Request for Information - AC100 Deployment Demonstration for Unobligated LEU Enrichment

The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the AC100 Deployment Demonstration for Domestic Uranium Enrichment. This market research initiative seeks to explore potential contractors' capabilities for establishing a new domestic uranium enrichment program. The RFI focuses on deploying one to two 120-machine AC100 cascades at the American Centrifuge Plant facilities in Piketon, Ohio. This effort is designed to address the future needs of NNSA's defense missions, as current supplies of unobligated low-enriched uranium (LEU) for tritium production will only be sufficient through the early 2040s. The project is structured as a three-phase demonstration to develop and implement advanced uranium enrichment technology.

Contractors interested in this opportunity must submit capability statements by February 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST to kyle.krzywicki@nnsa.doe.gov, with submissions limited to 15 pages. The ideal contractor will demonstrate extensive experience in nuclear material projects, project management, manufacturing of nuclear equipment, and uranium enrichment processes. The project's initial phase will span approximately three years, focusing on developing project execution plans, designing LEU cascade systems, and producing 16-24 initial AC100 machines. Participants must be prepared to work with NAICS code 325180 (Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing) and meet the small business size standard of 1,000 employees. Critical requirements include producing LEU UF6 up to 4.95% U-235, operating at the specified facility, and ensuring all equipment is unobligated. Contractors must also possess a facility clearance and have personnel with DOE/NNSA "Q" clearances. The government intends to use firm-fixed price contracting, with the understanding that Phase 1 completion does not guarantee award of subsequent project phases.