On-Premises Next-Gen AI Compute Data Center
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 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), managed by Battelle Memorial Institute on behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for an On-Premises Next-Gen AI Compute Data Center. This RFI seeks industry input on the design, construction, infrastructure, and operation of a scalable, high-performance data center optimized for AI and compute workloads. The facility will support the training and operationalization of multi-data Large Language Models (LLMs) for scientific and national governmental missions. Responses are due March 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM Pacific Time.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI aims to gather industry input to inform future procurement strategies and technical requirements for an on-premises, secure, scalable data center with advanced AI compute infrastructure. The facility must meet stringent security, compliance, and availability requirements appropriate for a DOE national laboratory. Initial production readiness for approximately 2 MW of compute is targeted for 2028, with potential future expansion to 40 MW.
Key Information for Bidders
- This is NOT a solicitation or request for proposals. Submission of information is purely voluntary for market research purposes.
- No proposals should be submitted.
- Responses will be used to ascertain potential market capacity, solution options, design considerations, and interested contractors.
Submission Requirements
Respondents must submit:
- Organization name, DUNS, contact information, and website.
- Company's Business Size and socioeconomic type (using NAICS code 518210).
- Tailored capability, qualification, and experience statements.
- Responses to specific questions covering:
- Data Center Facility Infrastructure (Tier, Structure, Security, Compliance, Power, Cooling, Fire/Life Safety, Monitoring, Layout, Scalability).
- Compute, Network, and Solution Options (Cluster Architecture, Density, Growth, Network Connectivity, Compute Solutions, Lead Times, Cost Estimates, Modular vs. Traditional Facilities).
- Reference Architectures for AI data centers (2 MW to 40 MW).
- Sustainability and Resource Efficiency (PUE, WUE, energy integration, waste heat reuse, monitoring).
- AI-Powered Operations, Monitoring, and Automation.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: March 27, 2026, 4:00 PM Pacific Time
- Published: February 26, 2026
- Contact: Samantha Ernst (samantha.ernst@pnnl.gov)
Additional Notes
Battelle reserves the right to use all submitted information for future procurement strategies. Respondents should avoid submitting classified, business confidential, or proprietary information. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude future participation in solicitations.