*REQUEST FOR INFORMATION* Space Reactor Industrial Base Assessment
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 Idaho National Laboratory (INL), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a Space Reactor Industrial Base Assessment. This RFI aims to identify gaps in the U.S. industrial base and recommend actions to enable the production of up to four space reactors within five years, supporting U.S. scientific, exploration, and national security objectives. Responses are due by May 5, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This assessment is mandated by National Science and Technology Memorandum 3 (NSTM 3) and Executive Order 14369. It focuses on the nuclear power unit (reactor core through power conversion system), excluding spacecraft bus, avionics, and launch vehicles. The RFI is technology-inclusive, seeking input on topical areas such as nuclear fuel, design capability, non-fuel core components, instrumentation & control, power conversion systems, and infrastructure capabilities. Respondents should describe capabilities against specified parameter bands for electrical power, fuel form, coolant, thermal power, and mission profile.
Information Sought
The RFI seeks to identify constraints, not collect capability statements. Respondents should focus on challenges, missing elements, risks, and beneficial government actions. Key questions address:
- Products/Materials: What your organization produces for space nuclear reactor applications, including current status and adaptation needs.
- Production Constraints: Challenges to producing products for a campaign of up to four units in five years (e.g., design maturity, manufacturing capacity, supply chain, workforce, facilities).
- Non-Monetary Constraints: Long-lead items where funding alone cannot resolve issues (e.g., regulatory timelines, facility construction).
- Dependencies: Sole-source or foreign-source critical inputs and associated risks.
- Unique U.S. Source: Identification if your organization is a sole or primary U.S. supplier.
- Recommended Actions: Specific near-term (12 months) and longer-term (1-5 years) actions, identifying who should act (government, industry, public-private partnership) and the gap addressed.
Submission Details
- Response Due: May 5, 2026
- Submission Email: chase.egbert@inl.gov
- Questions Contact: Sebastian Corbisiero, National Technical Director, DOE Space Reactor Program (sebastian.corbisiero@inl.gov)
Important Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals. Responses are voluntary and will be kept confidential, presented in aggregate in the final report without identifying companies unless explicit consent is given. Responses will not be used for company rankings or procurement decisions. Set-Aside: None specified (RFI).