X-Ray Transmission Sorter

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 6-S176-Q-00258-00, issued by Argonne National Laboratory (operated by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy) for the procurement of an "X-Ray Transmission Sorter" based on an Argonne Statement of Work dated December 16, 2025. The Laboratory intends to issue an award based on a Best Value/Trade-Off methodology.

• The work involves furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, and supplies for the "X-Ray Transmission Sorter" as described in the Statement of Work.

• Proposals must be structured into three separate documents: Technical Proposal, Business/Management Proposal, and Price Proposal.

• Specific requirements include manufacturing country of origin, HTSUS codes, and reciprocal tariff charges.

• The contract will be a Firm Fixed Price.

• Proposals are requested under "F.O.B. Destination" or "DAP Lemont, IL" Incoterms 2020.

• Proposals must remain valid for acceptance for a minimum of 120 days after the closing date.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically to Molly Hunter (mollyhunter@anl.gov) by May 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM CDT.

• Evaluation will be based on criteria outlined in Enclosure No. 4, including Technical Approach, Environmental Safety and Health, Quality Assurance, and Record of Past Performance.

• The award will be made to the responsible offeror(s) whose proposal(s) conforms to the RFP and represents the best value.

• Offerors are encouraged to have an active registration on SAM.gov prior to award.

• This RFP includes several enclosures detailing instructions for proposal preparation, terms and conditions, the Statement of Work, evaluation criteria, representations and certifications, intellectual property provisions, progress payment terms, and site-specific conditions.

• The Laboratory reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.

• Costs for proposal preparation and submission are the responsibility of the offeror.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Enclosure 2 Appendix A-71COM - Argonne Terms and Conditions for Commercial Goods and Services," outlines the standard terms and conditions that apply to commercial goods and services procured by Argonne National Laboratory. It serves as a critical attachment for any solicitation or contract, detailing the legal and operational framework for such agreements.

• Definitions: Clarifies terms like "Argonne National Laboratory," "Government," and "Laboratory Procurement Official."
• Contractual Clauses: Includes numerous clauses covering assignment, audits, changes, conduct of employees, cybersecurity, disputes, environmental protection, delays, inspection, acceptance, title, integration, site access, safety, health, limitation of liability, non-waiver of defaults, order of precedence, packaging, and payments.
• Specific Requirements: Details clauses related to public release of information, state and local taxes, survival of obligations, suspect counterfeit parts, and termination for cause or convenience.
• Incorporated References: Lists various Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations (DEAR) clauses that are incorporated by reference, along with their applicability.
• Suspect/Counterfeit Bolt Headmark List: Provides a detailed list of headmarks to identify suspect or counterfeit bolts, emphasizing that any bolt on this list should be treated as defective.

This document is essential for potential bidders as it defines the contractual obligations, rights, and responsibilities for both Argonne National Laboratory and the contractor. Bidders must review these terms and conditions to understand the full scope of requirements, potential liabilities, payment terms, and compliance obligations, including critical aspects like cybersecurity and the prohibition of suspect counterfeit parts. The detailed list of incorporated FAR/DEAR clauses also highlights specific regulatory requirements that may impact proposal preparation and contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "ANL-70B Reps and Certs Long Version," dated January 13, 2025, is a comprehensive set of representations and certifications required from offerors for solicitations issued by Argonne National Laboratory. It is intended to gather information necessary for pre-award evaluation and contract compliance.

This document covers various aspects of an offeror's business and compliance status, including:

• General Information: Legal name, UEI, Doing Business As, physical address, primary performance location, and primary contacts.
• Business Organization: Entity type and state of incorporation.
• Small Business Program: Classifications applicable to U.S. companies (Small Business, Small-Disadvantaged Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, HubZone).
• NAICS Code: Identification of the North American Industry Classification System code and corresponding size standard.
• FAR Clauses & Representations: Certifications related to:
  • Covered Telecommunications Equipment and Services (FAR 52.204-26).
  • Laboratory's standard terms and conditions.
  • Suspect Counterfeit Parts.
  • Personal Conflict of Interest.
  • Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software (FAR 52.227-14).
  • Small Business or Non-Profit Status (Public Law 96-517).
  • Patent Waiver.
  • Exemption from Service Contract Labor Standards (FAR 52.222-48, FAR 52.222-52).
  • Affirmative Action Compliance (FAR 52.222-25).
  • Equal Opportunity Compliance (FAR 52.222-26).
  • Buy American Act – Supplies (FAR 52.225-1).
  • Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (FAR 52.204-10).
  • Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Proposed Debarment and other Responsibility Matters (FAR 52.209-5).
  • Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor (FAR 52.222-18).
  • Compliance Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (FAR 52.203-11).
  • Compliance with Veteran's Employment Reporting Requirements (FAR 52.222-37).
  • Certificate of Independent Price Determination (FAR 52.203-2).
  • Covenant Against Contingent Fees (FAR 52.203-5).
  • Combating Trafficking in Persons (FAR 52.222-50).
  • Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification (FAR 52.230-1).

This document is critical for all potential bidders. Offerors must carefully review each section and provide accurate certifications and information as required. Failure to complete and submit this document correctly may impact the evaluation of the offer and the ability to be awarded a contract. It ensures compliance with various federal regulations and Argonne's specific requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the terms and conditions for "Progress Payments Based on Milestones" within a contract. It details how milestone payments will be made, the conditions under which they can be suspended or reduced, and the government's rights and responsibilities regarding property acquired or produced under the contract.

• Milestone Payments: Specifies that payments are made at stated amounts and frequencies, contingent on satisfactory contractor performance.
• Suspension/Reduction of Payments: Outlines conditions for suspending or reducing payments, including failure to meet contract requirements, endangerment of performance due to contractor's progress or financial condition, delinquency in cost payments, or unliquidated payments exceeding work accomplished.
• Title to Property: Defines when title to property vests in the Government, including parts, materials, work in process, special tooling, and technical data. It also clarifies that the Government is not liable for property lost, stolen, or destroyed before acceptance, and the contractor may need to repay unliquidated progress payments.
• Risk of Loss: The contractor bears the risk of loss for property before delivery and acceptance.
• Control of Costs and Property: Requires the contractor to maintain adequate accounting systems and controls, and prohibits commingling government property.
• Default Clause: Details actions upon contract termination under the Default clause, including repayment of unliquidated milestone payments and vesting of title for undelivered property.
• Reservation of Rights: Clarifies that milestone payments and title vesting do not excuse contractor performance or waive rights and remedies.

This document is crucial for understanding the payment structure and financial obligations related to the contract. Bidders should pay close attention to the conditions for milestone payments, the definition of "property" and title transfer, and the contractor's responsibilities regarding risk of loss and default. This information is essential for accurate cost estimation and risk assessment during proposal preparation.

Supplemental Conditions / Other

This document, "Moderate Risk On-Site Supplemental Conditions," outlines specific requirements and conditions for contractors performing work at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) designated as "Moderate Risk." It is not a solicitation but rather a set of conditions that likely supplement an existing contract or solicitation.

• Approval to Proceed: Contractors must receive explicit approval from the Project Specialist/Technical Representative before commencing on-site work.
• Indemnity: Contractors are required to indemnify and hold harmless ANL, the University of Chicago, and the U.S. Government against losses or damages arising from their work. This includes responsibility for repairing any damage caused to existing property.
• Insurance: Specific insurance coverages and minimum limits are mandated, including Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Professional Liability. All policies must name ANL, the University of Chicago, and the U.S. Government as additional insureds.
• Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H): This is a significant section detailing comprehensive ES&H requirements. Contractors must comply with various federal regulations (e.g., 10 CFR 851, OSHA standards) and take all reasonable precautions to protect personnel and the environment. Key aspects include:
  • Reporting of incidents and unauthorized releases.
  • Mandatory Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for all tasks, detailing hazards and mitigation actions.
  • Job Safety Orientation for all personnel.
  • Specific requirements for contractor forepersons.
  • Submission of ES&H documentation, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  • Strict adherence to site access requirements and emergency procedures.
  • Detailed electrical safety requirements.
  • Prohibitions on certain items and activities on site (e.g., weapons, illicit substances).
  • Implementation of a disciplinary program for safety violations.
• FAR/DEAR Clauses: References to specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DEAR) clauses are included, such as those pertaining to personal identity verification, pollution prevention, and access to records.

This document is crucial for any potential bidder whose work may involve on-site activities at Argonne National Laboratory. It details significant contractual obligations related to safety, insurance, and legal liabilities that will impact the cost and execution of the work. Bidders must carefully review these conditions to understand the full scope of responsibilities and ensure they can comply before submitting a proposal or accepting a contract.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Argonne National Laboratory seeks to acquire a flexible, research-capable X-ray transmission (XRT)-based sorting system for automated classification of various materials, including lithium-ion batteries, minerals, colored plastics, and metals. The system will serve as a research platform for algorithm development and experimentation related to critical materials supply chains and recycling technologies.

• Design, construction, testing, and delivery of a fully integrated, skid-mounted, self-contained XRT-based sorting system.

• System must be capable of sorting by battery type and chemistry, and by mineral/ore species.

• Optional inclusion of additional detection modalities (e.g., color, NIR, inductive, laser, XRF).

• System must provide open access to data and control interfaces for user programmability, algorithm development, and external analysis.

• Vendor must provide all necessary hardware, software, documentation, and support for installation and operation.

• Deliverables include prefabrication drawings, process and instrument diagrams, system layout, component lists, and electrical drawings.

• Sorting capability for specified battery types and mineral/ore species.

• Open, documented interfaces for algorithm control and data access, allowing Argonne to update, modify, or replace the sorting algorithm without vendor intervention (or with a quote for services if intervention is required).

• Documented API/SDK for ingesting sensor data, outputting classification decisions, and programmatic access to algorithm configuration.

• Electrical requirements not to exceed 480V/3 Phase/ 60 Hz.

• Expected delivery by August 2026.

• Construction at vendor's facilities.

• Installation, training, and startup assistance at Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL.

• Include all required radiation and mechanical safety guarding.

• Software/firmware must meet Argonne cybersecurity requirements.

• Vendor must disclose any IP restrictions and remote-access capabilities.

• Vendor shall provide installation support (remote and/or onsite) and training on operation, safety, maintenance, and algorithm configuration.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Enclosure No. 4 Evaluation Criteria," outlines the criteria that will be used by Argonne National Laboratory to evaluate proposals for the "X-Ray Transmission Sorter" opportunity. It details how technical proposals will be assessed relative to price and business management proposals.

Overall Relative Importance of Proposal Parts:

• Technical Proposal is of greater importance than Price Proposal and Business Management Proposal.
• Award will be based on best value tradeoffs, aiming for the highest technical proposal with the lowest evaluated cost, but may consider higher cost for significant technical advantages.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Criterion 1 – Technical Approach:

  • Evaluates capability to design, manufacture, and support X-ray Transmission (XRT) based sorting systems for various feedstocks (ores, minerals, lithium-ion batteries).
  • Required Submittals: Technical description of XRT sorter, performance data, feedstock processing capabilities, automation/controls description, user programmability, risk identification, and software validation.

• Criterion 2 – Environmental Safety and Health (ESH):

  • Evaluates compliance with ESH requirements related to specifications and drawings.
  • Required Submittals: Radiation safety reports, ESH plan, shielding documentation, compliance documentation, lithium-ion battery mitigation, safety interlocks, cybersecurity statement, and remote-access controls.

• Criterion 3 – Quality Assurance (QA):

  • Evaluates the Offeror's QA Program for compliance with technical requirements.
  • Required Submittals: QA System documentation, evidence of QA processes, relevant ISO certifications, and health physics standards.

• Criterion 4 - Record of Past Performance:

  • Considers demonstrated successful delivery, commissioning, and operation of similar XRT or sensor-based sorting systems.
  • Required Submittals: List of three (3) recent, similar contracts with details including contract title, installation date, client contact, contract amount, system information, sorted materials, sorting quality, and ability to meet deadlines. Reference checks may be conducted.

This document is critical for bidders as it directly defines how their proposals will be evaluated. Understanding these criteria and the required submittals is essential for preparing a competitive technical proposal that addresses all aspects of the evaluation, including technical approach, ESH, quality assurance, and past performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Enclosure 6 Appendix D-8-C: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROVISIONS - COMMERCIAL SUPPLIES AND SERVICES REQUIRING DELIVERY OF DATA," outlines the intellectual property provisions related to data delivery under a contract. It details the government's rights concerning data, including technical data and computer software, provided by the contractor.

• Article 1: Rights in Data – General (FAR 52.227-14): Defines terms such as "data," "computer software," "limited rights data," and "restricted computer software." It allocates rights, specifying when the Government has unlimited rights and when the Contractor retains certain rights. It also covers copyright assertions, release and use of data, and procedures for handling unauthorized markings.
• Article 2: Additional Data Requirements (FAR 52.227-16): Allows the Laboratory or DOE to order additional data produced or used during contract performance, within three years after acceptance of deliverables. Compensation for conversion, reproduction, and delivery of such data is addressed.
• Article 3: Rights to Proposal Data (Technical) (FAR 52.227-23): States that the Government will have unlimited rights to technical data contained in the proposal upon which the contract is based, as a condition of award.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the government's rights regarding intellectual property and data delivered under the contract. It clarifies ownership, usage, and disclosure limitations for technical data, computer software, and other deliverables. Bidders must ensure their proposals and subsequent contract performance comply with these intellectual property provisions, particularly concerning data rights, copyright, and any data withheld or restricted.