Request for Information: Removal and Disposal of High-Flux Isotope Reactor Pressure Vessel
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 Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify interested parties capable of providing expertise and resources for the removal and disposal of the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) Pressure Vessel at Oak Ridge, TN. This RFI seeks input for a project scheduled for the late 2030s. Responses are due April 16, 2026.
Scope of Work
ORNL plans to subcontract activities related to the HFIR Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) replacement, which is necessitated by radiation embrittlement. Key areas for vendor input and potential services include:
- Planning for disposal of irradiated/contaminated components (specification, design, testing, licensing, packaging, conveyance).
- Characterization of the RPV source term at final shutdown and planning for its disposal.
- Physical RPV removal, packaging, storage, transportation, and ultimate disposal.
- Disposal of all project-related radioactive and mixed wastes.
- Cleanup and restoration of project work areas.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Purpose: Information gathering and budgetary estimates only; this is not a Request for Quote (RFQ).
- Future Use: Responses may inform future engineering studies or an RFQ within the next 3-5 years.
- Response Due: April 16, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.
- Published: February 2, 2026
Submission & Eligibility
Subcontractors should submit a written Letter of Interest (LOI) detailing their capabilities, experience, proposed solutions, and budgetary pricing estimates. Key input areas include waste characterization, RPV segmentation approach, removal/handling/lifting, shielding/closures, packaging/disposal, and decay storage considerations. NQA-1 certification is required or a plan to obtain it. US Businesses are preferred, and foreign ownership, control, or influence concerns must be addressed.
Additional Notes
The overall project timeline for RPV replacement and reactor restart is anticipated between 2038-2040. ORNL expresses a preference for whole vessel removal over segmentation to minimize debris and cleanup efforts. Decay storage is noted as a viable option to reduce radiation source terms and mitigate transportation risks.