RFP-2025-8555 for Primary Neutron Source Cf-252

TerraPower, LLC is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP-2025-8555) to procure a Primary Neutron Source of Californium-252 (Cf-252) in support of the Natrium Project, a Department of Energy (DOE) cooperative agreement initiative. The procurement seeks up to 4.9 mg of Cf-252 with a target delivery date of March 2030, requiring a highly specific form factor including an outside diameter of .217/.218 inches, outside length of .975 inches, inside diameter of .154 inches, and inside length of .75 inches. Proposals will be evaluated using a best-value trade-off source selection method, with weighted scoring across management capabilities, technical approach, quality program, and business/contract terms. The RFP requires comprehensive four-volume proposals submitted through the Bonfire/Euna platform, including Management & Operations, Technical, Quality, and Business & Contract sections. Questions must be submitted through the Bonfire Q&A section, with the proposal due date set for October 7, 2025, and all proposals required to remain valid for 180 days.

The contract opportunity does not explicitly specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but it does include complex requirements that suggest a sophisticated technical capability is necessary. All bidders are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) prior to accessing the project opportunity package, with strict export control regulations in place. The procurement is structured as a firm-fixed price proposal, with pricing to be quoted in US dollars per milligram of Cf-252, and potential suppliers must provide detailed financial documentation, particularly for procurements valued at $250,000 or more. High-risk suppliers may be required to submit a parent guarantee. While specific award values are not directly stated, the overall Natrium Project is part of a DOE cooperative agreement with a total contract ceiling of $5,000,000, suggesting significant potential investment. The contract emphasizes domestic content and preferences for U.S. manufacturing, with comprehensive intellectual property protections and specific compliance requirements related to DOE and Nuclear Regulatory Commission guidelines.