RELAP5-3D 4.x: Thermal-Hydraulic Nuclear Reactor Analysis, Licensing Opportunity
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 (DOE), through Battelle Energy Alliance (INL), is offering a licensing opportunity for RELAP5-3D 4.x, an advanced thermal-hydraulic nuclear reactor analysis software. This special notice targets companies interested in commercializing this technology. Responses are requested by November 1, 2026.
Technology Overview
RELAP5-3D is a fully integrated system-level modeling code for simulating nuclear power plants and complex thermal-fluid systems. It supports detailed modeling of multiphase flow, heat transfer, reactor kinetics, and fluid-structure interactions, capable of steady-state and transient analyses in 1D, 2D, or 3D geometries. It addresses the need for validated tools to simulate various operating and accident scenarios, especially for advanced reactor designs.
Key Capabilities & Advantages
- Comprehensive Simulation: Supports steady-state, transient, and accident analysis across multiple reactor types.
- Multidimensional Modeling: Simulates flow and heat transfer in 1D, 2D, and 3D domains.
- Built-In Neutronics: Includes tightly coupled neutron kinetics for integrated core analysis.
- High Fidelity & Flexibility: Validated models for a wide range of fluids and operational conditions.
- Interoperable Framework: Can be integrated with external modeling tools.
- Regulatory Acceptance: Used by U.S. national labs, industry, and regulators.
Market Applications
- Advanced Reactor Design and Licensing (SMRs, microreactors, Gen-IV systems)
- Safety Analysis and regulatory submittals
- Plant Performance Evaluation and optimization
- R&D and Academic Use
- Coupled System Modeling (e.g., hybrid energy systems)
Licensing Opportunity Details
This is a licensing opportunity from INL's Technology Deployment department. INL is seeking industry partners to commercialize RELAP5-3D. This notice is not for purchasing, procurement, or hiring external services for technology development.
Timeline & Contact
- Response Due: November 1, 2026, 2:00 PM Z
- Published: April 20, 2026
- Contact: Javier Martinez (javier.martinez@inl.gov)