Solicitation for Input from Advanced Nuclear Developers to Inform Launch Pad Siting and Facility Needs

Request for Information (RFI)

Subject: Solicitation for Input from Advanced Nuclear Developers to Inform Launch Pad Siting and Facility Needs

Issuing Organization: National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) – Idaho National Laboratory (INL)

Release Date: October 29, 2025
Response Due Date: November 20, 2025, at 1700 (5 PM) MDT

1. Introduction and Purpose

The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) located at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is establishing a Nuclear Energy Launch Pad (“Launch Pad”) initiative, a national capability to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. NRIC envisions the Launch Pad as a flexible ecosystem that provides nuclear developers with access to infrastructure, expertise, and services needed to site, construct, and operate their nuclear facilities.

The objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input from nuclear developers and other stakeholders on key requirements for the Launch Pad, including siting, infrastructure, and services. Responses will inform INL’s decisions regarding siting options, the scope of capabilities provided, and the potential pathways for project authorization and oversight.

This RFI is not a solicitation for funding or a commitment by DOE/INL/NRIC to procure services. Rather, it is intended solely to gather information to guide future planning and development of the Launch Pad.

2. Background

Advanced nuclear energy technologies are critical for U.S. energy dominance, national security, artificial intelligence, and other economic objectives. Many nuclear developers face challenges in securing suitable sites, infrastructure, and navigating regulatory pathways to construct and operate their systems or facilities at scale.

To support nuclear developers and address these challenges, NRIC is establishing the Launch Pad at INL. NRIC envisions the Launch Pad as a 1000+ acre site that will be parceled into multiple plots for use by private industry nuclear developers. This will enable proximity to infrastructure and existing INL capabilities along with providing flexible licensing options based on developer need.

Types of nuclear facilities envisioned for the Launch Pad include, but are not limited to, nuclear reactors, fuel fabrication, and fuel recycling facilities.

NRIC seeks industry input on nuclear developers’ needs, as well as input on the associated infrastructure and services that should be provided to maximize utility and reduce development barriers.

3. Requested Information

NRIC is seeking input from advanced nuclear technology developers and stakeholders on the following related to use of the Launch Pad:

1. Developer Facility Type and Purpose
   
   • Describe your facility. Include information about general type of facility (e.g., Zero Power Reactor, General Reactor Testing, Fuel Fabrication, etc.)
   • What is the purpose of your facility (e.g., R&D)?
   • What are the facility goals, timeline for goal completion, and overall facility lifecycle?
   • Will this facility have emissions (e.g. radioactive releases, diesel exhaust, chemicals)?
   • Will this facility generate a radioactive waste stream?
   • What Special Nuclear Material strategic significance category (if any) would this facility fall into?
2. Siting Considerations
   • What siting attributes (e.g., grid access, water, land availability, environmental conditions, distance from population centers) are most important?
   • How much land is needed? What buffer is needed between the facility and adjacent facilities?
   • Would all or part of your facility be sub-grade?
3. Infrastructure Requirements
   • What site infrastructure (roads, construction support, grid interconnection, water supply, waste management, etc.) are most important or mandatory for your project?
   • What level of grid capacity and interconnection flexibility do you require?
4. INL Facility Capabilities
   • What specialized capabilities (fuel handling, hot cells, test loops, fabrication or maintenance shops, etc.) would enable your project?
   • What level of shared vs. dedicated infrastructure would best meet your needs?
5. Operational Services
   • What DOE- or INL-provided services (safety analysis, site services, security, workforce support) would be most beneficial?
   • Would you require access to INL staff expertise, and if so, in which technical areas?
6. Licensing and Regulatory Approach
   • Which licensing approach (DOE Authorization vs. NRC licensing) would be most valuable for your development pathway and why?
   • Would the authorization/licensing approach change during different project stages (e.g., transition from DOE authorization to NRC licensing)?
   • What are the primary regulatory or licensing challenges the Launch Pad could help mitigate?
7. Timeline and Project Readiness
   • What is your projected timeline for your project, and how should the Launch Pad align with these needs?
   • What level of maturity (technology readiness level, project readiness) should the Launch Pad plan to accommodate?
8. Other Considerations
   • What unique features or services would make the Launch Pad the preferred choice for your project?
   • Are there barriers (legal, financial, technical) that the Launch Pad can address to improve accessibility and value?
   • What are potential benefits and/or drawbacks of multiple companies being sited on the Launch Pad from your company’s perspective?

4. Response Guidelines

• Responses should be limited to 15 pages or fewer.
• Clearly identify your organization, design concept(s), and contact information.
• While NRIC will protect sensitive information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, please do not send proprietary information unless there is an NDA in place to protect it.
• Submit responses electronically to: AnnMarie Marshall, contact@example.gov by November 20, 2025, at 1700 (5 PM) MDT.

5. Disclaimer

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. DOE/INL/NRIC does not intend to award a contract or provide financial assistance based on responses to this RFI. Participation is voluntary, and no reimbursement will be made for costs associated with response preparation.