B.1_473609 - RFQ_Q and A_Round 1_03-20-2026.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 473609
- Issued by
-
Department of Energy Office of Science
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document for Request for Quote Number 473609 issued by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) for a Nuclear Physicist position focused on Nuclear Data Evaluation and Reaction Modeling Support, dated March 20, 2026.
The position requires a senior nuclear physicist with 25+ years of nuclear physics research experience, deep expertise in EMPIRE modeling, RIPL-3 familiarity, and CSEWG/IAEA collaboration history. BNL will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis if no applicants fully meet these "must-have" qualifications. The role is structured as a part-time appointment requiring approximately 960 hours annually (20 hours per week over 48 weeks), distributed uniformly throughout the year, though activity levels may vary based on project needs. The candidate will perform most duties remotely with ad hoc in-person visits to BNL for collaboration meetings. The contract budget allocates four 1-week domestic trips per 12-month period, approved by BNL, which may be to BNL facilities or project-related conferences. Travel expenses including air tickets, hotel lodging, and per diem are included in the contract budget and bound by GSA rate limits. Labor costs are fully burdened. Under the Time & Materials contract structure, hours may be increased and topics expanded in option years subject to funding and mutual agreement, though additional personnel would require a separate contract. All technical qualifiers are considered must-haves initially, with case-by-case assessment if no applicants meet full criteria.
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ROUND 1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
REQUEST FOR QUOTE NUMBER 473609
NUCLEAR PHYSICIST – NUCLEAR DATA EVALUATION AND REACTION MODELING SUPPORT
MARCH 20, 2026
# QUESTIONS ANSWERS
1 Level of Effort
a) Does BNL have a preferred distribution of the annual hours? For instance, would this be considered roughly 80 hours per month (so 20 hours per week)? Or are the hours more front-/back-loaded based on certain milestones, releases, etc.?
b) Are there any anticipated peak periods during the year when you would expect significantly higher engagement from the candidate?
a) We expect a roughly uniform rate of distribution of hours. The total expected number of hours was estimated to approximately correspond to a part-time appointment (20 hours per week, 48 weeks for a 12-month cycle).
b) There may be periods of higher activity, balanced by periods of lower activity, which should be communicated and arranged between both parties. These periods cannot be anticipated a priori.
2 Place of Performance
a) The question still remains regarding whether the place of performance is expected to be on-site at BNL or if the candidate can perform their duties and role remotely.
b) If remote is acceptable, are there any expectations for on-site visits, meetings, etc.? If so, confirm how travel would be billed.
a) The candidate is expected to perform most of their duties remotely, although ad hoc in-person visits to BNL for collaboration meetings are expected
b) See answer 2a) above. The Contract budget accounts for 4 1-week domestic trips per 12-month period associated to the project, to be approved by BNL.
These trips can be either to BNL for in-person meetings or to other meetings/conferences related to the project.
3 Technical Qualifiers The technical qualifiers (25+ years of nuclear physics research, deep EMPIRE experience, RIPL-3, CSEWG/IAEA collaboration history, etc.)
describe a very senior and specialized profile.
a) Would BNL consider:
1. A candidate who meets all core technical needs but has, for example, slightly less than 25 years of experience, or
2. Structuring the effort so that a senior subject-matter expert is supported by a mid-level physicist for routine tasks, while the SME focuses on the highest-value activities?
a) 1. BNL is looking for a senior person with extensive experience in Nuclear Data. If no applicants fully satisfy this requirement, BNL may consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
a) 2. Unfortunately, our allocated budget cannot accommodate two scientists focusing on different topics.
ROUND 1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
REQUEST FOR QUOTE NUMBER 473609
NUCLEAR PHYSICIST – NUCLEAR DATA EVALUATION AND REACTION MODELING SUPPORT
MARCH 20, 2026
3. Any guidance on how “must-have” vs “highly desired” these qualifiers would help us calibrate our recruiting approach.
a) 3. All technical qualifiers are considered “must-haves”. If no applicant fits that criteria, we will consider them as “highly desired” and assess on a case-by-case basis.
4 Options
a) If performance during the base year is successful and your needs expand, is there a mechanism under this Time & Materials structure to increase hours or add additional personnel in the option years, subject to funding and mutual agreement?
a) Regarding increased hours and topic expansion, yes, provided there is funding and mutual agreement. Regarding additional personnel, provided there is funding and mutual agreement, an additional Contract may be needed.
5 Labor & Travel Costs
a) I understand the Labor cost is all burdened. Does that also include money for domestic travel, tickets, per diems, etc.? Or shall I include that in the total ceiling (which will include labor plus travel)?
a) As stated in answer 2b, the Contract budget includes 4 1-week domestic trips per 12-month period associated to the project, to be approved by BNL. These trips can be either to BNL for in-person meetings or to other meetings/conferences related to the project.
Being trips billed to BNL, they include air ticket, hotel lodging and per diem expenses, all bound to GSA rate limits.
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