RFI - Near Detector Complex Large Shaft Concept
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 Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FERMILAB), under the Department of Energy (DOE), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding an alternative concept for the Near Detector Complex (NDC) of the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) Project in Batavia, IL. This RFI seeks industry input on replacing smaller drop shafts and an underground cavern with one or two larger shafts to assess potential cost and schedule impacts. Responses are due by March 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
This RFI focuses on an alternative concept for the LBNF Near Site Conventional Facilities (NSCF) Subproject. The proposed alternative involves replacing two smaller drop shafts and an underground cavern with one or two larger shafts (approximately 83ft and/or 67ft in diameter). Excavation would involve about 80ft of soil and 130ft of rock.
Key Variants for Consideration:
- Variant 1: Single ~83ft diameter shaft, requiring about three times the soil excavation but half the rock excavation compared to the prior design, resulting in slightly reduced overall excavation.
- Variant 2: Two shafts (~83ft & ~67ft diameter), involving significantly more soil excavation (over five times) but reduced rock excavation (by about one-third), leading to about one-third greater overall excavation.
- Both variants can be shifted upstream by up to 300ft to further reduce rock excavation depth and volume.
Key Questions for Industry
Respondents are asked to provide input on:
- Potential changes in project duration compared to a 36-month baseline.
- Potential changes in proposal cost (higher or lower).
- Estimated cost savings (if applicable) within a +/- 5% magnitude.
- Feasibility and cost-effectiveness of slurry-shaft-diaphragm construction versus ring beams-and-lagging for large shafts.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI)
- Product Service Code: Y1LC (Construction Of Tunnels And Subsurface Structures)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 5, 2026, by 23:00:00Z
- Published: February 18, 2026
- Place of Performance: Batavia, IL
Submission Details
Interested parties should submit responses electronically to schmitzc@fnal.gov in accordance with the instructions provided in the attachment titled "ND Large Shaft Concept."
Disclaimer
This RFI is for information-gathering purposes only and does not commit the United States Government to any future procurement or payment of costs incurred in response preparation.