Laser Powder Bed Fusion System
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's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking proposals for a Laser Powder Bed Fusion System to expand its additive manufacturing capabilities. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for a Firm Fixed Price contract. Proposals are due January 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
ORNL requires a Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) system capable of processing powder in an inert environment from loading to part removal, featuring adaptive beam control and parameter control for various part geometries. The system must conform to specific space and weight requirements. Key specifications include a Ytterbium Fiber Laser Beam (up to 2 kW), beam diameter of 80-250 µm, print area of 300x300mm to 500x500mm, print height of 250-500mm, and a minimum layer thickness of 20 µm. It must also have a build plate heater (up to 200°C), a purge system for max 50 ppm O2, and utilize electrostatic smoothing for powder deposition. All sub-systems must be contained within a single enclosure.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price
- NAICS Code: 333517 – Machine Tool Manufacturing (500 employees)
- Set-Aside: None
- Period of Performance: Anticipated 5 months after Purchase Order issuance.
- Offer Validity: 120 days.
- Questions Due: January 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST
- Proposals Due: January 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST
- Published Date: January 20, 2026
Evaluation
Award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. The successful offeror must submit the lowest-priced offer that meets all specified technical requirements, including those in the Statement of Work and lead time requirements. Technical feasibility and realistic performance within allotted timeframes are critical.
Key Documents & Notes
Bidders must utilize Attachment E. Pricing Worksheet.xlsx for cost breakdowns and review Attachment F. Draft Subcontract.pdf for contractual terms, including milestone payments (50% upon delivery/acceptance, 50% upon installation). Attachment D. Representations and Certifications.pdf and Attachment H. Exhibit 2. Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.pdf are mandatory for submission. Attachment B. Prime Contract T&C Flow Downs.pdf and Attachment C. Terms and Conditions - Fixed Price.pdf detail applicable FAR/DOE clauses. A recent Q&A clarifies that while there are no specific country of origin restrictions beyond the Buy American Act, offerors must specify the proposed product's country of origin, including components, in their proposal.