X-Ray Transmission Sorter

UChicago Argonne, LLC, operator of Argonne National Laboratory on behalf of the Department of Energy Office of Science, seeks a firm fixed price X-ray transmission (XRT)-based sorting system for automated classification of lithium-ion batteries, minerals, colored plastics, and metals, with proposals due May 29, 2026. An addendum issued May 18 extended the deadline from May 19 and clarified technical requirements; offerors must acknowledge receipt of the addendum with their proposals.

Place of performance is Lemont, Illinois. The system must serve as a flexible research platform supporting user programmability, algorithm development, and experimentation across multiple separate experimental campaigns and material types. Open, documented APIs and SDKs must enable programmatic access to raw detector data, corrected X-ray images, dual-energy maps, Z-effective maps, and classification metadata without mandatory vendor intervention, allowing Argonne to update, modify, and replace sorting algorithms independently. The system requires dual-energy X-ray transmission capability with conveyor feed, automated ejection, radiation and mechanical safety guarding, and an upgradeable design supporting additional detection modalities. Electrical requirements do not exceed 480V/3 Phase/60 Hz. Construction occurs at the vendor's facilities with delivery by August 2026; installation and training take place at Argonne's facilities.

The firm fixed price ceiling is $650,000. NAICS code 334516 applies (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing); PSC code is 5860.

Evaluation uses best value trade-off methodology weighting Technical Approach, Environmental Safety and Health, Quality Assurance, and Record of Past Performance. Technical proposals must include technical specifications, performance data on throughput and recovery rates, automation and control descriptions, user programmability documentation, and software validation procedures. Environmental Safety and Health evaluation requires radiation survey reports demonstrating a maximum leakage limit of 0.5 mR/hr at 5 cm from external surfaces, compliance with 21 CFR 1020.40, and lithium-ion battery thermal mitigation plans. Quality Assurance must demonstrate ISO 9001 certification or equivalent quality management system. Record of Past Performance requires three completed contracts from the past five years of similar magnitude and nature. Questions are due May 19, 2026, 3 PM CDT, submitted to mollyhunter@anl.gov.