Commercial AI & energy generation infrastructure program request for offer

The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Request for Offer (RFO) on November 4, 2025, soliciting proposals from private entities interested in entering into a long-term lease for real property at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) cleanup site in Western Kentucky. This Special Notice represents a significant opportunity for commercial development of approximately 785 acres of DOE-owned land. The RFO seeks partners to design, finance, construct, and operate comprehensive AI data center and energy generation infrastructure projects. DOE held an Industry Day on December 18, 2025, to provide detailed information about the opportunity and the site's capabilities. The submission deadline for offers is January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST. This initiative aligns with the Commercial AI & Energy Generation Infrastructure Program and reflects DOE's strategic focus on advancing domestic technology deployment and energy infrastructure.

Eligible offerors must be U.S. entities with domestic ownership and must register on SAM.gov and FedConnect prior to submission. All proposals require disclosure of foreign connections and are subject to mandatory national security vetting by DOE's Office of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security, with DOE reserving the right to deny leases based on national security interests. Proposals must address comprehensive project lifecycle elements including technical specifications, financial capabilities, regulatory compliance, and community impact considerations, with technical volumes limited to 50 pages. DOE will evaluate submissions based on four equally weighted criteria: likelihood of project success, experience and capabilities, budget and financing, and regulatory compliance and siting. The site offers substantial existing infrastructure including a 161kV electrical grid with potential for over 500 megawatts of electricity, water treatment facilities capable of withdrawing 30 million gallons daily from the Ohio River, and a skilled workforce of approximately 1,400 employees. DOE intends to select one or more applicants for lease agreements and will not provide direct funding, though reimbursable site services may be available.