The Department of Energy has begun soliciting proposals for a potential 10-year, $2.7 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to procure uranium enrichment services to help establish a domestic supply chain of high-assay low-enriched uranium used for deploying advanced nuclear reactors.
DOE said Tuesday creating a domestic HALEU supply chain supports President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda by helping meet net-zero emissions goal by 2050, creating jobs and improving energy security.
In November, DOE sought offers to acquire HALEU deconversion services and set a Jan. 30 deadline for proposals.
The department’s Office of Nuclear Energy intends to award one or more contracts to produce, store and transport enriched uranium hexafluoride to deconversion facilities.
Enrichment and storage activities must be performed in the continental U.S. in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
According to the performance work statement, contract work includes providing engineering data and environmental information needed for NEPA compliance to inform DOE or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s decision; obtaining all necessary approvals including NRC licenses, certifications and permits; and identifying, designing and developing technologies needed for HALEU production and storage.
Proposals are due March 8.
