Framatome Inc. awarded $2.5M contract for nuclear reactor maintenance training by NRC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $250,340 ($250.3K)

Contractor: Framatome Inc

Awarding Agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Start Date: 2021-09-24

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,831 days

Daily Burn Rate: $137/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR (PWR) MAINTENANCE TRAINING OVERVIEW COURSE

Place of Performance

Location: LYNCHBURG, LYNCHBURG CITY County, VIRGINIA, 24501

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Nuclear Regulatory Commission obligated $250,340 to FRAMATOME INC for work described as: PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR (PWR) MAINTENANCE TRAINING OVERVIEW COURSE Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.5 million for specialized training services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate given the specialized nature of the training. 4. Performance context involves essential skills development for nuclear safety. 5. Sector positioning within nuclear energy and regulatory oversight. 6. Training services are critical for maintaining operational integrity of nuclear facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.5 million for specialized nuclear reactor maintenance training appears reasonable given the niche expertise required. Benchmarking against similar training contracts is challenging due to the highly specialized nature of PWR maintenance. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government. The duration of the contract, spanning over five years, allows for consistent delivery of essential training.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bidders indicates a competitive environment, which generally benefits price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers. The open competition likely led to a more efficient allocation of resources and potentially better terms for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure specialized training services at a fair market price, avoiding potential overpayment associated with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

Nuclear facility operators and maintenance personnel will benefit from enhanced training. Services delivered include specialized courses for Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) maintenance. Geographic impact is national, supporting the safe operation of nuclear power plants across the US. Workforce implications include upskilling and maintaining a qualified nuclear workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge becomes proprietary.
Ensuring consistent quality of training across multiple delivery instances.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical safety training could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Framatome Inc. is a recognized leader in nuclear technology and services.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Long-term contract allows for sustained development of critical skills.

Sector Analysis

The nuclear energy sector requires highly specialized training to ensure safety and operational efficiency. This contract fits within the broader landscape of regulatory compliance and workforce development for nuclear power plants. Spending in this niche area is typically driven by regulatory requirements and the need for continuous professional development among highly skilled personnel. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of PWR maintenance training.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Framatome Inc. and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The focus appears to be on specialized technical expertise, which may limit opportunities for broad small business participation unless they are niche providers within the nuclear training supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified training services. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases, though specific performance metrics and quality assurance details may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Nuclear Energy Training Programs
Professional Development Services
Regulatory Compliance Training
Nuclear Power Plant Operations Support

Risk Flags

Specialized training requirement
Long contract duration
Sole source potential if competition narrows in future

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Nuclear Regulatory Commission awarded $250,340 to FRAMATOME INC. PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR (PWR) MAINTENANCE TRAINING OVERVIEW COURSE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FRAMATOME INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Nuclear Regulatory Commission).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $250,340.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-24. End: 2026-09-29.

What is Framatome Inc.'s track record in providing nuclear training services?

Framatome Inc. is a global company with extensive experience in the nuclear energy sector, including the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of nuclear power plants. They are known for providing a wide range of services and products to the nuclear industry, which naturally includes specialized training for reactor technologies. Their track record in this area is generally considered strong, given their deep technical expertise and long-standing presence in the global nuclear market. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission likely selected Framatome based on their established capabilities and reputation for delivering high-quality technical training relevant to Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs).

How does the $2.5 million contract value compare to similar nuclear training contracts?

Direct comparison of the $2.5 million contract value for PWR maintenance training is challenging due to the highly specialized and niche nature of this service. Nuclear training contracts can vary significantly based on the specific technology (e.g., PWR, BWR), the scope of training (e.g., initial operator training, specialized maintenance, emergency response), and the duration. Contracts for comprehensive operator licensing programs or simulator training can often exceed this amount, while shorter, more focused workshops might be less. Given the firm fixed-price nature and the five-year duration, $2.5 million suggests a substantial, ongoing training requirement for critical maintenance skills, which appears reasonable within the context of the nuclear industry's stringent safety and operational demands.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues where the quality or effectiveness of the training may not meet the NRC's expectations, potentially impacting workforce competency and safety. Another risk is the reliance on a single contractor for specialized knowledge; if Framatome Inc. experiences significant operational disruptions or decides to exit certain market segments, it could create a gap in essential training. Furthermore, ensuring consistent delivery and up-to-date content reflecting evolving technologies and regulations over the five-year period presents an ongoing challenge. Finally, while the contract is firm fixed-price, unforeseen complexities in delivering highly technical training could still lead to cost pressures or scope disputes.

How effective is this contract likely to be in ensuring a qualified nuclear workforce?

This contract is likely to be highly effective in ensuring a qualified nuclear workforce, provided the training content is comprehensive, up-to-date, and delivered effectively. By securing specialized maintenance training for Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), the NRC is investing in the development and retention of essential skills needed for the safe operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities. The long-term nature of the contract (nearly five years) allows for sustained skill development and adaptation to new technologies or regulatory requirements. The firm fixed-price structure incentivizes the contractor to deliver the agreed-upon services efficiently, contributing to the overall goal of maintaining a competent and safe nuclear workforce.

What are the historical spending patterns for nuclear training by the NRC?

Historical spending patterns for nuclear training by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) are generally characterized by consistent investment in workforce development and regulatory compliance. The NRC, as a primary regulator, dedicates resources to ensure its staff and the industry workforce possess the necessary expertise. While specific figures for nuclear training contracts fluctuate year-to-year based on agency priorities, technological advancements, and workforce needs, there is a continuous requirement for specialized training related to reactor operations, safety, and maintenance. Contracts like this one for PWR maintenance training are typical components of the NRC's broader strategy to uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and security through ongoing professional education.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 31310021R0029

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3315 OLD FOREST RD, LYNCHBURG, VA, 24501

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $362,830

Exercised Options: $362,830

Current Obligation: $250,340

Actual Outlays: $190,270

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline