Spent Fuel Shipment
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified contractors for Spent Fuel Shipment services. This involves providing NRC-certified packaging (cask(s)) and truck transportation for spent fuel elements from the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) in Gaithersburg, MD, to the Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, SC. Responses are due by March 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will be responsible for:
- Providing NRC-certified cask(s) for Uranium Oxide Materials Testing Reactor (MTR) type spent fuel.
- Arranging truck transportation in accordance with all relevant regulations.
- Developing a comprehensive Transportation Security Plan, including risk mitigation and security measures.
- Supplying all necessary tools and equipment for loading fuel stacks into casks.
- Administering and coordinating all relationships with individual State Authorities for passage and escort, including clearances, checkpoints, and permits.
- Organizing the route from Gaithersburg, MD, to DOE-SRS, SC, and managing interactions with federal, state, and local authorities.
- Ensuring all necessary security measures are in place during transit.
Opportunity Details
- Type: Sources Sought Notice (Market Research)
- Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD (origin) to Savannah River Site, SC (destination)
- Response Due: March 20, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: March 11, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Set-Aside: None specified
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the Primary Point of Contact, including:
- Company name, address, contact information, and Unique Entity ID (UEI).
- Details on capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's requirements and relevant past experience in spent fuel handling and transportation.
- Identification of any unduly restrictive requirements in the background section and suggestions for encouraging small business participation.
- NAICS code information (small/other than small business status) and suggestions for alternative NAICS/PSC codes.
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule contract numbers or other relevant contracts.
- Firm's experience (prime, subcontractor, or consultant) providing similar products or services.
- Any other valuable market research information.
- Indication of interest in engaging for further understanding of the requirement.
Important Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by NIST to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Responses will not be considered proposals or quotations, and no award will be made as a result of this notice. NIST will not reimburse any costs incurred by respondents.