DOE Releases Final Request for Proposals to Establish World Class Nuclear Technology Lab in Idaho

5/26/2004

From: Joe Davis, 202-586-4940; Hope Williams, 202-586-5806, both of the U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released a final Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting companies to submit their best competitive proposals to establish the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as the Nation's premier laboratory for nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and education within a decade. The Idaho National Laboratory combines the research and development components of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory West. The new lab will begin operation on Feb. 1, 2005.

"This is a very important element in implementing the administration's long-range plans regarding our energy future," Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said. "Nuclear energy plays a major role in our energy picture today and we believe it can play an even larger role in the future-particularly with the breakthrough technologies that will emerge from this new laboratory over the next decade. The Idaho National Laboratory will point the way toward a clean energy future where we will reduce the nation's dependency on foreign sources of energy and demonstrate clearly that we can have both strong economic growth and a strong commitment to the environment. I appreciate the strong leadership that the members of the Idaho delegation and the governor have provided DOE in formulating the future of the Idaho National Laboratory. And, I look forward to working closely with them as this vital project proceeds."

INL will be a multi-program national laboratory that will conduct science and technology across a wide range of disciplines. Its core missions will be the development of advanced, next-generation nuclear energy technologies, promoting nuclear technology education, and applying its technical skills to enhance the nation's security. The lab will continue to build on its role as the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management's center for assuring readiness of DOE spent fuel shipments to the nation's repository. It will also support a host of ongoing research and development activities for DOE and a diverse collection of programs for the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Among its many missions, the new laboratory will lead the department's research and development effort in developing an advanced nuclear energy system that will produce both inexpensive electric power and large quantities of cost-effective hydrogen to support the development of a clean and efficient hydrogen economy in the United States. After careful consideration and consultation with international partners and independent advisors the department decided upon the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) as its leading concept to implement this vision. Simultaneously with the release of Idaho's National Laboratory Request for Proposal, DOE has also released a request for expressions of interest that provides details on the department's proposed strategy for pursuing this new technology. Comments on this strategy are requested by July 2, 2004.

"This effort will represent a major leap in technology," noted Secretary Abraham. "If it proves successful, it will change how we think about nuclear power. It will be smaller, safer, more flexible, and more cost-effective than any commercial nuclear plant in history. The NGNP will secure a major role for nuclear energy for the long-term future and also provide the United States with a practical path toward replacing imported oil with domestically produced, clean, and economic hydrogen."

The final RFP indicates that INL will play a lead role in the NGNP. The department has not made a final decision to construct a pilot NGNP facility. Should such a decision be made, final site selection will be subject to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, other applicable laws and regulations, and the department's project approval critical decision process.

Major features of the RFP are highlighted below:

A requirement for the INL contractor to maximize opportunities for small and regional businesses is included in the RFP. DOE will require and approve a small business plan under the contract that establishes specific goals for total planned subcontracting dollars to be awarded to small business concerns by the prime contractor. Part of the evaluation criteria for award of the contract will be based on the offeror's commitment to small business and how small business will participate in meaningful prime contract performance.

In light of the administration's initiative to revitalize nuclear energy as the mission of the laboratory and in response to feedback received on the draft INL RFP issued in February 2004, the new INL RFP will include a 10-year base term with an option for an additional five years. In this way, DOE believes that the winning offeror will have the time to implement its plans to build the INL into one of the world's best nuclear energy research institutions.

The final RFP features full integration of safeguards and security work under the Management and Operations contractor. In addition, Laboratory Directed Research and Development and site services including employee transportation and cafeteria services will be maintained at the current levels for at least a two-year period.

Potential offerors are asked to include, as part of their overall proposals, plans to establish a joint laboratory/university center for advanced energy studies in Idaho that will also serve as a center of the laboratory. Universities based in Idaho, the northwest region, and elsewhere are expected to be engaged in this unique effort.

The final RFP specifies that the Secretary of Energy has decided to require the new INL contactor to honor the INEEL Site Stabilization Agreement and the INEEL Site Construction Jurisdictional Procedure Agreement. These agreements establish labor terms and conditions including wages, hiring procedures, and other employment practices associated with INL construction projects. These project labor agreements have been in place at the Idaho site since 1984.

The final INL RFP, No. DE-RP07-031D14517, may be found at the solicitation web site, http://www.INL-RFP.gov. The request for Expressions of Interest on the NGNP will be available May 26, 2004. Additional information on the department's nuclear energy program, including its research programs and the Idaho site, may be found at http://www.nuclear.gov .