Request for Application: NRIC Nuclear Energy Launch Pad
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- INL-NRICRFA01
- Agency
-
Department of Energy
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 221113 Nuclear Electric Power Generation
- PSC
- 4470 Nuclear Reactors
- Place of performance
- Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Department of Energy, through the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) at Idaho National Laboratory, is conducting a Request for Application (RFA) for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative, with applications accepted continuously and initially anticipated selections by August 19, 2026. No set-aside restrictions apply. The program promotes rapid development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies—including nuclear reactors, fuel fabrication, fuel cycle facilities, and supporting infrastructure—for research, development, and demonstration under DOE authorization rather than NRC licensing. Two deployment pathways are available: Launch Pad INL, offering approximately 2,000 acres of dedicated land near INL's Central Facilities Area with access to utilities and specialized expertise, and Launch Pad U.S.A., enabling deployment on other DOE or non-Federal sites with remote technical support. Applicants must meet five key thresholds: sufficiently mature design, established nuclear material plans with disposition pathways, adequate financial resources, execution readiness, and developed commercialization plans. Applications are limited to 50 pages plus attachments and are scored on a 100-point rubric across 15 categories, with a zero score in any category resulting in disqualification. Selected participants will execute Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance and typically Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements with DOE. All development costs remain the applicant's responsibility; DOE provides no funding or in-kind contributions. Applicants must maintain active SAM.gov registration and meet U.S. citizenship or domestic majority ownership requirements. Questions may be directed to NRIC@inl.gov. An Industry Day was held May 19, 2026 (recording available); the most recent RFA manual update (GDE-55179-Rev 2) is dated October 19, 2026.
Notice text
6 versions
Update #6 · Latest ·
NATIONAL REACTOR INNOVATION CENTER NUCLEAR ENERGY LAUNCH PAD - IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY
Request for Application (RFA)
RFA Issue Date:
April 29, 2026
Application Submissions:
The RFA is open continuously after the initial selection period described in the RFA attachment. New applications will be reviewed periodically for future recommendations to the Department of Energy. Additional selections will be made on a rolling basis, pursuant to the Department of Energy’s direction and resource capabilities.
All questions should be directed to: NRIC@inl.gov and will be answered as expeditiously as possible.
Applicants should provide a one-week minimum advanced notice to the points of contact found within the RFA and a secure link will be sent to the Applicants for their document submission. Applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed periodically.
- Upon completion of your submittal at the provided secure link, notify the POC found in the RFA.
- To protection sensitive information please do not email personally identifiable information (PII) or business sensitive information (BSI).
- All documents should be submitted in PDF form. Native files are optional.
Additional Information may be found at NRIC.INL.gov:
- Previously answered FAQs
- Industry Day: May 19, 2026 recording
- Fact Sheets for other National Laboratories supporting Launch Pad
- Contacts for University Subject Matter Experts supporting Launch Pad
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION DETAILS:
SEE REQUEST FOR APPLICATION PDF FILE IN ATTACHMENTS BELOW FOR FULL APPLICATION DOCUMENT
GDE-55179-REV2 IS LOCATED IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION BELOW - (UPDATED OCTOBER 19, 2026)
RFA SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) are establishing the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, an NRIC initiative aimed at promoting the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of a variety of advanced nuclear technologies. The NRIC Launch Pad initiative builds upon DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs' success, creating an ecosystem to expedite advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and non-federal lands, through two distinct pathways, Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A).
DOE established the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025, in response to Executive Order 14301, to leverage DOE authorization with the goal of achieving criticality in three reactors by July 4, 2026. Additionally, in August 2025, DOE established the Fuel Line Pilot Program, to support the Reactor Pilot Program and leverage DOE authorization to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.
Given DOE’s Pilot Programs' mission success, DOE plans to extend these opportunities using the NRIC Launch Pad. Launch Pad will build on and enhance the DOE's Pilot Programs by creating a physical space and framework to allow continued nuclear innovation. As with the Pilot Program projects, Launch Pad will unlock private capital and enable fast tracking towards commercial licensing.
Types of nuclear facilities envisioned for the Launch Pad initiative include, but are not limited to, nuclear reactors, fuel fabrication, other fuel cycle facilities (i.e., fuel recycling, enrichment, conversion/deconversion facilities), and other supporting facilities.
GDE-55179-REV2 SUMMARY
This document explains the process for applying to the National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Request for Applications (RFA) and outlines the criteria used to evaluate and select applications. NRIC will administer this process on behalf of and in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Nuclear Energy Launch Pad has two pathways via Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) “Launch Pad INL” or Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A.) “Launch Pad U.S.A.” The RFA is meant to be a stand-alone document, however, this guide supplements the information contained in the RFA.
Update #5 ·
NATIONAL REACTOR INNOVATION CENTER NUCLEAR ENERGY LAUNCH PAD - IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY
Request for Application (RFA)
RFA Issue Date:
April 29, 2026
Application Submissions:
The RFA is open continuously after the initial selection period described in the RFA attachment. New applications will be reviewed periodically for future recommendations to the Department of Energy. Additional selections will be made on a rolling basis, pursuant to the Department of Energy’s direction and resource capabilities.
All questions should be directed to: NRIC@inl.gov and will be answered as expeditiously as possible.
Applicants should provide a one-week minimum advanced notice to the points of contact found within the RFA and a secure link will be sent to the Applicants for their document submission. Applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed periodically.
- Upon completion of your submittal at the provided secure link, notify the POC found in the RFA.
- To protection sensitive information please do not email personally identifiable information (PII) or business sensitive information (BSI).
- All documents should be submitted in PDF form. Native files are optional.
Additional Information may be found at NRIC.INL.gov:
- Previously answered FAQs
- Industry Day: May 19, 2026 recording
- Fact Sheets for other National Laboratories supporting Launch Pad
- Contacts for University Subject Matter Experts supporting Launch Pad
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION DETAILS:
SEE REQUEST FOR APPLICATION PDF FILE IN ATTACHMENTS BELOW FOR FULL APPLICATION DOCUMENT
GDE-55179-REV1 IS LOCATED IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION BELOW - (UPDATED MAY 21, 2026)
RFA SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) are establishing the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, an NRIC initiative aimed at promoting the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of a variety of advanced nuclear technologies. The NRIC Launch Pad initiative builds upon DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs' success, creating an ecosystem to expedite advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and non-federal lands, through two distinct pathways, Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A).
DOE established the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025, in response to Executive Order 14301, to leverage DOE authorization with the goal of achieving criticality in three reactors by July 4, 2026. Additionally, in August 2025, DOE established the Fuel Line Pilot Program, to support the Reactor Pilot Program and leverage DOE authorization to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.
Given DOE’s Pilot Programs' mission success, DOE plans to extend these opportunities using the NRIC Launch Pad. Launch Pad will build on and enhance the DOE's Pilot Programs by creating a physical space and framework to allow continued nuclear innovation. As with the Pilot Program projects, Launch Pad will unlock private capital and enable fast tracking towards commercial licensing.
Types of nuclear facilities envisioned for the Launch Pad initiative include, but are not limited to, nuclear reactors, fuel fabrication, other fuel cycle facilities (i.e., fuel recycling, enrichment, conversion/deconversion facilities), and other supporting facilities.
GDE-55179-REV1 SUMMARY
This document explains the process for applying to the National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Request for Applications (RFA) and outlines the criteria used to evaluate and select applications. NRIC will administer this process on behalf of and in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Nuclear Energy Launch Pad has two pathways via Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) “Launch Pad INL” or Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A.) “Launch Pad U.S.A.” The RFA is meant to be a stand-alone document, however, this guide supplements the information contained in the RFA.
Update #4 ·
NATIONAL REACTOR INNOVATION CENTER NUCLEAR ENERGY LAUNCH PAD - IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY
Request for Application (RFA)
RFA Issue Date:
April 29, 2026
Special Note: After initial applications, the RFA will remain open continuously and applications will be reviewed periodically for future selections. Time for future reviews and selections will be determined.
Initial Submission Deadline for Questions:
Potential applicants must submit RFA questions by June 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT. NRIC will answer all questions received by that date and may answer questions submitted after that date at its discretion. All questions should be directed to: NRIC@inl.gov.
Application Submissions:
Applicants should provide a one-week minimum advanced notice to the points of contact found within the RFA and a secure link will be sent to the Applicants for their document submission. Applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed periodically.
- Upon completion of your submittal at the provided secure link, notify the POC found in the RFA.
- To protection sensitive information please do not email personally identifiable information (PII) or business sensitive information (BSI).
- All documents should be submitted in PDF form. Native files are optional.
Anticipated Selections:
NRIC anticipates announcing initial selections of participants by August 19, 2026, but the selection timeline will be dependent upon the number of applications received. Further selections will be made on a rolling basis.
Additional Information may be found at NRIC.INL.gov:
- Previously answered FAQs
- Industry Day: May 19, 2026 recording
- Fact Sheets for other National Laboratories supporting Launch Pad
- Contacts for University Subject Matter Experts supporting Launch Pad
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION DETAILS:
SEE REQUEST FOR APPLICATION PDF FILE IN ATTACHMENTS BELOW FOR FULL APPLICATION DOCUMENT
GDE-55179-REV1 IS LOCATED IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION BELOW - (UPDATED MAY 21, 2026)
RFA SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) are establishing the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, an NRIC initiative aimed at promoting the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of a variety of advanced nuclear technologies. The NRIC Launch Pad initiative builds upon DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs' success, creating an ecosystem to expedite advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and non-federal lands, through two distinct pathways, Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A).
DOE established the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025, in response to Executive Order 14301, to leverage DOE authorization with the goal of achieving criticality in three reactors by July 4, 2026. Additionally, in August 2025, DOE established the Fuel Line Pilot Program, to support the Reactor Pilot Program and leverage DOE authorization to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.
Given DOE’s Pilot Programs' mission success, DOE plans to extend these opportunities using the NRIC Launch Pad. Launch Pad will build on and enhance the DOE's Pilot Programs by creating a physical space and framework to allow continued nuclear innovation. As with the Pilot Program projects, Launch Pad will unlock private capital and enable fast tracking towards commercial licensing.
Types of nuclear facilities envisioned for the Launch Pad initiative include, but are not limited to, nuclear reactors, fuel fabrication, other fuel cycle facilities (i.e., fuel recycling, enrichment, conversion/deconversion facilities), and other supporting facilities.
GDE-55179-REV1 SUMMARY
This document explains the process for applying to the National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Request for Applications (RFA) and outlines the criteria used to evaluate and select applications. NRIC will administer this process on behalf of and in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Nuclear Energy Launch Pad has two pathways via Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) “Launch Pad INL” or Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A.) “Launch Pad U.S.A.” The RFA is meant to be a stand-alone document, however, this guide supplements the information contained in the RFA.
Update #3 ·
NATIONAL REACTOR INNOVATION CENTER NUCLEAR ENERGY LAUNCH PAD - IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY
Request for Application (RFA)
RFA Issue Date:
April 29, 2026
Initial Submission Deadline for Questions:
Potential applicants must submit RFA questions by June 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT. NRIC will answer all questions received by that date and may answer questions submitted after that date at its discretion. All questions should be directed to: NRIC@inl.gov
Industry Day:
May 19, 2026, virtual attendance only. Refer to the NRIC website for Industry Day details and registration requirements. See link provided in the Links section below.
Initial Submission Deadline for Applications:
Applications must be submitted by July 08, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT to be considered for the first selection round. After this date, applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed periodically for selection as soon as reasonably possible.
Initial Anticipated Selections:
NRIC anticipates announcing initial selections of participants by August 19, 2026, but will be dependent upon the number of applications received. NRIC may announce further selections of participants on a rolling basis after that date.
Special Note: After initial applications the RFA will remain open continuously and applications will be reviewed periodically for future selections. Time for future reviews and selections will be determined.
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION DETAILS:
SEE REQUEST FOR APPLICATION PDF FILE IN ATTACHMENTS BELOW FOR FULL APPLICATION DOCUMENT
GDE-55179-REV1 IS LOCATED IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION BELOW - (UPDATED MAY 21, 2026)
RFA SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) are establishing the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, an NRIC initiative aimed at promoting the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of a variety of advanced nuclear technologies. The NRIC Launch Pad initiative builds upon DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs' success, creating an ecosystem to expedite advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and non-federal lands, through two distinct pathways, Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A).
DOE established the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025, in response to Executive Order 14301, to leverage DOE authorization with the goal of achieving criticality in three reactors by July 4, 2026. Additionally, in August 2025, DOE established the Fuel Line Pilot Program, to support the Reactor Pilot Program and leverage DOE authorization to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.
Given DOE’s Pilot Programs' mission success, DOE plans to extend these opportunities using the NRIC Launch Pad. Launch Pad will build on and enhance the DOE's Pilot Programs by creating a physical space and framework to allow continued nuclear innovation. As with the Pilot Program projects, Launch Pad will unlock private capital and enable fast tracking towards commercial licensing.
Types of nuclear facilities envisioned for the Launch Pad initiative include, but are not limited to, nuclear reactors, fuel fabrication, other fuel cycle facilities (i.e., fuel recycling, enrichment, conversion/deconversion facilities), and other supporting facilities.
GDE-55179-REV1 SUMMARY
This document explains the process for applying to the National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Request for Applications (RFA) and outlines the criteria used to evaluate and select applications. NRIC will administer this process on behalf of and in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Nuclear Energy Launch Pad has two pathways via Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) “Launch Pad INL” or Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A.) “Launch Pad U.S.A.” The RFA is meant to be a stand-alone document, however, this guide supplements the information contained in the RFA.
Update #2 ·
NATIONAL REACTOR INNOVATION CENTER NUCLEAR ENERGY LAUNCH PAD - IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY
Request for Application (RFA)
RFA Issue Date:
April 29, 2026
Initial Submission Deadline for Questions:
Potential applicants must submit RFA questions by June 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT. NRIC will answer all questions received by that date and may answer questions submitted after that date at its discretion. All questions should be directed to: NRIC@inl.gov
Industry Day:
May 19, 2026, virtual attendance only. Refer to the NRIC website for Industry Day details and registration requirements. See link provided in the Links section below.
Initial Submission Deadline for Applications:
Applications must be submitted by July 08, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT to be considered for the first selection round. After this date, applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed periodically for selection as soon as reasonably possible.
Initial Anticipated Selections:
NRIC anticipates announcing initial selections of participants by August 19, 2026, but will be dependent upon the number of applications received. NRIC may announce further selections of participants on a rolling basis after that date.
Special Note: After initial applications the RFA will remain open continuously and applications will be reviewed periodically for future selections. Time for future reviews and selections will be determined.
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION DETAILS:
SEE REQUEST FOR APPLICATION PDF FILE IN ATTACHMENTS BELOW FOR FULL APPLICATION DOCUMENT
GDE-55179 iS LOCATED IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION BELOW
RFA SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) are establishing the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, an NRIC initiative aimed at promoting the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of a variety of advanced nuclear technologies. The NRIC Launch Pad initiative builds upon DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs' success, creating an ecosystem to expedite advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and non-federal lands, through two distinct pathways, Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A).
DOE established the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025, in response to Executive Order 14301, to leverage DOE authorization with the goal of achieving criticality in three reactors by July 4, 2026. Additionally, in August 2025, DOE established the Fuel Line Pilot Program, to support the Reactor Pilot Program and leverage DOE authorization to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.
Given DOE’s Pilot Programs' mission success, DOE plans to extend these opportunities using the NRIC Launch Pad. Launch Pad will build on and enhance the DOE's Pilot Programs by creating a physical space and framework to allow continued nuclear innovation. As with the Pilot Program projects, Launch Pad will unlock private capital and enable fast tracking towards commercial licensing.
Types of nuclear facilities envisioned for the Launch Pad initiative include, but are not limited to, nuclear reactors, fuel fabrication, other fuel cycle facilities (i.e., fuel recycling, enrichment, conversion/deconversion facilities), and other supporting facilities.
GDE-55179 SUMMARY
This document explains the process for applying to the National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Request for Applications (RFA) and outlines the criteria used to evaluate and select applications. NRIC will administer this process on behalf of and in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Nuclear Energy Launch Pad has two pathways via Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) “Launch Pad INL” or Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A.) “Launch Pad U.S.A.” The RFA is meant to be a stand-alone document, however, this guide supplements the information contained in the RFA.
Update #1 ·
NATIONAL REACTOR INNOVATION CENTER NUCLEAR ENERGY LAUNCH PAD - IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY
Request for Application (RFA)
RFA Issue Date:
April 29, 2026
Initial Submission Deadline for Questions:
Potential applicants must submit RFA questions by June 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT. NRIC will answer all questions received by that date and may answer questions submitted after that date at its discretion. All questions should be directed to: NRIC@inl.gov
Industry Day:
May 19, 2026, virtual attendance only. Refer to the NRIC website for Industry Day details and registration requirements. See link provided in the Links section below.
Initial Submission Deadline for Applications:
Applications must be submitted by July 08, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT to be considered for the first selection round. After this date, applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed periodically for selection as soon as reasonably possible.
Initial Anticipated Selections:
NRIC anticipates announcing initial selections of participants by August 19, 2026, but will be dependent upon the number of applications received. NRIC may announce further selections of participants on a rolling basis after that date.
Special Note: After initial applications the RFA will remain open continuously and applications will be reviewed periodically for future selections. Time for future reviews and selections will be determined.
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION DETAILS:
SEE REQUEST FOR APPLICATION PDF FILE IN ATTACHMENTS BELOW FOR FULL APPLICATION DOCUMENT
**GDE-55179 TO BE RELEASED SOON**
RFA SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) are establishing the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, an NRIC initiative aimed at promoting the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of a variety of advanced nuclear technologies. The NRIC Launch Pad initiative builds upon DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs' success, creating an ecosystem to expedite advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and non-federal lands, through two distinct pathways, Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A).
DOE established the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025, in response to Executive Order 14301, to leverage DOE authorization with the goal of achieving criticality in three reactors by July 4, 2026. Additionally, in August 2025, DOE established the Fuel Line Pilot Program, to support the Reactor Pilot Program and leverage DOE authorization to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.
Given DOE’s Pilot Programs' mission success, DOE plans to extend these opportunities using the NRIC Launch Pad. Launch Pad will build on and enhance the DOE's Pilot Programs by creating a physical space and framework to allow continued nuclear innovation. As with the Pilot Program projects, Launch Pad will unlock private capital and enable fast tracking towards commercial licensing.
Types of nuclear facilities envisioned for the Launch Pad initiative include, but are not limited to, nuclear reactors, fuel fabrication, other fuel cycle facilities (i.e., fuel recycling, enrichment, conversion/deconversion facilities), and other supporting facilities.
GDE-55179 SUMMARY
This document explains the process for applying to the National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Request for Applications (RFA) and outlines the criteria used to evaluate and select applications. NRIC will administer this process on behalf of and in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Nuclear Energy Launch Pad has two pathways via Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) “Launch Pad INL” or Launch Pad United States of America (U.S.A.) “Launch Pad U.S.A.” The RFA is meant to be a stand-alone document, however, this guide supplements the information contained in the RFA.
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