ATR Ion Exchange Column Fabrication

2026-11-03

INTRODUCTIONBattelle 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 qualified vendors capable of fabricating a complete Ion Exchange Column Assembly to support operations at the Advanced Test Reactor ( ATR ). The fabricated system will play a critical role in radiochemical process performance , shielding effectiveness , and facility reliability . BACKGROUNDINL is a U . S . Department of Energy ( DOE ) national laboratory dedicated to nuclear energy , national security , and clean energy innovation . The ATR facility relies on highly specialized purification and shielding systems , which include the Ion Exchange Column Assembly . BEA is requesting vendor capabilities statements for the fabrication of a multi - component assembly that must meet strict nuclear , metallurgical , and structural performance standards . Project - specific INL engineering reports , detailed drawings , structural analyses , and procedural references will be furnished . The scope of work includes the following : Fabrication of one complete Ion Exchange Column Assembly , including : Two stainless steel ion exchange columnsShield boxAccess port coversLead shot shielding materialAll mounting hardware and handling hardware following detailed drawings and engineering reportsDevelopment of procedures for lead - shot and rigging handling of the completed assemblyThe scope of workdoes notinclude the following : Installation at the facilityInterfacing equipment beyond supplied mounting hardwareOverpressure protection of the final assemblyAPPLICABLE CODES AND REFERENCESThe fabrication and associated documentation must comply with the following ( as applicable to component type ): ASME Section VIII Division 1 ( 2023 ) ACI 349 - 13 ( Reinforced Concrete Safety - Related Structures ) ANSI / AISC N690 - 18 ( Nuclear Facility Steel Structures ) ASCE 4 - 16 and ASCE 43 - 19 ( Seismic Design ) ANS - 2 . 26 ( Seismic Categorization ) DESIGN REQUIREMENTSVendors should have demonstrated experience with nuclear - grade fabrication and must meet or exceed the following design conditions : Materials & Components : Stainless steel process vesselsLead - shot - filled shielding support frameStructural framing and supports per AISC nuclear standardsPressure & Temperature Ratings : Design Pressure : 2500 psigTemperature Range : - 20 ° F to 650 ° FRadiation Shielding : Assembly must reduce radiation fields to below 100 mRem / hr at 30 cmSeismic Requirements : Seismic Design Category : SDC - 4Design consistent with ASCE 4 - 16 , ASCE 43 - 19 , ANS - 2 . 26Inspections & Engineering Approval : All pressure boundary welds inspected per ASME VIII / NDE requirementsFabrication drawings and calculations must be submitted for formal BEA review / approvalPROCESSThis EOI is the first step in identifying interested and qualified vendors . Responses may be used to inform the development of a formal solicitation list . Selected vendors may be invited to participate in a Request for Proposal ( RFP ) process for award consideration . SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTSInterested vendors should submit an Expression of Interest that includes the following : Company name and point of contactRelevant fabrication experience , particularly nuclear or DOE - grade workApplicable NAICS codes and business size classificationAny existing DOE or federal contracting experience ( if applicable ) Demonstrated capability to meet ASME , AISC , seismic , and shielding requirementsAcknowledgment of the ability to meet the following vendor data submittals : Fabrication drawings and bill of materialsDesign calculations ( structural , seismic , pressure ) Material test reports ( MTRs ) Weld maps and WPS / PQR documentationNDE reports and inspection recordsHydrostatic test procedures and final test reportsPackaging , handling , and lead - shot management proceduresSoftware verification documentation ( if engineering software is used ) Completed Vendor Data Schedule and transmittal formsQUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTSThe subcontractor ’ s quality program must be equivalent to ASME NQA - 1 . Requirements include : Qualification records for welders , inspectors , techniciansThird - party inspection where requiredPressure vessel registration ( if applicable ) Certificates of Conformance ( CoC ) Submittal of all quality - related inspection and test documentsFABRICATION & TESTINGMaterials must meet applicable ASME and ASTM specificationsFabrication must follow ASME Section VIII and ANSI / AISC N690 - 18 for structural partsAll surfaces cleaned and finished uniformly ; stainless surfaces must meet chloride and contamination requirementsIdentification tags and ASME nameplates applied as requiredHydrostatic testing must meet ASME VIII requirements , using low - chloride test fluidBEA inspectors may witness fabrication and testing activitiesA “ U ” stamp certification of the vesselsDELIVERY & PROTECTIONFinal assembly must be delivered to a specified Idaho Falls logistics facility with : Cleanliness requirements met ; no fluids or contaminants left inside componentsProtective packaging to prevent component damageClear labeling and lift / rigging points identifiedUnit prepared for forklift or crane handlingINL personnel retain rights for inspections , audits , and hold - point reviews throughout fabrication . Final acceptance occurs after successful hydrostatic testing , inspection , and delivery to an Idaho Falls logistics facilityDeadline for submission : April 22 , 2026Submit to : Chase . Egbert @ inl . govOnly select respondents , as determined by BEA , will receive an invitation to participate in the anticipated RFP solicitation . PROPRIETARY INFORMATIONBecause information received in response to this EOI may be business sensitive or proprietary to the responding party , respondents must mark information in their responses accordingly .

Idaho

2026-05-06