RFI U-10Mo Fuel Fabrication

The Department of Energy, acting through the National Nuclear Security Administration and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, is soliciting letters of interest for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) U-10Mo monolithic fuel fabrication for U.S. research and test reactors, with responses due December 21, 2026. No set-aside is anticipated.

Respondents may pursue one of three service models: supplying only alloyed U-10Mo metal, providing only fuel plate and assembly fabrication, or supplying both alloy and fabrication services within the same facility (NNSA's preferred option). The anticipated market encompasses approximately 10,000 fuel plates and 200 fuel assemblies annually, consuming 3,000 to 3,500 kilograms of HALEU metal annually, with estimated total annual market value of $100 million to $175 million (uranium metal costs approximately $60 million annually; raw material costs around $12 million annually).

Facilities must meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission Category II Special Nuclear Material or Department of Energy Hazard Category III requirements and comply with NQA-1 quality assurance standards. Manufacturing encompasses vacuum induction melting, hot co-roll bonding of zirconium cladding, and hot isostatic pressing consolidation. Key equipment includes a vacuum induction melting furnace, a hot isostatic pressing unit with 30–36 inches diameter by 8 feet long working volume, hot roll mills, and electron beam welders. Equipment lead times range from 12 months for standard equipment to 36 months for custom specialized equipment. The facility is anticipated to require approximately 45 full-time employees at equilibrium.

U.S. businesses are preferred; foreign-owned entities must address Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence concerns and export control compliance. Teaming among multiple companies is acceptable. Letters of interest must not exceed 20 pages and address organizational capabilities, nuclear material handling experience, facility readiness, quality assurance programs, and rough order of magnitude cost estimates. Two rounds of clarifying questions are scheduled: first round responses due October 12, 2026, and second round responses due November 19, 2026.