NRIC ARIES Software Development

INTRODUCTION

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), the Management and Operating Contractor of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) owned Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is seeking an Expression of Interest (EOI) from qualified software development vendors capable of providing backend software engineering, integration, and documentation support for the National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) ARIES nuclear design and safety-basis platform. ARIES is a prototype-first digital platform supporting advanced reactor demonstration projects by translating DOE licensing and safety guidance into a structured, navigable, multi-module software system.

BACKGROUND

INL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory dedicated to nuclear energy, national security, and clean energy innovation. NRIC’s ARIES platform supports reactor developers, analysts, and reviewers by offering guided, data-structured design and regulatory pathways within a modern technical workflow. The current prototype is built in FastAPI, SQLAlchemy 2.0, and PostgreSQL. Backend architecture decisions for continued development remain open depending on vendor expertise and suitability. The engagement is planned from 09/01/2026 through 02/27/2027, with potential future taskings dependent on program needs.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work may occur at the subcontractor’s remote facility with coordination on Mountain Daylight Time. Responding vendors must demonstrate capability in backend system design, REST API development, structured data modeling, and technical integration. The scope includes:

• Design and build of backend data layers across multiple ARIES modules (Design, Safety, Review).
• Schema design, typed ORM data-access layers, and cross-module migrations.
• Development and documentation of REST API endpoints supporting CRUD workflows (authorization pathway tracking, deliverable roadmaps, stakeholder/role features).
• Integration adapters for external systems of record, including DOORS and Windchill, ensuring single-source-of-truth alignment rather than data duplication.
• Support for prototype-driven, incremental, parallelized development with rapid iteration cycles.
• Delivery of engineering documentation, testing approaches, and technical integration records.

PROCESS

This EOI is the first step in identifying interested and qualified vendors for future solicitation. Responses may be used to inform the development of a formal solicitation list. Selected vendors may be invited to participate in a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for award consideration.

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested vendors should submit an Expression of Interest including the following:

• Company name and point of contact.
• Capabilities statement describing backend engineering competencies and prototype development experience.
• Company profile including legal entity name, operating locations, and organizational structure.
• Relevant experience with backend frameworks, REST API development, enterprise integrations, and regulated-environment software.
• Relevant experience with IBM DOORS Next and PTC Windchill, requirements traceability, system of record integration, and data provenance
• Proposed team members with roles, qualifications, and relevant certifications.
• Technical approach including backend architecture, schema strategy, API design methods, and integration approach.
• Timeline aligning with the 09/01/2026–02/27/2027 period. Please outline start date availability.
• Budget estimate including labor categories, rates, and total estimated cost.
• NAICS Codes

Deadline for submission:  August 31, 2026
Submit to: Chase.Egbert@inl.gov

Only select respondents, as determined by BEA, will receive an invitation to participate in the anticipated RFP solicitation.

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

Because information received in response to this EOI may be business sensitive or proprietary to the responding party, respondents must mark information in their responses accordingly.