Polarizing and Non-polarizing Neutron Mirrors and Wafers Coated with Neutron Absorbers for Nested Mirror Optics.

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, is seeking polarizing and non-polarizing neutron mirrors and silicon wafers coated with neutron absorbers for use in nested mirror optics at the Spallation Neutron Source and the High Flux Isotope Reactor. These components are critical to enhancing neutron scattering instrument performance by enabling compact, interchangeable optics that improve signal-to-background ratios for experiments involving small or constrained samples, such as those under high pressure or magnetic fields. The polarizing mirrors function as spin filters, reflecting one neutron spin state while transmitting the other, while the neutron-absorbing wafers provide downstream beam collimation. The contract is a fixed-price solicitation under PR472297 with a response deadline extended to June 26, 2026, and is classified under NAICS code 334516 with no set-aside provisions. All deliverables must be manufactured to exacting material, fabrication, and inspection standards and are intended for onsite use at ORNL in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The Seller is required to maintain a robust inspection system, keep complete records of all quality controls, and ensure conformity with specifications; non-conforming items may be rejected, and the Seller must correct or replace them at no additional cost within ten days of notice, or risk termination. Delivery of all items must be performed by a U.S. citizen, and physical access to ORNL facilities requires adherence to stringent DOE security protocols, including background checks, fingerprinting, drug testing, and compliance with DOE Order 472.2. The Seller must also maintain commercial general liability, professional liability, and cyber liability insurance each at a minimum of $2 million annual aggregate, and comply with export control laws and PII protection mandates. Payment terms are net 30 days via electronic funds transfer, with invoicing processed through Ariba or mailed to ORNL Accounts Payable, and tax documentation must be submitted to aptax@ornl.gov. Reporting obligations include monthly submission of on-site labor hours and immediate notification of any accidents or near misses. The agreement incorporates key FAR clauses including those governing unauthorized obligations, material requirements, service reporting, defective pricing data above $2.5 million, protection of government assets, and data rights, with potential application of Alternates II, III, or V to FAR 52.227-14. Additional compliance obligations arise from UT-Battelle supplemental flowdown terms, the Supplier Code of Conduct,