Graphite Rotary Furnace for Kernal Fabrication

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Department of Energy facility, is procuring the design, manufacturing, delivery, and installation of a high-temperature graphite rotary furnace for nuclear fuel kernel fabrication in support of the Advanced Fuel Fabrication Group's research and development activities. The furnace must meet comprehensive technical specifications including a maximum operating temperature of at least 2000°C, controlled ramp rates between 1-30°C per minute, vacuum capability to 1E-3 mbar, rotation rates from 0.5 to 15 RPM, and accommodation of multiple process gas inputs (Argon, Nitrogen, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen) at 10 SLPM each. The contractor must be NRTL-certified, demonstrate past performance with similar high-temperature furnace designs, provide Quality Assurance documentation, and be registered as an ORNL supplier. Evaluation will emphasize technical approach (weighted most heavily), management approach, past performance, compliance with specifications, quality capabilities, and comprehensive support planning for shipping, installation, and maintenance. The original proposal deadline was March 30, 2026, but Amendment No. 2, issued on March 25, 2026, extended the submission deadline to 5:00 PM EST on Monday, April 13, 2026, with proposals remaining valid for 120 calendar days following submission.

This solicitation employs no set-aside designation and is anticipated to be a Firm Fixed Price subcontract with an indefinite period of performance. No incumbent contractor or current award value has been identified in the solicitation materials. The project involves batch processing with a goal of 500 grams or more per batch, processing fuel kernel microspheres ranging from 0.6 to 5.0 millimeters that shrink by factors of 1.5 to 4 times during conversion, with final products having bulk densities between 1.5 and 14.5 g/cc. The furnace must not exceed 80 kVA at 460V, 3-phase, 60 Hz power requirements, feature an outer shell temperature not exceeding 60°C, and include a crucible with internal dimensions of at least 3 inches diameter and 17 inches length with full accessibility for loading and unloading. The place of performance is Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, with the procurement officer being Genna Pence at (865) 341-4644 or pencegl@ornl.gov.