DOE's $21.7M Nuclear Fuel Cask R&D Project Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,718,518 ($21.7M)
Contractor: Electric Power Research Institute Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2013-05-02
End Date: 2018-10-15
Contract Duration: 1,992 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST SHARING
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF HIGH BURN-UP FUEL CASK RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Place of Performance
Location: CHARLOTTE, MECKLENBURG County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28262
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $21.7 million to ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF HIGH BURN-UP FUEL CASK RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Key points: 1. The project focuses on advanced nuclear fuel cask research, a critical area for energy security. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. The contract type is cost-sharing, which can mitigate government financial risk. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically in physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $21.7M over five years for specialized R&D is difficult to benchmark without more specific cost breakdowns. The cost-sharing nature implies some private investment, which could indicate perceived value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, allowing multiple vendors to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this critical research.
Public Impact
Advancements in nuclear fuel cask technology can enhance the safety and efficiency of nuclear energy. This research supports the long-term viability and public acceptance of nuclear power. The project contributes to the broader understanding of nuclear waste management solutions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-sharing contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed tightly.
- The duration of the contract (1992 days) is substantial for R&D, requiring ongoing oversight.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes assessing R&D effectiveness challenging.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition is a positive signal for price efficiency.
- Cost-sharing aligns private and public interests in successful research outcomes.
- The project addresses a key area of national energy infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences related to nuclear energy. Spending in this area is often project-specific and driven by national strategic priorities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Electric Power Research Institute Inc. There is no indication that small businesses were specifically involved or subcontracted in this particular award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Energy's oversight is crucial for managing the cost-sharing aspects and ensuring the R&D objectives are met within the defined scope and timeline.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is long for R&D.
- Cost-sharing requires careful monitoring.
- Lack of specific performance metrics.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-energy, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $21.7 million to ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC. IGF::OT::IGF HIGH BURN-UP FUEL CASK RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-05-02. End: 2018-10-15.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this $21.7M R&D project, and how will they be measured?
The project aims to research and develop advanced designs for high burn-up fuel casks. Expected advancements likely include improved safety features, enhanced storage capacity, and better thermal management. Measurable outcomes would typically involve prototype testing, material analysis, simulation results, and adherence to regulatory standards for future cask deployment.
Given the cost-sharing model, what is the government's risk exposure if the R&D project encounters significant technical challenges or fails to yield desired results?
The government's risk is mitigated by the cost-sharing arrangement, as the contractor also bears a portion of the financial burden. However, the government still risks losing its investment if the project fails. The extent of this risk depends on the agreed-upon cost-sharing ratio and the contract's termination clauses for unsuccessful R&D outcomes.
How does the outcome of this R&D project align with the Department of Energy's broader strategic goals for nuclear energy and waste management?
This project directly supports DOE's strategic goals by advancing technologies crucial for the safe and efficient management of spent nuclear fuel. Improved cask designs are essential for both current operations and the long-term strategy for nuclear waste disposal, potentially reducing risks and increasing public confidence in nuclear power.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Energy R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: DE-SOL-0005019
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3420 HILLVIEW AVE, PALO ALTO, CA, 94304
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,655,717
Exercised Options: $22,655,717
Current Obligation: $21,718,518
Actual Outlays: $161,617
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 14
Total Subaward Amount: $20,830,036
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-05-02
Current End Date: 2018-10-15
Potential End Date: 2019-12-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-12-10
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