Characterizing the transport properties of iodine in natural illite-rich clay barriers sampled from Cigar Lake uranium deposit

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is seeking qualified offerors to conduct characterizing studies on clay samples from the Cigar Lake uranium deposit in Saskatchewan, specifically focusing on the transport properties of iodine under in-situ conditions. The work entails acquiring clay samples from clay-rich zones overlying the ore-body, either from existing core stocks or through new collection, and performing comprehensive geotechnical and geochemical characterization including moisture content, saturation degree, dry density, porosity, mineralogy, redox and pore fluid chemistry, specific surface area, grain size distribution, iodine leachability, and distribution proportion. An experimental program must be developed and executed to measure the diffusion and partition coefficients of iodine in these clay matrices, simulating real burial conditions relevant to nuclear waste disposal. All findings must be documented and reported to the CNSC, with key deliverables including a start-up meeting within two weeks of award, a final work plan within six weeks, monthly progress meetings, status reports by the tenth month, a final presentation at thirteen months, and a comprehensive final report with abstract by the fifteenth month. The contract has a fixed term ending on a date to be specified at award, with performance taking place in the National Capital Region. The solicitation, numbered 5000089187, issued on June 9, 2026, with a response deadline of July 23, 2026, requires all offers to be submitted exclusively by email to solicitation-demandedesoumission@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca, with a maximum message size of 15 MB including attachments. Offers must be structured in three sealed sections: Technical Offer, Financial Offer, and Offer Submission Form with Offeror Declaration Form. Only offers meeting all mandatory criteria will be considered responsive, and failure to meet even one will result in immediate rejection. Technical merit accounts for 70% of the evaluation score, based on a maximum of 22 points, with a minimum threshold of 15 points required for eligibility, while price contributes 30%, calculated as the ratio of the lowest bid to the offer price. The maximum funding available is $150,000 CAD, inclusive of all costs—travel, living expenses, and resource relocation—none of which will be reimbursed separately. Offers above this amount will be non-compliant. Payment is firm price, with undisputed invoices settled within 30 days of receipt in acceptable form, and final payment withheld until all government property is