RFI: Area Radiation Monitor Procurement for APS

Request for Information (RFI)

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is seeking information to evaluate potential vendors for sourcing, maintaining, and supporting a system of Area Radiation Monitors (ARMs) for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) facility. This RFI is for planning purposes and is non-binding; responses will not be used as proposals.

• Replacement of approximately 50 existing ARMs.

• System must detect both neutron and photon radiation.

• Preferred energy range: Thermal to 1 GeV for neutrons, 100 keV to 100 MeV for photons.

• Capability to detect pulsed radiation (nanosecond to microsecond range).

• Physical dimensions not to exceed 11" (W) x 16" (H) x 8" (D).

• Power: 120 VAC 60 Hz source; NRTL certification or ANL Electrical Equipment Inspection required.

• Enclosure rated NEMA 12 / IP54 or better.

• Ethernet communication interface for remote monitoring.

• Must provide data to an EPICS environment (native EPICS driver support preferred).

• Local display showing neutron and photon dose rates.

• Local and remote alarm system with "Press to Test" function.

• Dual isolated relay outputs for alarms and single for system/probe failure.

• Responses and questions due by March 3, 2026.

• All correspondence should reference RFI No.: 6-S176-I--05497-00.

• Vendors must complete a compliance matrix (Attachment A) and describe proposed alternatives if requirements are not fully met.

• Not specified in this RFI, but an RFP is anticipated for Q2 2026 with contract award in FY27.

• Not specified in this RFI.

• Full technical specifications are detailed in Attachment A (APS-U Radiation Monitor Spec Sheet 2025).

• The RFI requests information on support models, warranty, calibration, software updates, on-site support, repair turnaround times, spare parts, and production capacity.

• A rough order of magnitude (ROM) budgetary estimate is requested for per-unit cost, NRE, annual support/maintenance, training, and shipping/commissioning.

• ANL plans an initial delivery of 10 units, followed by a multi-year rollout of the remaining units.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the detailed specifications for an APS-U Radiation Monitor, intended for use in a government procurement. It serves as a technical requirements document for potential vendors to understand and meet.

Mechanical Specifications:

• Dimensions: Single unit no larger than ADM-610; total configuration max 11"(W) x 16"(H) x 8"(D).
• Weight: Less than 30 lbs per detector, less than 100 lbs total.
• Enclosure: NEMA 12 or better; IP 54 or better.
• Physical Security: Built-in key lock required; padlock acceptable.

Electrical Power Specifications:

• Power Required: 120 vac +/-10% 60 Hz (<2 amps) or DC source.
• AC Connector: IEC 60320 C14 inlet male inlet; not hardwired.
• Electrical Safety Testing: ANL approved NRTL listing or passes DEEI inspection.
• Electrical Safety Design: Guarding required for voltage above 50 volts.

Detection Capabilities:

• Particle Types: Neutrons, Photons.
• Measurement Readout: Ambient dose equivalent.
• Energy Ranges: Neutron (thermal - 100 MeV), Photon (100 keV - 10 MeV).
• Dose Ranges: Neutron/Photon (.1-1000 mrem/h measured; .1 mrem/hr - 25 rem/hr detected).
• Pulsed Energy Detection: Yes, mode of operation (current or pulse) required.
• Rate Meter Channels: 2 (one neutron, one photon).
• Integrated Dose: Yes.
• Interference Sensitivity: Smart Detector (Yes), Gamma Rejection (state parameters), Isotropic (Spherical) angular dependence.
• Operability: Temperature and Humidity ranges to be specified.
• Remote Probe Mounting: Capable of normal operation with probes located 130 ft away.

Remote Communication Requirements:

• Communication Interface: Ethernet, RS485, or RS232C.
• EPICS Driver Support: Yes, required for installation and interface.
• Menu/Setting Security: Locally and remotely tamper-proof from a radiological safety standpoint.
• Communication Protocol: EPICS IOC application available; communication protocol documentation available.
• Data Required: Gamma/Neutron instantaneous levels, high/high-high alarm set points, Alarm A/B, probe/system failure status.

Operational Requirements:

• Local Display: Both Neutron and Photon mrem/h readouts.
• Alarm Relay Outputs: 2 isolated outputs for combined Neutron/Photon alarm.
• Probe/Unit Failure Relay Output: 1 isolated output.
• Digital I/O Connections: Local light stack, audible alarm, test button; remote connections; capable of accepting 18 AWG conductors; main unit removable for calibration/replacement.
• Visual Alarm/Failure Indication: OK and Alarm/Failure light, visible at 100 meters.
• Local Audible Alarm/Failure Indication: Audible heard at 100 meters.
• Remote Audible/Visual Interface: Capable of remote indicators and audible alarm with dedicated external connector.
• Local Reset: Non-latching alarm and failure.
• Test Button: Press to test must simulate radiation event, affecting all alarm contacts and indicators.

Vendors must provide equipment that meets or exceeds these detailed technical specifications. Responses should clearly indicate how their proposed solution addresses each requirement, including preferred, acceptable, and required parameters. This document is critical for proposal development and technical evaluation.