Notice_of_Intent_EPRI.docx

The U.S. Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID), 1955 Fremont Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83415, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), 3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94304, for specialized technical support and research and development related to long term storage of high burn up spent nuclear fuel (SNF). A written solicitation is not anticipated to be issued for this requirement as a result of this announcement. This acquisition is not set-aside for small business per the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 19.502-2(b).

EPRI has the unique experience and equipment necessary to complete the proposed scope of work, therefore, it has been determined that, in accordance with 6.302-1(a)(2), there is only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The cost of this acquisition, over the estimated ten-year project period, is not anticipated to exceed $5,000,000. The NAICS is 541715 - Research and Development Energy: Nuclear.

Description of service(s) required to meet the Agency’s needs:

The DOE requires specialized technical support and research and development related to long term storage of high burn up spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Support will consist of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) cask transportation licensing, monitoring and collecting data on high burn up fuel from a loaded dry storage canister that is on an NRC licensed storage facility, and analyzing the data collected.

This may include but is not limited to:

Continuing research and development based on the data collected from the high burn up research and development project working with Oak Ridge National Laboratories on the effects of hydride reorientation, other thermal transient conditions, or SNF aging management.

Providing quick turnaround independent expert advice on various issues as they arise;

Supporting technical review of proposals and new and emerging concepts;

Examples of the specific areas of expertise, knowledge and experience required to support this task include:

Knowledge of and experience with the selected high burn up rods used in the subject cask and why they were selected. Knowledge of and experience with NRC licensing of the modified instrumented cask (one of a kind) and NRC certificate of compliance requirements for the individual cask. Expertise in technical issues related to hydride reorientation and thermal transients of spent nuclear fuel in long term storage canisters.

The High burn up research and development project cask must be stored at a NRC licensed facility and have a NRC license for the specific cask. The owner of the cask license has the responsibility to comply with the NRC requirement in the certificate of compliance for that license which including monitoring, inspections, and aging management for the cask.

The contractor will be expected to maintain a core team to be able to respond quickly to DOE requests and supplement this team on an as needed basis. It is important to DOE to expand interest and produce talent knowledgeable of this specialized field; therefore, the contractor would be encouraged to use other university staff and graduate and undergraduate students where appropriate.

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, any firm that believes it can meet the requirements, as outlined in the attached requirements document, may give written notification prior to the response due date. Responses are required to be submitted before February 20, 2015, 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Responses shall be submitted via e-mail to JoAnne Hanners at hannerj@id.doe.gov and supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to perform the requirements listed. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Telephone requests or inquires will not be accepted.