Presolicitation Notice Graphite Waste 31310024R0086.pdf

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing a pre-solicitation notice for a requirement titled, “Technical Support for Graphite Waste.”

BACKGROUND

The worldwide inventory of irradiated nuclear graphite has been estimated at approximately 250,000 tons. Graphite is used in several Generation IV advanced reactor designs as a structural material as well as a moderator and reflector. Additionally, for some designs, matrix graphite is utilized to encapsulate the nuclear fuel. The application of graphite in these advanced reactor concepts has the potential to significantly increase the amount of irradiated graphite waste which is generated in the coming decades.

Neutron irradiation of graphite can convert carbon-13 atoms and nitrogen impurities in graphite into radioactive carbon-14. Additionally, tritium and other fission products can also become incorporated into the graphite. The classification of the graphite waste and the resulting disposal requirements are based upon the concentration of carbon-14 and other radioisotopes in the waste. Rules on waste classification can be found in 10 CFR Part 61, and standards for protection against irradiation are in 10 CFR Part 20. NRC staff is interested in developing a technical basis associated with the impact of graphite waste management, including storage and transportation, in the context of NMSS' regulatory framework. Various potential strategies for graphite waste management exist, including geologic site storage in solid form as well as conversion to carbon dioxide gas followed by sequestration and/or limited release into the atmosphere.

The current supply of graphite waste combined with the potential for a substantial increase, as well as changes expected in future graphite waste, pose logistic and regulatory questions which need to be explored.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this requirement is to perform research activities to support the NRC's Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS) in the licensing and certif ication activities related to graphite waste management, including both transportation and storage of graphite waste. The research activities are important to (1) assist NMSS in understanding the state-of-knowledge on technical and regulatory considerations to support pre-application engagements and near-term licensing/certification actions, (2) support NRC's knowledge management efforts intended to drive efficient and effective safety reviews, (3) ensure NMSS readiness to review near-term licensing/certification actions; and (4) provide clarity regarding the need to adapt the current regulatory framework to make licensing activities more effective and efficient; for example, the need to develop regulatory guidance and staff review plans.

This requirement has three tasks to be performed:

1) Survey of Graphite Waste - The contractor shall survey the state of knowledge of graphite waste. The review must address multiple aspects of graphite waste management including safety considerations, dependence on reactor design, waste management strategies, and any other regulatory considerations.

2) Survey of Graphite Waste Regulations - The contractor shall perform a survey of regulations relevant to graphite waste.

3) Technical Support (Optional Task) – If exercised, the contractor shall provide, on an as-needed basis, technical assistance and recommendations related to graphite waste. This could be in the form of providing the NRC with a technical seminar or addressing specific additional considerations identif ied by the NRC COR.

The primary deliverables are public/non-proprietary Technical Letter Reports (TLRs). The public/non-proprietary deliverables will further serve to inform vendors and potential applicants on NRC's understanding of such technical issues and information gaps.

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

Personnel working under this requirement shall have the following combined experience and education:

• at a minimum a bachelor’s degree in engineering/science or equivalent experience and

• at least 15 years of related experience (combined of all staff) with graphite and nuclear waste. At least one staff member shall have at minimum 5 years of related experience.

• detailed knowledge of strategies for management of nuclear graphite waste as well as

NRC and international regulations on graphite waste management.

The anticipated period of performance is 12 months from date of award.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the services required is 541620 - Environmental Consulting Services.

The Government intends to issue Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 31310024R0086 which will be posted on, or about, the week of June 27, 2024, as full and open competition under FAR Part 13. Closing date for receipt of proposals will be on, or about, 30 days thereafter.

RFP no. 31310024R0086 will be distributed solely through the SAM.gov website, https://sam.gov/content/home and FedConnect.net.

All future information about this acquisition, including solicitation, and amendments will also be distributed solely through the SAM.gov website and FedConnect.net. Hard copies of the solicitation document and its related documents, as appropriate, will not be available. Because this RFP will be posted on this website, interested parties are instructed NOT to call, send letters, e-mails or faxes requesting the RFP. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the SAM.gov website to assure that they have the most up-to-date information about this acquisition. The Government will not reimburse interested parties for any cost associated with responding to this business opportunity.

https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/PublicPages/PublicSearch/Public_Opportunities.aspx

Offerors must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) database to receive a government contract award. In accordance with FAR 4.1102, offerors are required to be registered in SAM.GOV at the time an offer or quotation is submitted to comply with the annual representations and certif ications requirements. The NAICS code applicable (541620 listed above) to this acquisition must be in offeror's SAM registration.

Note: Update SAM profile to include all applicable NAICS Codes associated with your company.

Offerors may register for SAM online at www.sam.gov or by calling 1-866-606-8220.

http://www.sam.gov/