Request for Information (RFI) - Mid‑energy electron beam (eBeam) systems

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), under the Department of Energy, issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Mid-energy electron beam (eBeam) systems" (Solicitation No. 42426-RD) to gather technical and commercial inputs from qualified suppliers. The aim is to collect detailed information on self-shielded electron beam systems operating at around 2 MeV, designed for sterilizing medical devices via terminal end-of-line (EOL) or optional in-line integration. This RFI seeks data on system configurations, safety and shielding concepts, footprint and integration constraints, validation support capabilities, expected lead times, and rough order of magnitude pricing to inform a future Request for Proposal (RFP). Vendors are asked to provide information including product brochures, layout drawings, testing plans, standards compliance, radiation surveys, and pricing estimates for base systems, installation, training, optional features, and ongoing support. The technical requirements emphasize a minimum delivered sterilization dose of 15 kGy for products packaged primarily in low- to medium-density materials (0.08 to 0.2 g/cm³), with beam power between 2-10 kW and a 1-meter scan width suitable for continuous conveyor-based processing. Compliance with ISO/ASTM standards for radiation processing and dosimetry, electromagnetic compatibility, and radiation safety limits (<0.5 µSv/h at 10 cm) are mandatory. Vendors must support 24/7 operation with high uptime, provide acceptance testing both at the factory and site (FAT/SAT), and furnish documentation for process validation including IQ/OQ/PQ protocols. Packaging requirements specify irradiation of products within primary packaging and systems must accommodate operational throughput and handling needs without specifying preservation methods or labeling content. No formal FAR or DFARS contract clauses, evaluation factors, or special contract conditions are included since this is an informational pre-solicitation. Submission instructions limit responses to 25 pages (excluding appendices), require a compliance matrix, and set a deadline of June 1, 2026, with submissions filed in searchable PDF format via email to PNNL contacts. Administrative details identify PNNL in Richland, WA as the place of performance and contracting office, but the RFI does not specify contract type, award methodology, payment procedures, or security requirements, as these will be defined in subsequent procurement stages.