Request for Information: Supply of Liquid Argon to Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (Lead, South Dakota)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by Fermi Forward Discovery Group LLC (FFDG) for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) Project, which aims to enable a world-class program in neutrino physics. The project involves constructing and installing neutrino detectors immersed in Liquid Argon (LAr) at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD. FFDG is seeking information to understand current market conditions for the supply of approximately 797,416,695 scf (37,400 metric tons) of LAr, with a potential additional procurement of 801,680,955 scf (37,600 metric tons) if additional detectors are added.

• LAr Quantity: Approximately 797,416,695 scf (37,400 metric tons) for the base scope (filling Cryostats #1 and #2), with an optional scope for an additional 801,680,955 scf (37,600 metric tons) for Cryostats #3 and #4.

• Delivery Schedule: Base scope deliveries are planned from February 2029 to December 2031. Optional scope deliveries are anticipated from November 2031 to April 2035.

• Purity Requirements: < 5 ppm Water, <5 ppm Oxygen, < 10 ppm Nitrogen, < 1 ppm THC.

• Delivery Location: Vertical tanks located above ground at the Ross Shaft site, SURF, Lead, SD.

• Operational Details: Information is requested on layout and facility operations, LAr requirements and supply schedules, planned procurement approach, and cost estimates.

• The planned procurement approach is to issue Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) subcontract(s).

• Questions Due: December 15, 2025.

• Responses Due: January 30, 2026.

• Responses should be submitted electronically to jeremyd@fnal.gov.

• This RFI does not commit FFDG or the U.S. Government to any costs incurred in response preparation.

• Not specified in this document.

• This RFI is intended to update information gained from previous discussions and to confirm the acquisition plan aligns with current industry conditions, market pricing, and logistics.

• The information gathered will be used to inform the Request for Proposals (RFP) and for final budgeting purposes.

• Key dates for the solicitation process include RFI issuance (Q4 CY 2025), industry feedback incorporation (Q1 CY 2026), RFP issuance (Q4 CY 2026), and subcontract award (Q4 CY 2027).

Other / Unclassified

This document is an appendix to a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) Liquid Argon (LAr) supply. It provides supporting visual and layout information related to the project timeline, cryogenics process flow, and argon receiving facilities.

This appendix offers potential bidders insight into the physical infrastructure and logistical considerations for the LBNF project, specifically concerning the supply and handling of liquid argon. Key elements include:

• Project Timeline: A high-level overview of the LBNF/DUNE project schedule.
• Cryogenics Process Flow Diagram: Illustrates the process supporting one tank, noting the absence of cryogens in the shaft.
• Argon Receiving Facilities Layouts: Presents both a conceptual and a preliminary (Chart Inc.) 3D view and layout of the proposed argon receiving facilities. This includes details on:
  • LAr Tankers Offloading Stations
  • Proposed LAr Storage capacity (4 x 50 m³, totaling 280 tons, providing approximately 3.5-4 days of storage at 70 ton/d).
  • Vaporizers (2N redundancy, 2 x 500 kW).
  • Space and utilities for LAr Pumps.
  • Argon Purity Shed for controls and sampling.
• Site Logistics: Information on the steepest incline (Mill St. Grade) for site access and photos/layouts of surface facilities, indicating available space (approx. 300 m²) for receiving facilities.