RFI: Area Radiation Monitor Procurement for APS

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) facility at Argonne National Laboratory, operated by UChicago Argonne, LLC under the Department of Energy Office of Science, is seeking vendor information for the procurement of a complete Area Radiation Monitor (ARM) system to replace approximately 50 existing units nearing end-of-life. The RFI solicitation (6-S176-I--05497-00) requires vendors to provide systems capable of detecting both neutron radiation (thermal to 1 GeV) and photon radiation (100 keV to 100 MeV) with pulsed detection capability in the nanosecond to microsecond range. Key technical requirements include NEMA 12/IP54 rated enclosures, operation on 120 VAC 60 Hz power, Ethernet communication with native EPICS driver support, local dual displays for dose rates, and dual isolated relay outputs for alarms. Evaluation criteria emphasize compliance matrices demonstrating technical specifications, realistic project timelines and production capacity information, support model details including warranty and calibration procedures, and rough order of magnitude budgetary estimates for per-unit costs, non-recurring engineering, annual support and maintenance, training, and shipping/commissioning. The RFI response deadline is March 3, 2026 (with an addendum issued February 25, 2026 clarifying technical specifications), with responses submitted to Molly Hunter at mollyhunter@anl.gov, and an anticipated RFP release in Q2 2026 with contract award expected in Q4 2026.

This procurement carries no set-aside designations. ANL's preliminary delivery plan involves an initial 10-unit delivery in October 2027, followed by a multi-year rollout of the remaining approximately 40 units, providing vendors insight into the staged acquisition approach. While specific budget figures are not disclosed in the pre-solicitation notice, vendors are required to submit rough order of magnitude estimates for per-unit costs and associated support activities to inform ANL's planning process. Each ARM unit must not exceed dimensions of 11 inches wide by 16 inches high by 8 inches deep, weigh less than 30 pounds per detector, and include mechanical, electrical, and operational components such as local audio indicators, light stacks, test buttons, and interlock interfaces. No incumbent contractor is identified in the RFI materials, indicating this represents a full and open competition for vendors capable of designing, manufacturing, and providing long-term support for the ARM system.