Additional Capacity Vacuum Arc Remelt (VAR) Furnace for Y-12 National Security Complex (NSC), Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Project: Additional Capacity Vacuum Arc Remelt (VAR) Furnace for Y-12 National Security Complex (NSC), Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Introduction: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, (CNS) is seeking interested parties to deliver a VAR furnace capable of alloying high purity depleted uranium (DU). Interested parties are encouraged to reply to the expression of interest, if able to provide all services listed below.

CNS will use the information obtained from this Expression of Interest (EOI) to structure a Request for Proposal (RFP).

This procurement will be under NAICS Code 333994 - Industrial Process Furnace and Oven Manufacturing.

Background: The Y-12 National Security Complex is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It is a Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) national security complex managed and operated by CNS where depleted uranium operations are performed.

General Scope Description for VAR Furnace: For this scope of supply, the VAR Supplier will comply with the technical equipment specifications and commercial documents to ensure the VAR will, at a minimum, meet the following functional and operational performance requirements.
• The VAR ram will hold a 1,400-pound electrode up to 84 inches long
• The VAR will remelt DU-niobium electrodes and complete a melting cycle within three hours
• The VAR will have at least two melt stations and produce DU alloy in varying diameters up to 10 inches
• The VAR vacuum chamber will reach 10 millitorr vacuum
• The VAR will maintain a leak rate less than 25 millitorr per minute
• The VAR will utilize programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for process control and will automatically turn off power to the ram at the end of each melt cycle
• The VAR will have an automatic run data acquisition system and will allow for sustained process monitoring in the event of a power loss
• The VAR will flood the melt chamber with argon in the event of a containment breach or loss of vacuum and will have indicators of high amperage that are separate from the control system
• The VAR will be compatible with copper crucibles and use the “Y-12 hanger” design for gripping electrodes
• The VAR will pass a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) before being approved to ship to CNS. VAR technical support and resources may be required in Oak Ridge, TN.

The VAR will comply with all CNS specified codes and standards for design, safety, welding and fire protection, including, but not limited to, the latest edition of the following.
• NFPA 70, National Electric Code
• NFPA 484, Standard for Combustible Metals
• NFPA 86, Standard for Ovens and Furnaces
• FM Data Sheet 7-85, Combustible and Reactive Metals
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards

Submittals will demonstrate that the VAR design and fabrication comply with applicable codes and standards prior to purchase of materials, equipment, fabrication, welding, factory acceptance testing, and shipment (submittal timing will depend upon the requirements of the supplier and CNS).

Submittals will be reviewed, commented as necessary, and coded by CNS, typically requiring a two-week cycle to complete the review process.

Based on bid responses, one Supplier will be selected to complete design, fabrication, and testing of the VAR.

Selection Strategy: Technically Acceptable / Low Price

Contract Type: Fixed Price

Forecast Procurement Dates:
• RFP Issued for bid: May 2025
• Proposals due: July 2025
• Award contract: October 2025

If you are interested in participating, provide your company’s general qualifications, related experience, proposed furnace data and your envisioned role by September 30, 2024 COB to David Mosby, david.mosby@y12nsc.doe.gov and Thomas Nielander, thomas.nielander@y12nsc.doe.gov.