Request for Information: Removal and Disposal of High-Flux Isotope Reactor Pressure Vessel at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from potential vendors regarding their ability to provide expertise and resources for the removal and disposal of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) pressure vessel (RPV) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The RPV needs replacement due to radiation embrittlement, and this project is scheduled for the late 2030s.

The RFI is looking for capabilities in:

• Characterization of the RPV source term at final shutdown.
• Physical vessel removal, storage, transportation, and disposal.
• Planning, design, testing, and licensing for radioactive/mixed waste packaging and transportation.
• Clean up and restoration of the reactor and facilities.
• Disposal of all project radioactive/mixed waste.

This is an RFI, not a Request for Quote (RFQ). Responses may be used for future RFQs within the next 3-5 years for engineering studies. The overall project timeline for RPV replacement and waste disposal spans from 2028 to 2040.

Respondents are asked to provide a written letter of interest (LOI) detailing:

• Organization information and expression of interest.
• Capabilities, staff availability, and assets.
• Existing NQA-1 certification or plan to obtain it.
• Experience in nuclear/radioactive material disposal and reactor decommissioning.
• Proposed solutions and insights on waste characterization, RPV segmentation, removal, handling, lifting, shielding, closures, packaging, disposal, and decay storage.
• Discussion of applicable regulatory requirements.
• Budgetary pricing estimate (Rough Order of Magnitude).

US Businesses are preferred. Foreign ownership, control, or influence concerns must be addressed.

The RFI closes on April 16, 2026. ORNL is open to turnkey or specialized subcontractor responses. The primary goal is to minimize shutdown time, personnel dose, risks, and costs, and to get HFIR back online as soon as possible.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted regarding the RFI for the Removal and Disposal of the HFIR Pressure Vessel at ORNL.

• Drawings/Details: Additional drawings and details for the HFIR, its connections, and the reactor pool are not available at this time. However, general arrangement drawings of the reactor bay, including floor space, load rating, and ceiling height, have been provided.

• Diver and Subcontractor Responsibilities: ORNL divers will perform all activities related to disconnecting piping, installing blind flanges, and performing welding operations. Vessel flanges are expected to be removable without cutting. Vessel nozzles may be cut for disposal based on subcontractor recommendations. All diver activities are contracted by ORNL.

• Reactor Pool Draining: ORNL will be responsible for draining the reactor pool. The reactor pool is separated from the clean pool by a removable dam.

• Waste Disposal: ORNL confirms the RPV is carbon steel with stainless steel cladding. No other component materials (e.g., stellite, zirconium alloys) have been identified for disposal at this time. The beryllium reflector is not part of this RFI.

• Site Visits: Site visits are not possible due to the short response time. However, site visits can be arranged after the RFI for interested vendors.

• RFI Due Date: The RFI due date cannot be extended as it is tied to a formal milestone for the pressure vessel replacement project.

• The RFI due date is firm and cannot be extended.

• Vendors are encouraged to provide any relevant information supporting their proposed work, with details potentially included in an appendix outside the 20-page limit.