Sol_NRC-HQ-50-18-R-0003_(1).pdf

November 6, 2017 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL

SUBJECT: Request for Proposal (RFP) - Solicitation No. NRC-HQ-50-18-R-0003

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is soliciting a proposal for the project entitled Old Boral Performance in Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation to perform the work described in section C Statement of Work (SOW) of the enclosed RFP. The due date for your proposal is December 2, 2017 at 11:00am EST or earlier.

Your proposal must be sent via e-mail to Erika.Eam@nrc.gov by the time and date established for submission. NRC is not responsible for technical difficulties and/or administrative problems associated with transmission of the files to the NRC. Please ensure that your proposal contains both a technical proposal and a cost proposal. The proposal shall be signed by an official authorized to bind the organization you represent, and it shall contain a statement indicating the period of time the proposal is in effect (no less than 60 days).

CAUTION: It is brought to your attention that the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed procurement. Accordingly, work on this proposed effort shall not commence without prior Contracting Officer authorization.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Erika Eam via e-mail at Erika.Eam@nrc.gov.

Sincerely, Erika Eam, Contracting Officer Operations Branch B Acquisition Management Division

Enclosures: As stated mailto:Erika.Eam@nrc.gov

NRC-HQ-50-18-R-0003

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 117

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

CAUTION: LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) DESCRIPTION SEC. (X)

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within ______________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

11/06/2017 X

NRCHQ

US NRC - HQ

ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT DIVISION

MAIL STOP TWFN-8E06M

WASHINGTON DC 20555-0001

Erika Eam erika.eam@nrc.gov

1100 ET 12/08/2017

ERIKA EAM 301

Erika.Eam@nrc.gov

415-8180

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PAGE(S)

ERIKA EAM

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

1 - 2 5 - 6

7 - 12 15 - 16 17 - 18 19 - 28

29 - 55

56 - 90

91-105

106-115

116-117

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 117

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

NRC-HQ-50-18-R-0003

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

Period of Performance: 01/01/2018 to 12/31/2019

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

SECTION B - Supplies or Services/Prices

B.1 BRIEF PROJECT TITLE AND WORK DESCRIPTION

B.2 LINE ITEMS

B.3 CONSIDERATION AND OBLIGATION—COST-PLUS-FIXED-FEE ALTERNATE I

SECTION C - Description/Specifications SECTION D - Packaging and Marking

D.1 BRANDING

D.2 PACKAGING AND MARKING

SECTION E - Inspection and Acceptance

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE NRC (SEP 2013)

SECTION F - Deliveries or Performance

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 2052.211-70 PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL REPORTS. (JAN 1993)

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE ALTERNATE III

F.4 PLACE OF DELIVERY-REPORTS

SECTION G - Contract Administration Data

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE AUTHORITY

G.2 REGISTRATION IN FEDCONNECT® (JULY 2014)

G.3 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT (SEP 2014)

SECTION H - Special Contract Requirements

H.1 2052.200 AUTHORITY

H.2 2052.209-72 CONTRACTOR ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. (JAN 1993)

H.3 MONTHLY LETTER STATUS REPORT (MLSR)

H.4 2052.215-70 KEY PERSONNEL. (JAN 1993)

H.5 2052.215-78 TRAVEL APPROVALS AND REIMBURSEMENT (OCT 1999) - ALTERNATE I (OCT

1999)

H.6 2052.216-70 LEVEL OF EFFORT. (JAN 1993)

H.7 2052.216-71 INDIRECT COST RATES. (JAN 1993)

H.8 2052.216-71 INDIRECT COST RATES. (JAN 1993) - ALTERNATE I (JAN 1993)

H.9 2052.216-71 INDIRECT COST RATES. (JAN 1993) - ALTERNATE II (OCT 1999)

H.10 2052.227-70 DRAWINGS, DESIGNS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND OTHER DATA. (JAN 1993)

H.11 2052.237-71 SAFETY, HEALTH, AND FIRE PROTECTION. (JAN 1993)

H.12 2052.242-70 RESOLVING DIFFERING PROFESSIONAL VIEWS. (OCT 1993)

H.13 2052.242-71 PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING DIFFERING PROFESSIONAL VIEWS. (OCT 1993) .

H.14 AWARD NOTIFICATION AND COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

H.15 USE OF AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE (ACH) ELECTRONIC PAYMENT/REMITTANCE

ADDRESS

H.16 GREEN PURCHASING (SEP 2015)

H.17 ANNUAL AND FINAL CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS

H.18 DENIAL OF FEDERAL BENEFITS TO INDIVIDUALS CONVICTED OF DRUG TRAFFICKING OR

POSSESSION

H.19 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT/PROPERTY

SECTION I - Contract Clauses

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 52.216-7 ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT. (JUN 2013)

I.3 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES. (NOV 1999)

I.4 52.219-4 NOTICE OF PRICE EVALUATION PREFERENCE FOR HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS

CONCERNS. (OCT 2014)

I.5 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS. (OCT 2015)

I.6 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES. (JUL 2014)

I.7 52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA-GENERAL. (MAY 2014) - ALTERNATE II (DEC 2007)

I.8 52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA-GENERAL. (MAY 2014) - ALTERNATE V (DEC 2007)

I.9 52.227-16 ADDITIONAL DATA REQUIREMENTS. (JUN 1987)

I.10 52.227-23 RIGHTS TO PROPOSAL DATA (TECHNICAL). (JUN 1987)

I.11 52.232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS. (APR 2012)

I.12 52.244-2 SUBCONTRACTS. (OCT 2010) – ALTERNATE I (JUN 2007)

I.13 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (FEB 1998)

I.14 NRC ACQUISTION REGULATION (NRCAR) PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES (AUG 2011)

SECTION J - List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments J.1 List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments ATTACHMENT 1 - Subpart 2009.5 Organizational Conflicts of Interest ........ Error! Bookmark not defined.

ATTACHMENT 2 – Template – Contractor Spending Plan ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

ATTACHMENT 3 – Monthly Letter Status Report (MSLR) – Instructions for Contracts Error! Bookmark not defined.

ATTACHMENT 4 – Billing Instructions for Cost-Reimbursement Type (JUL 2015) ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

ATTACHMENT 5 – Past Performance Reference Survey ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

SECTION K - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Bidders

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 52.204-3 TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION. (OCT 1998)

K.3 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS. (JAN 2017)

K.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS. (JUL 2013)

K.5 52.215-6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE. (OCT 1997)

K.6 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS. (FEB 1999)

K.7 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE. (APR 1984)

K.8 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTRICTED BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN SUDAN--

CERTIFICATION. (AUG 2009)

K.9 52.226-2 HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY AND MINORITY INSTITUTION

REPRESENTATION. (OCT 2014)

K.10 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION. (OCT 2015)

K.11 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION. (OCT 2015) -

ALTERNATE I (APR 1996)

K.12 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE--COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES. (APR 2005) 104

K.13 2052.209-70 CURRENT/FORMER AGENCY EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT. (OCT 1999)

K.14 2052.209-71 CONTRACTOR ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

(REPRESENTATION). (OCT 1999)

SECTION L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders

L.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT. (APR 1984)

L.3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST. (SEP 2006)

L.4 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (FEB 1998)

L.5 2052.215-75 PROPOSAL PRESENTATION AND FORMAT. (OCT 1999)

L.6 2052.215-79 CONTRACT AWARD AND EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS. (OCT 1999)

L.7 SOLICITATION INSTRUCTIONS (SEP2013)

L.8 GREEN PURCHASING (JUL 2016)

L.9 COMMUNICATION WITH GOVERNMENT AND DUE DATE FOR QUESTIONS

L.10 2052.215-72 TIMELY RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS. (OCT 1999)

L.11 PROPOSAL PRESENTATION AND FORMAT (SEP 2012)

L.12 SUBMISSION OF HAND-CARRIED PROPOSALS OR QUOTATIONS

L.13 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FROM THE NRC

SECTION M - Evaluation Factors for Award

M.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

M.2 2052.215-79 CONTRACT AWARD AND EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS. (OCT 1999)

M.3 EVALUATION FACTORS

SECTION B - Supplies or Services/Prices

B.1 BRIEF PROJECT TITLE AND WORK DESCRIPTION

(a) The title of this project is: Old Boral Performance in Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation

(b) Summary work description: The objective of this contract is to obtain technical assistance. Specifically, the NRC seeks to obtain relevant test data and test data interpretation related to potential older Boral degradation processes under dry storage conditions potentially applicable to transportation. The obtained data and interpretation shall provide regulatory information related to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Differing Professional Opinion (DPO) concerns.

(End of Clause)

B.2 LINE ITEMS

DESCRIPTION BASE PERIOD OPTION PERIOD TOTAL BASE

PERIOD + OPTION

PERIOD

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 6 MONTHS

Direct Labor $ - $ - $ - $ - Fringe Benefits $ - $ - $ - $ - Total Labor $ - $ - $ - $ - Overhead $ - $ - $ - $ - Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Subcontractors $ - $ - $ - $ -

Consultants $ - $ - $ - $ - Materials/ Supplies $ - $ - $ - $ - Travel NTE $5,000.00 NTE $5,000.00 - NTE $10,000.00 General and Administrative Expenses (G&A)

Total Costs $ - $ - $ - $ -

Total Costs By Periods $ - $ - $ - $ -

ESTIMATED LABOR HOUR RATES

DESCRIPTION BASE PERIOD OPTION PERIOD

Labor Category YEAR 1 YEAR 2 6 MONTHS

Principal Investigator (PI)

Engineer or Scientist

Administrator/Clerical

B.3 CONSIDERATION AND OBLIGATION—COST-PLUS-FIXED-FEE ALTERNATE I

(a) The total estimated cost to the Government for full performance of this contract is TBD of which the sum of TBD represents the estimated reimbursable costs, and of which TBD represents the fixed-fee.

(b) There shall be no adjustment in the amount of the Contractor's fixed fee.

(c) The amount currently obligated by the Government with respect to this contract is TBD, of which the sum of TBD represents the estimated reimbursable costs, and of which TBD represents the fixed-fee.

(d) It is estimated that the amount currently obligated will cover performance through TBD.

(e) This is an incrementally-funded contract and FAR 52.232-22 - “Limitation of Funds” applies.

(f) In accordance with FAR 52.216-8 - Fixed Fee, it is the policy of the NRC to withhold payment of fee after payment of 85 percent of the fee has been paid in order to protect the Government’s interest. The amount of fixed-fee withheld from the contractor will not exceed 15 percent of the total fee or $100,000, whichever is less. Accordingly, the maximum amount of fixed-fee that may be held in reserve is TBD.

(End of Clause)

SECTION C - Description/Specifications

C.1 Title of Project

Old Boral Performance in Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation

C.2 Background

On February 28, 2017, the Director of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS) issued a decision on a DPO concerning the evaluation and communication of Boral degradation effects in deployed dry storage systems, submitted on June 29, 2016. The DPO raised concerns that (1) spent fuel storage/transportation cask stakeholders have been inadequately informed by the NRC of safety and operational problems, such as erosion of subcritical safety margins, hydrogen generation, and maintaining radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable if spent fuel assemblies are bound, that could result from Boral degradation; and (2) that a Generic Safety Issue (GSI) – 196, “Boral Degradation,” follow-up action was not performed involving investigative research to determine if degradation of “older” Boral sheets (i.e., Boral manufactured on or about prior to 2001) would result in erosion of criticality margins.

On September 14, 2016, an Ad Hoc DPO Review Panel (Panel) provided the NMSS Director with the results of its independent review of the DPO submittal. The Panel concluded that Boral degradation in dry storage systems does not appear to represent a significant safety concern. However, the Panel also concluded that uncertainty exists with older Boral due to lack of test data representative of operating conditions in dry storage systems. The Panel noted that a unique opportunity currently exists for some limited testing of older Boral to close this knowledge gap. The Panel concluded that the NRC can improve its communication to stakeholders about industry-recommended limitations on re-flooding cycles for dry storage systems which use Boral as a neutron absorber. The Panel recommended that the NRC (1) communicate to stakeholders the results of Boral testing in dry storage systems; (2) conduct an investigation of older Boral materials, as was recommended in the closure of GSI-196, since there is a knowledge gap with respect to the potential degradation mechanisms of this material in dry storage systems; and (3) consider testing older Boral material obtained from the Zion spent fuel pool under dry storage conditions. The NMSS Director agreed with the Panel’s conclusions and endorsed its first and third recommendations. Regarding the Panel’s second recommendation, the NMSS Director proposed that the NRC staff conduct an assessment of dry storage systems and transportation packages that incorporated older Boral materials, in order to determine whether any indications of potential older Boral degradation have been documented.

C.3 Objective

The objective of this contract is to obtain technical assistance. Specifically, the NRC seeks to obtain relevant test data and test data interpretation of potential older Boral degradation processes under dry storage conditions potentially applicable to transportation. The obtained data and interpretation shall provide regulatory information related to the NRC DPO concerns (See Section C.2 Background).

C.4 Scope of Work/Tasks

The contractor shall provide all resources necessary (personnel, facilities, equipment and materials) to accomplish the task and deliverables described in this Statement of Work (SOW).

The overall objective of these tasks are for the contractor to perform tests to assess the potential degradation processes of those older Boral type, which have been deployed in some of the storage casks, under spent fuel storage conditions. The NRC will continue to provide necessary background information such as literature and regulatory information. The test should be representative of operating conditions in dry storage systems. The test requires capability and facilities to mimic the dry storage cask system and its environment (e.g., prototypic or mockup tests) in key findings. The contractor will interpret the obtained data, and provide technical assistance to the NRC’s efforts to establish regulatory safety bases associated with older Boral used in storage.

Boral and Cask Internal Environment

Currently, neutron absorbing materials (NAM) in dry storage systems are boron-containing materials used to prevent criticality of the spent fuel assembly arrangement. The degradation of NAM in dry storage systems may affect loading, retrievability, and thermal performance functions of the system.

Boral is a Cermet. The Cermet sheets (He, et al., 2016) are formed by hot rolling layers consisting of (i) a core of uniformly mixed and distributed boron carbide and Al (aluminum) 1100 particles and (ii) a surface cladding of Al 1100 on both sides of the core, serving as a protective barrier as shown. The core typically contains between 35 and 65 wt % boron carbide (most often greater than 50 wt %). The core is usually not fully sintered and can have a porosity of 1 to 8 % with varying degrees of interconnectivity among the pores, potentially allowing for water ingress into the core. The total thickness of the laminate ranges from 1.9–11.1 mm and cladding thicknesses are typically between 250–380 μm at each side.

The process of placing fuel assemblies in the cask (or canister) includes loading spent fuel assemblies in a spent fuel pool, followed by draining, drying, and filling the void space with helium to mitigate corrosion of internal components and aid in the removal of decay heat. NAMs are only exposed to water for a period of 48 to 96 hours during spent fuel cask loading. The assessment of aging-related degradation of NAM in this report assumes that adequate drying is performed and there is a minimum amount of water in the canister.

Considering inadequate drying, the residual water is expected in a range of 0.01, 0.1 and maximum 1 liter (1 gallon = 3.79 liter) per cask (Jung, et al., 2013). The residual water could undergo radiolysis as a result of the radiation field, producing oxidizing species, such as oxygen and hydrogen, prone to interact chemically with Zr-based spent fuel cladding, spent fuel, and cask internals including NAM. The temperature is distributed spatially and temporally during storage (Jung et al., 2013). During the vacuum drying, the maximum spent fuel temperature allowed is 400 ˚C (752 ˚F).

Primary Test Matrix

Boral is potentially susceptible to wet corrosion and blistering, if water penetrates into the Boral matrix during wet spent fuel loading or from inadequate spent fuel drying. Water moisture pressure and hydrogen generated from corrosion could result in Boral blistering and eventual delamination. Water can be trapped in the porous matrix of Boral under the hydrostatic water pressure when casks containing Boral submerged into spent fuel pool to the depth of 6.1 – 12.2 m (20 – 40 feet) of water for spent fuel loading. During subsequent draining and drying of spent fuel cask, the trapped water within Boral is subjected to a temperature above 200 °C (392 ˚F) from spent fuel decay heat which could turn the trapped water into high pressure steam causing blisters and delamination of the Boral.

This SOW presents a proposed test matrix on blistering and delamination of Boral under spent fuel loading, vacuum drying and storage conditions. Primary environmental variables include temperature, immersion water, relative humidity inside cask, and times. Other parameters that need to be considered further are spent fuel type, burnup, cask design, and radiation effects on Boral and moisture.

The test should be representative of operating conditions in dry storage systems. The test requires capability and facilities to mimic the dry storage cask system and its environment (e.g., prototypic tests) in key findings. Additional supplemental controlled tests are recommended such as smaller scale simulated tests.

Task 1: Submersion Tests

The contractor should review literature information on testing of Boral sheet in water submersion over varying temperatures and time periods. The contractor should design and/or select optimum test equipment with water pressures and duration which best represent the operational conditions of those spent fuel storage casks which have used older Boral. The contractor should determine the optimum size of Boral test sample, given test equipment and physical arrangement of heater and structure needed. The contractor shall obtain test results on, but not limited to, blistering, void characteristics, and gas generation

• Submerge sheets in qualifying water and pressurize chamber to reproduce desired hydrostatic pressure.

• Hydrostatic pressure: 14.5 psi (1 bar) increases with 33 feet (10.1 m) depth; 1, 2, 3 days (below 20 feet [20.2 m], 30 feet [30.3 m], 40 feet [40.4 m]).

• Weigh samples before and after submersion.

• After each test conduct visual examination, thickness measurement, and optical microscopy.

Task 2: Drying Tests

The contractor should review literature information on testing of spent fuel drying with Boral sheet over varying temperatures and time periods. The contractor should design and/or select optimum test equipment for the drying techniques (i.e., vacuum drying and/or Forced Helium Dehydration) which have been used for drying the loaded spent fuel storage casks with older Boral. The contractor should consider optimum water amount, temperature and time. The contractor should determine the optimum size of Boral test sample, given drying test system. The contractor shall obtain test results on, but not limited to, blistering, void characteristics, and gas generation.

• Use vacuum network for drying and quantifying water removed.

• Follow typical industry drying practice for vacuum drying and using criteria of holding for 30 minutes below 3 torr. Heating, vacuuming, staying (30 minutes) and cooling.

• Weigh samples before and after drying to estimate water removed.

• Evaluate flow meter data from drying operation to estimate water removed.

Task 3: Corrosion Tests

The contractor should review literature information on testing of Boral sheet corrosion producing hydrogen over varying temperatures and time periods. The contractor should design and/or select optimum test equipment of Boral corrosion and hydrogen generation which best represent the operating conditions of dry storage systems and transportation packages. The contractor should consider optimum (i) water amount, (ii) temperature and (iii) time. The contractor should determine the optimum size of Boral test sample, given the test system of corrosion and hydrogen generation. The contractor shall obtain test results including, but not limited to, corrosion, hydrogen generation, blistering, and void characteristics.

• Scale amount of water to size of chamber compared to a real cask.

• Based on the NRC assessment (Jung et al., 2013), a relative time scaling factor is provided for the three different temperature tests below. The testing can be fit into a 1 year period considering the base test at high temperature to be 8 hours. This means longer tests at 200˚C (392 ˚F) would take approximately equivalent 350 days.

Residual water amount: 0.01, 0.1 and 1 liter

400 ˚C

(752 ˚F) 300 ˚C

(572 ˚F) 200 ˚C

(392 ˚F) Time scaling factor 1 11 350

At 8 hours for the base tests: 1 day 11 days days

1 gallon = 3.79 liter

Task 4: Data, Data Interpretation and Report Preparation

The contractor shall obtain test results on, but not limited, blistering, void characteristics, and gas generation.

The contractor should provide reproducible quantitative results when possible. Such examples include (i) the extent of Boron release if potentially occurred for all 3 Tasks above and (ii) the effect of Boral degradation on the efficiency of neutron absorber. The contractor shall provide draft reports to the NRC, and the contractor shall respond to NRC staff comments on the draft and before finalizing the deliverable and administrative items.

Deliverable

The contract shall include detailed test summary and test results in the final report for all Tasks.

C.5 Level of Effort for Qualified Labor Categories

Labor Categories, Requirements and Key Personnel. Personnel working under this contact/order shall meet the minimum requirements for experience and education, as follows

Labor Category Position Minimum Requirements Key Personnel*

(yes or no) Principle Investigator

Ph.D. and research experience longer than 5 years in nuclear materials, related to nuclear fuel cycle and/or neutron absorber (e.g., Boral, vacuum technologies, and corrosion).

yes

Engineer or Scientist

B.S. or M.S. in materials science, chemistry, physics or equivalent, pursuing higher degree no

Administrative Certified or equivalent no *See NRCAR 2052.215-70, “Key Personnel”

Level-of-Effort (in hours). Estimate the number of hours required for each labor category, including base and option periods.

Base Year Year 2 Total Labor Category

Estimated Hours

Estimated Hours

Principle Investigator

(PI)

208 208 416

Engineer or Scientist

2080 2080 4160

Administrative 40 40 80

- PI to supervise Engineer or Scientist

- Engineer or Scientist to conduct experiments

C.6 Reporting Requirements

C.6.1 Monthly Letter Status Report (MLSR)

The contractor shall provide a Monthly Letter Status Report which consists of a technical progress report and financial status report. This report will be used by the Government to assess the adequacy of the resources proposed by the contractor to accomplish the work contained in this SOW and provide status of contractor progress in achieving tasks and producing deliverables. The report shall include contract/order summary information, work completed during the specified period, milestone schedule information, problem resolution, travel plans, and staff hour summary.

C.6.2 Final Report

The contractor shall provide a final report summarizing the work performed and the results and conclusions under this contract.

The report will be developed in the contractor SharePoint system, if available. The deliverable shall be submitted via electronic mail with electronic attachments consistent with the word processor in use at the NRC or in portable document format (i.e., *.pdf), as appropriate. The contractor shall also include the NRC COR and NRC TO COR for Job Code xxxxx and the relevant NRC principle investigators in the electronic mail. Reports by the contractor shall be in letter report form. The deliverables should attribute work to both the NRC and the contractor when the outcome is a result of joint effort between the NRC and the contractor.

C.7 List of Deliverables

The schedule of deliverables for the Task is outlined below.

DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE (business days) FORMAT Progress Presentation and NRC comment Monthly Report, 20th of following month Word Document

Professional Meeting (Presentation and/or Paper) 30 days prior to presentation or paper submission

Word Document

NRC Review and Resolution of Comments on Professional Meeting

Work

After submission before the meeting or submission

Word Document

Draft Final Report for NRC Review 30 days prior to finalization Word Document NRC Review and Comments on Draft 15 days prior to finalization Word Document

Comment Resolution 15 days prior to finalization Word Document Final Report 30 days prior to contract expiration Word Document

Monthly Letter Status Report (MSLR) Monthly Report, 20th of following month Word Document

C.8 Required Materials/Facilities:

The contractor shall demonstrate that the existing contracting site meets the facility requirements to conduct the test representative of operating conditions in dry storage systems. The test requires capability and facilities to mimic the dry storage cask system and its environment (e.g., prototypic or mockup tests) in key findings. Additional supplemental controlled tests are recommended such as smaller scale simulated tests.

In order to be considered as a viable candidate for this award the facility shall meet or exceed the requirements below:

Minimum equipment requirements:

- As-fabricated older Boral material

- Water and pressurized system

- Vacuum drying system

- Chemical analysis system

- Optical microscopy system

- Materials and supplies: replacement hardware, gases, seals/gaskets, and laboratory supplies

C.9 Release of Publications

Any documents generated by or specifically used by the contractor in the performance of this contract shall not be used, released to others, distributed, or published without CO and COR prior written approval.

C.10 Place of Performance

The work to be performed under this contract will be primarily performed at the contractor’s facility.

C.11 Contractor Travel

Contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and the limitation of funds specified in the travel line item of this contract/order. All travel requires prior written Government approval from the COR.

Principal Investigator and engineer or scientist shall (1) attend one professional meeting (5 days in duration ) to present the results of these test for peer reviews; and (2) visit NRC headquarters (3 days in duration) to discuss detailed progress made.

Total travel for the project is estimated to be two (2) trips: #1 – 1, two-to-three-person trip (5 business days in duration) to a professional meeting to present the results of these tests to peers for review; and #2 – 1, two-to-three-person trip (3 business days in duration) to NRC headquarters to discuss detailed progress made.

C.12 Data Rights

These documents and materials may not be used, released to others, reproduced, distributed, published, or sold by the contractor without prior written authorization from the CO. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. The Contractor may not, without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, assert copyright in scientific and technical articles based on or containing data first produced in performance of this contract and published in academic, technical or professional journals, symposia proceedings, or similar works. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

C.13 Applicable Publications (Current Editions)

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). “BORALTM Behavior Under Simulated Cask Vacuum Drying.” EPRI Report 1009696. 2004.

He, X., Y.-M. Pan, R. Page, and others. “Assessment of Aging Mechanisms for Stainless Steel-and Al-Based Neutron Absorbing Materials Used in Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Cask Storage System.” NACE CORROSION 2016. Paper No. 7670. 2016.

Jung, H., P. Shukla, T. Ahn, and others. “Extended Storage and Transportation Evaluation of Drying Adequacy.” NRC ADAMS ML13169A039. NRC. 2013, https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1316/ML13169A039.pdf

Knight, T. “Experimental Determination and Modeling of Used Fuel Drying by Vacuum and Gas Circulation for Dry Cask Storage.” University of South Carolina, EPRI Extended Storage Collaboration Program (ESCP) Winter Meeting Materials, Charlotte, NC, 2016.

U.S. Nuclear regulatory Commission (NRC). Information Notice, “Weekly Information Report – Week Ending March 10, 2017.” SECY-17-0039. NRC ADAMS: ML17075A444. 2017, https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1707/ML17075A444.pdf

NRC. NRC Information Notice 2009-26, “Degradation of Neutron-Absorbing Materials in the spent Fuel Pool.”

NRC ADAMS: ML092440545. 2009, https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0924/ML092440545.pdf

Wang, L. “Evaluation of Aluminum-Boron Carbide Neutron Absorbing Materials for Interim Storage of Used Nuclear Fuel.” Project No. 10-961. NEUP. Nuclear energy University Program. U.S. Department of Energy.

2015.

https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1316/ML13169A039.pdf https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1707/ML17075A444.pdf https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0924/ML092440545.pdf

SECTION D - Packaging and Marking

D.1 BRANDING

The Contractor is required to use the statement below in any publications, presentations, articles, products, or materials funded under this contract/order, to the extent practical, in order to provide NRC with recognition for its involvement in and contribution to the project. If the work performed is funded entirely with NRC funds, then the contractor must acknowledge that information in its documentation/presentation.

Work Supported by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, under Contract number TBD.

(End of Clause)

D.2 PACKAGING AND MARKING

(a) The Contractor shall package material for shipment to the NRC in such a manner that will ensure acceptance by common carrier and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with the Surface Transportation Board, Uniform Freight Classification Rules, or regulations of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation.

(b) On the front of the package, the Contractor shall clearly identify the contract number under which the product is being provided.

(c) Additional packaging and/or marking requirements are as follows: N/A.

SECTION E - Inspection and Acceptance

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.246-5 INSPECTION OF SERVICES - COST-REIMBURSEMENT. APR 1984

52.246-9 INSPECTION OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT APR 1984

(SHORT FORM).

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE NRC (SEP 2013)

Inspection and acceptance of the deliverable items to be furnished hereunder shall be made by the NRC Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at the destination, accordance with FAR 52.247-34 - F.o.b.

Destination.

The schedule of deliverables for the Task is outlined below.

DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE (business days) FORMAT

Progress Presentation and NRC comment

Monthly Report, 20th of following month Word Document

Professional Meeting (Presentation and/or Paper)

30 days prior to presentation or paper submission

Word Document

NRC Review and Resolution of Comments on Professional Meeting

Work

After submission before the meeting or submission

Word Document

Draft Final Report for NRC Review 30 days prior to finalization Word Document NRC Review and Comments on Draft 15 days prior to finalization Word Document

Comment Resolution 15 days prior to finalization Word Document Final Report 30 days prior to contract expiration Word Document

Monthly Letter Status Report (MSLR) Monthly Report, 20th of following month Word Document

SECTION F - Deliveries or Performance

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER. (AUG 1989) - ALTERNATE I APR 1984

F.2 2052.211-70 PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL REPORTS. (JAN 1993)

All technical reports required by Section C and all Technical Progress Reports required by Section F are to be prepared in accordance with the attached Management Directive 3.8, "Unclassified Contractor and Grantee Publications in the NUREG Series." Management Directive 3.8 is not applicable to any Contractor Spending Plan (CSP) and any Financial Status Report that may be included in this contract. (See List of Attachments).

(End of Clause)

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE ALTERNATE III

This contract shall commence on TBD and will expire two (2) years (twenty-four (24) months) from date of award. The term of this contract may be extended at the option of the Government for an additional six (6) months, from the current expiration date to plus six (6) months.

The term of this contract may be extended at the option of the Government for an additional six (6) months (not to exceed six months).

Base Period: TBD 2018 – TBD 2019

Option Period(s): TBD 6 Months 2020

(End of Clause)

F.4 PLACE OF DELIVERY-REPORTS

The items to be furnished hereunder shall be delivered, with all charges paid by the Contractor, to:

a. Name: TBD (1 hard copy)

b. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

c. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

d. Address:

e. Electronic copies to:

f. (List names and email addresses)

g. Name: Erika Eam (1 hard copy)

h. Contracting Officer (CO)

i. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

j. Address:

Erika.Eam@nrc.gov

SECTION G - Contract Administration Data

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE AUTHORITY

(a) The contracting officer's authorized representative hereinafter referred to as the COR for this contract is:

Name: TBD

Address: TBD

Telephone Number: TBD

E-mail: TBD

(b) Performance of the work under this contract is subject to the technical direction of the NRC COR. The term technical direction is defined to include the following:

(1) Technical direction to the contractor which shifts work emphasis between areas of work or tasks, authorizes travel which was unanticipated in the Schedule (i.e., travel not contemplated in the Statement of Work or changes to specific travel identified in the Statement of Work), fills in details, or otherwise serves to accomplish the contractual statement of work.

(2) Provide advice and guidance to the contractor in the preparation of drawings, specifications, or technical portions of the work description.

(3) Review and, where required by the contract, approve technical reports, drawings, specifications, and technical information to be delivered by the contractor to the Government under the contract.

(c) Technical direction must be within the general statement of work stated in the contract. The COR does not have the authority to and may not issue any technical direction which:

(1) Constitutes an assignment of work outside the general scope of the contract.

(2) Constitutes a change as defined in the "Changes" clause of this contract.

(3) In any way causes an increase or decrease in the total estimated contract cost, the fixed fee, if any, or the time required for contract performance.

(4) Changes any of the expressed terms, conditions, or specifications of the contract.

(5) Terminates the contract, settles any claim or dispute arising under the contract, or issues any unilateral directive whatever.

(d) All technical directions must be issued in writing by the COR or must be confirmed by the COR in writing within ten (10) working days after verbal issuance. A copy of the written direction must be furnished to the contracting officer. A copy of NRC Form 445, Request for Approval of Official Foreign Travel, which has received final approval from the NRC must be furnished to the contracting officer.

(e) The contractor shall proceed promptly with the performance of technical directions duly issued by the COR in the manner prescribed by this clause and within the COR's authority under the provisions of this clause.

(f) If, in the opinion of the contractor, any instruction or direction issued by the COR is within one of the categories defined in paragraph (c) of this section, the contractor may not proceed but shall notify the contracting officer in writing within five (5) working days after the receipt of any instruction or direction and shall request that contracting officer to modify the contract accordingly. Upon receiving the notification from the contractor, the contracting officer shall issue an appropriate contract modification or advise the contractor in writing that, in the contracting officer's opinion, the technical direction is within the scope of this article and does not constitute a change under the "Changes" clause.

(g) Any unauthorized commitment or direction issued by the COR may result in an unnecessary delay in the contractor's performance and may even result in the contractor expending funds for unallowable costs under the contract.

(h) A failure of the parties to agree upon the nature of the instruction or direction or upon the contract action to be taken with respect to the instruction or direction is subject to 52.233-1 - Disputes.

(i) In addition to providing technical direction as defined in paragraph (b) of the section, the COR shall:

(1) Monitor the contractor's technical progress, including surveillance and assessment of performance, and recommend to the contracting officer changes in requirements.

(2) Assist the contractor in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

(3) Review all costs requested for reimbursement by the contractor and submit to the contracting officer recommendations for approval, disapproval, or suspension of payment for supplies and services required under this contract.

(End of Clause)

G.2 REGISTRATION IN FEDCONNECT® (JULY 2014)

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) uses Compusearch Software Systems’ secure and auditable two-way web portal, FedConnect®, to communicate with vendors and contractors. FedConnect® provides bi-directional communication between the vendor/contractor and the NRC throughout pre-award, award, and post-award acquisition phases. Therefore, in order to do business with the NRC, vendors and contractors must register to use FedConnect® at https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect. The individual registering in FedConnect® must have authority to bind the vendor/contractor. There is no charge for using FedConnect®.

Assistance with FedConnect® is provided by Compusearch Software Systems, not the NRC. FedConnect® contact and assistance information is provided on the FedConnect® web site at https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect.

(End of Clause)

G.3 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT (SEP 2014)

The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 requires that all payments except IRS tax refunds be made by Electronic Funds Transfer. Payment shall be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-33, entitled “Payment by Electronic Funds-Central Contractor Registration”.

To receive payment, the contractor shall prepare invoices in accordance with NRC’s Billing Instructions.

Claims shall be submitted on the payee’s letterhead, invoice, or on the Government’s Standard Form 1034, “Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other than Personal,” and Standard Form 1035, “Public Voucher for Purchases Other than Personal – Continuation Sheet.” The preferred method of submitting invoices is electronically to: NRCPayments@nrc.gov.

(End of Clause) https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect mailto:NRCPayments@nrc.gov

SECTION H - Special Contract Requirements

H.1 2052.200 AUTHORITY.

H.2 2052.209-72 CONTRACTOR ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. (JAN 1993)

(a) Purpose. The primary purpose of this clause is to aid in ensuring that the contractor:

(1) Is not placed in a conflicting role because of current or planned interests (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) which relate to the work under this contract; and

(2) Does not obtain an unfair competitive advantage over other parties by virtue of its performance of this contract.

(b) Scope. The restrictions described apply to performance or participation by the contractor, as defined in 48 CFR 2009.570-2 in the activities covered by this clause.

(c) Work for others.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this contract, during the term of this contract, the contractor agrees to forego entering into consulting or other contractual arrangements with any firm or organization the result of which may give rise to a conflict of interest with respect to the work being performed under this contract. The contractor shall ensure that all employees under this contract abide by the provision of this clause. If the contractor has reason to believe, with respect to itself or any employee, that any proposed consultant or other contractual arrangement with any firm or organization may involve a potential conflict of interest, the contractor shall obtain the written approval of the contracting officer before the execution of such contractual arrangement.

(2) The contractor may not represent, assist, or otherwise support an NRC licensee or applicant undergoing an NRC audit, inspection, or review where the activities that are the subject of the audit, inspection, or review are the same as or substantially similar to the services within the scope of this contract (or task order as appropriate) except where the NRC licensee or applicant requires the contractor's support to explain or defend the contractor's prior work for the utility or other entity which NRC questions.

(3) When the contractor performs work for the NRC under this contract at any NRC licensee or applicant site, the contractor shall neither solicit nor perform work in the same or similar technical area for that licensee or applicant organization for a period commencing with the award of the task order or beginning of work on the site (if not a task order contract) and ending one year after completion of all work under the associated task order, or last time at the site (if not a task order contract).

(4) When the contractor performs work for the NRC under this contract at any NRC licensee or applicant site,

(i) The contractor may not solicit work at that site for that licensee or applicant during the period of performance of the task order or the contract, as appropriate.

(ii) The contractor may not perform work at that site for that licensee or applicant during the period of performance of the task order or the contract, as appropriate, and for one year thereafter.

(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the contracting officer may authorize the contractor to solicit or perform this type of work (except work in the same or similar technical area) if the contracting officer determines that the situation will not pose a potential for technical bias or unfair competitive advantage.

(d) Disclosure after award.

(1) The contractor warrants that to the best of its knowledge and belief, and except as otherwise set forth in this contract, that it does not have any organizational conflicts of interest as defined in 48 CFR 2009.570-2.

(2) The contractor agrees that if, after award, it discovers organizational conflicts of interest with respect to this contract, it shall make an immediate and full disclosure in writing to the contracting officer. This statement must include a description of the action which the contractor has taken or proposes to take to avoid or mitigate such conflicts. The NRC may, however, terminate the contract if termination is in the best interest of the Government.

(3) It is recognized that the scope of work of a task-order-type contract necessarily encompasses a broad spectrum of activities. Consequently, if this is a task-order-type contract, the contractor agrees that it will disclose all proposed new work involving NRC licensees or applicants which comes within the scope of work of the underlying contract. Further, if this contract involves work at a licensee or applicant site, the contractor agrees to exercise diligence to discover and disclose any new work at that licensee or applicant site. This disclosure must be made before the submission of a bid or proposal to the utility or other regulated entity and must be received by the NRC at least 15 days before the proposed award date in any event, unless a written justification demonstrating urgency and due diligence to discover and disclose is provided by the contractor and approved by the contracting officer. The disclosure must include the statement of work, the dollar value of the proposed contract, and any other documents that are needed to fully describe the proposed work for the regulated utility or other regulated entity. NRC may deny approval of the disclosed work only when the NRC has issued a task order which includes the technical area and, if site-specific, the site, or has plans to issue a task order which includes the technical area and, if site-specific, the site, or when the work violates paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3) or (c)(4) of this section.

(e) Access to and use of information.

(1) If, in the performance of this contract, the contractor obtains access to information, such as NRC plans, policies, reports, studies, financial plans, internal data protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C.