attendees.pdf
    The document, "AI DATA CENTER & ENERGY GENERATION INFRASTRUCTURE, REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. DE-ORR-0037830," lists attendees for an Industry Day held on October 15, 2025. The extensive list includes a diverse range of companies and organizations, such as technology giants like AMD, Intel, and Oracle, energy sector players like NextEra Energy and CleanSpark, construction and engineering firms such as Hensel Phelps and Jacobs, and various consulting, legal, and government-related entities. The breadth of attendees suggests a significant interest in the RFP, likely encompassing various aspects of AI data center development and energy generation infrastructure, including design, construction, technology, and financing.
    Oak Ridge Reservation Industry Day Presentations 10-15-2025.pdf
    The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking proposals for the rapid development of AI data centers and/or energy generation infrastructure in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Two sites are proposed: Site A, a 95-acre parcel west of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, suitable for an AI data center, and Site B, a 150-acre site at the East Tennessee Technology Park, suitable for an AI data center and/or energy generation. Both sites have available utilities but come with land use restrictions and environmental considerations. The RFP prioritizes proposals based on "Return to the Government" and "Financial Capability," followed by "Organizational Structure, Experience, and Past Performance," and then "Project Description" and "Project Plan." Proposals are due by December 1, 2025.
    ORR RFP AI Data Center QA Update 11-25-2025.pdf
    The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking proposals to lease land for private sector development of AI data centers and energy generation infrastructure through RFP No. DE-ORR-0037830. This is a real estate transaction, not a construction or service contract. Proposals should not exceed 10 pages per section, with a ground lease term of 20-30 years plus renewal options. Mergers and acquisitions are permissible with DOE consent. Applicants must comply with NRC requirements unless the project falls under specific DOE authorization. The DOE welcomes creative proposals for power generation, emphasizing the advantageous location with a nuclear footprint and potential for collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. While there are no set-asides for veteran-led businesses, the DOE encourages proposals that align with the national goals of AI leadership and energy generation. Proposals should be submitted via zip file by December 1, 2025, and can be split into multiple emails if necessary.
    ORR RFP AI Data Center Question and Answer Update 11-3-2025.pdf
    The Department of Energy (DOE) issued Request for Proposal No. DE-ORR-0037830 for leasing land for AI data center and energy generation infrastructure. This RFP focuses on a ground lease for private sector development, not a construction or service contract. Key aspects include a proposed lease term of 20-30 years with renewal options, the permissibility of mergers and acquisitions with government consent, and compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements unless explicitly under DOE authorization. Proposals should creatively address power generation, with no specified capacity or preferred fuel source for backup power. The DOE highlights the advantageous location near Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a strong educational network, and community acceptance for nuclear power as key attractions for investors. While the land is for lease only (not conveyance, except for surrounding acreage at Site Area B), offerors can explore data or power services agreements with DOE, but projects must be viable independently. Foreign ownership restrictions apply to tenants. This initiative aims to enhance American leadership in AI and energy, promoting economic competitiveness and national security.
    RFP AI and Energy Infrastructure Oak Ridge v1.1 10-14-2025.pdf
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, in collaboration with the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management, has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) No. DE-ORR-0037830. This RFP solicits proposals from entities interested in long-term lease agreements for federal land in Oak Ridge, TN, to develop AI data centers and/or energy generation infrastructure. The initiative aims to enhance American leadership in AI and energy. Proposals can involve Site Area A for AI data centers and Site Area B for AI data centers and/or energy generation. The DOE encourages innovative energy solutions, particularly geothermal and nuclear, and phased development. Key requirements include financial capability, environmental compliance, and adherence to security protocols, with a strong emphasis on avoiding foreign influence and ensuring transparency of foreign connections.
    RFP AI and Energy Infrastructure Oak Ridge.pdf
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science and Office of Environmental Management are issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) DE-ORR-0037830. This RFP seeks proposals from entities interested in long-term lease agreements for federal land in Oak Ridge, TN, to design, finance, develop, and operate AI data centers and/or energy generation infrastructure. The initiative aims to enhance American leadership in AI and energy, promote economic competitiveness, national security, and scientific advancement, aligning with several Executive Orders. Proposals can cover Site Area A for AI data centers (approx. 95 acres) and/or Site Area B for AI data centers and/or energy generation (up to 150 acres). The government encourages innovative energy generation, particularly geothermal and nuclear technologies, and projects that support ORNL’s high-performance computing needs. Eligible offerors must be U.S.-organized, majority domestically owned, and have a U.S. physical presence, with strict prohibitions against "Entities of Concern" and requirements for transparency of foreign connections. Selected offerors will be responsible for all project costs, including utilities, site preparation, and decommissioning, and must comply with environmental regulations like NEPA and CERCLA. Financial viability and adherence to various lease requirements are critical for selection.
    RFP Industry Day Presentation Link 10-15-2027.pdf
    The document, "AI DATA CENTER & ENERGY GENERATION INFRASTRUCTURE, REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. DE-ORR-0037830," announces an Industry Day held on October 15, 2025. It provides a YouTube link to the presentations and the Question & Answer session from this event. The purpose of this document is to inform interested parties about the availability of information related to the RFP for AI data center and energy generation infrastructure, which is a common practice in federal government RFPs to engage potential bidders and clarify project details.
    RFP Questions and Answers 10-27-2025.pdf
    The Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing Request for Proposal No. DE-ORR-0037830 for leasing land for private sector development of AI data centers and energy generation infrastructure. This RFP is not for construction or service contracts, but a real estate transaction. Key aspects include a proposed ground lease term of 20-30 years with renewal options, flexibility for mergers and acquisitions, and compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements for nuclear facilities unless explicitly developed under DOE authorization. Proposals should creatively address power generation, potentially on DOE land or separate locations, and consider the National Historic Preservation Act. The DOE is not specifying desired data center or generation capacity but welcomes ambitious applications. The land will not be conveyed by deed, only leased, with specific conditions for Site Area A and B regarding improvements and ownership. Collaboration opportunities with DOE offices, such as the Loan Programs Office, are available, but proposals must be viable without direct financial contribution from the DOE. There are no restrictions on future tenants except for foreign entities, aligning with the goal of enhancing American leadership in AI and energy generation. There are no "set asides" for veteran-led proposals.
    Sample Draft Ground Lease RFP 9-30-2025.pdf
    This Ground Lease Agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy (Lessor) and an unnamed Lessee outlines the terms for leasing land at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for an AI Data Center. The agreement covers definitions, premises, lease term, and rental consideration (TBD). Key provisions include Lessee's responsibility for construction, operation, and maintenance of the AI Data Center, compliance with environmental and security regulations, and obtaining all necessary permits. The Lessee assumes all liability for property damage and personal injury related to its use of the premises and must maintain comprehensive insurance, including commercial property, general liability, and builder's risk. The Lessor retains rights for entry and security. The agreement also details conditions for transfer, assignment, and mortgaging of the leasehold interest, as well as grounds for termination by the Lessor, including national emergency or changes to ORNL's mission.
    TVA Load Request Questionnaire_2025.pdf
    The document is a Load Profile Questionnaire, likely part of a federal government Request for Information (RFI) or grant application, designed to gather detailed power usage and economic projection data for a proposed project. It requires information on project and site details, including NAICS code and geographical coordinates, with a specific focus on power projections such as permanent electrical facility dates, minimum power needed, required voltage, and a 10-year ramp-up schedule for peak and average demand, and average monthly usage. The questionnaire also asks for economic projections like capital investment, full-time direct employees, and average wages. Operational characteristics are a key component, inquiring about load interruptibility, on-site or backup generation plans, willingness to partner with TVA for power purchase agreements, and the ability to operate outside TVA peak hours. Further details on discrete load pieces, days and hours of operation, shift schedules, planned outages, and demand consistency are requested, indicating a need for comprehensive energy profile analysis.
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