Jeremy L. Dillon
RW Monitor
12/5/2014
The Department of Energy plans to issue a Request for Proposal in early December for the design and prototype fabrication of railcars to transport high-level nuclear waste, according to a pre-solicitation notice issued in late November. DOE plans to issue the RFP around Dec. 8 with an estimated award date of July 1, 2015. According to the notice, this procurement is part of DOE’s larger strategy to move forward its spent nuclear fuel program. “This acquisition continues to lay the groundwork for implementing an integrated nuclear waste management disposition system by preparing for future large-scale transport of spent (or used) nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste,” the notice said. “This acquisition is for railcar designs, which will be owned by DOE, and prototype fabrication. At the end of this contract, DOE will proceed with testing required to achieve Association of American Railroads approval and will make a determination on whether to buy a fleet of new railcars or enter into a leasing arrangement with a private company.” The anticipated closing date for the RFP is Jan. 19, 2015, the notice said.
