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Expression of Interest INL-23-013

Fabrication of Annular Linear Induction Pumps

INTRODUCTION

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), Management & Operating Contractor of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) owned Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is seeking an Expression of Interest (EOI) from prospective Offerors to support the manufacture and assembly of three (3) annular linear induction pumps (ALIPs) that will be used to support liquid metal cooled reactor safety tests. This EOI shall serve as a method of identifying qualified firms interested in providing the ALIPs to INL. Participation in the activities described herein neither prequalifies nor disqualifies the prospective vendor for later material supply to the INL. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) may be issued as a result of responses from this EOI.

BACKGROUND

Historically, flowing sodium loop cartridges were critical in meeting advanced reactor fuel safety testing needs at the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT). INL identified the need to re-establish transient testing in a flowing sodium loop to support a resurgence in liquid metal fast breeder reactor research. To-date, two sodium loops have been manufactured, with a third currently in production with modifications based on the first two. This final loop, referred to as the Mk-IIIR sodium loop, was designed largely around the legacy Mk-II/Mk-III sodium loops operated at TREAT prior to a suspension of operations in 1994. The ALIP is a key component of the overall sodium loop.

Private industry partners endeavor to design, license, construct, and operate a sodium-cooled fast-spectrum nuclear reactor technology demonstration plan titled Natrium. The Natrium program will be deployed at INL and provides critical research outcomes necessary to demonstrate reactor technology. Over the expected seven-year timeframe of the project, INL will provide research and development support in the areas of fuel performance testing, post-irradiation examination, fuel fabrication, and digital engineering. As part of this program, additional loops and corresponding ALIPs will be manufactured, assembled, and operated.

REQUEST

BEA is seeking qualified firms to compete for the fabrication and assembly, testing, packaging, and shipment of the ALIPs to INL. Qualifications of prospective Offerors include:

• Experience with high power laser brazing on copper substrates.


• Experience with induction machine coil testing and conditioning.


• Experience with electrical testing of induction pump machinery.


• Capability to meet applicable design, safety, regulatory and code compliance established below.

WORK DESCRIPTION

• Manufacture, assemble, test, inspect, and deliver three (3) ALIPs.


• Perform and document pressure tests in accordance with ASME code.

APPLICABLE CODES, PROCEDURES, AND REFERENCES

1. ASME BPVC, “Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code” 2021


2. ANSI/NFPA 70E, “National Electric Code,” 2014.

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested Offerors are requested to provide expressions of interest to the undersigned by close-of business on or before September 20, 2023. Included must be sufficient written information confirming the responder’s qualifications that addresses each of the following criteria:

• Experience fabricating, manufacturing, assembly of similar equipment.


• Experience with the design and manufacture of equipment for Department of Energy (DOE) Laboratories.
  
  
  
  • Capability to meet applicable safety, regulatory and code compliance as listed. Name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a representative of your firm who can answer questions regarding this request for Expression of Interest.
  
  
  
  

Note that responses must be no more than five pages in length. Only potentially qualified Offerors, as determined by BEA, may receive the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project. As determined by BEA, responders to this EOI may receive a RFP that may require detailed technical and price proposals be provided for evaluation and ranking under a source selection process. Based on the responses to this EOI, BEA will determine the source selection process. At this time, a best value award process is envisioned. Under a best value award process, technical and price proposals will be evaluated and weighed to determine the successful Offeror. Interested firms are advised that the RFP release is anticipated, and the source selection/award decision is anticipated in October 2023.

If you have questions, need additional information, or need to speak with a BEA Point of Contact, please contact Brett Horsburgh at 208-526-2491 or via email at Brett.Horsburgh@inl.gov. Technical questions must be submitted in writing via email.

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