Fuel Performance Modeling and Simulation

The contract focuses on the development and validation of multiphysics fuel performance models tailored for irradiation conditions, requiring integration with experimental data through a co-design framework that aligns simulation capabilities with empirical observations. This effort aims to advance predictive accuracy of nuclear fuel behavior under extreme operational environments by combining mechanistic modeling with real-world test results, ensuring models are not only theoretically robust but also practically grounded. The work must address key phenomena such as thermal-mechanical-chemical coupling, microstructural evolution, and fission product transport to improve the safety, efficiency, and longevity of nuclear fuels. This subcontract is issued under the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy with a NAICS code of 541715, specifying its classification under scientific research and development services. The opportunity was posted on July 7, 2026, with a response deadline set for August 6, 2026, at 1:30 PM Eastern Time. While no specific set-aside provisions or place of performance details are provided, the solicitation is open to qualified entities capable of delivering advanced computational modeling and experimental integration expertise. All submissions must align with the broader mission of enhancing nuclear energy systems through innovation in fuel performance prediction.