RFI - Near Detector Complex Large Shaft Concept

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), operating under the Department of Energy, is seeking industry input through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding alternative design concepts for the Near Detector Complex (NDC) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) Project in Batavia, Illinois. The RFI solicits feedback on heavy civil engineering construction methodologies, specifically evaluating the feasibility of replacing the current two-shaft and underground cavern design with one or multiple larger shafts approximately 210 feet deep. Key objectives include obtaining input on schedule duration compared to the baseline 36-month design, cost impacts relative to the existing design, and specific construction methodologies prevalent in the Chicago underground construction market, particularly comparing slurry-shaft-diaphragm versus ring-beam-and-lagging permanent retention systems. The evaluation will focus on industry perspectives regarding the four design variants presented, each with different excavation profiles and cost-benefit implications. Responses are due by March 5, 2026, to Craig G. Schmitz at schmitzc@fnal.gov, with the RFI issued on February 18, 2026.

This RFI does not utilize a set-aside designation and is issued for information-gathering purposes only, with Fermilab currently managing the LBNF Project under Prime Contract Number 89243024CSC000002 with the Department of Energy. The four design variants under consideration include a single 83-foot diameter shaft providing approximately 10 percent overall excavation reduction, the same shaft shifted 300 feet upstream reducing rock excavation depth by 30 feet, two shafts in the original location increasing overall excavation by one-third, and the two-shaft configuration shifted upstream with equivalent rock excavation reductions. The project involves approximately 80 feet of soil excavation and 130 feet of rock excavation, with responses requested to address cost savings potential of approximately 5 percent relative to the baseline design. No award value or budget range is specified in this RFI, as participation is voluntary and does not commit the Government to pay any costs associated with response preparation or to award any contract based on this information-gathering exercise.