Spacer Grid Thermal-Hydraulics Program

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes to enter into a non-competitive indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity type contract with the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) for the project entitled, "Spacer Grid Thermal-Hydraulics Program" (SGTH). The proposed period of performance for this contract is five years (a 2-year base period with three 1-year option periods). The statutory authority permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 (b)(1), which provides for limiting competition in those situations where the services are available from only one responsible source and no other type of services will satisfy NRC's requirements. The designated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code NAICS Code is 541712, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology), with a size standard of 500 employees. The objective of this work is to: (1) obtain experimental data for prototype mixing vane spacer grid for a range of steam flow so the droplet break up mechanism and effect of spacer grid on drop size can be examined; (2) design and manufacture a new test apparatus that is suitable for high temperature reflood test and quick change of various types of spacer grids; (3) develop heat transfer model and correlations for the data generated from previous reflood, interfacial drag and steam cooling tests; (4) develop interfacial area transport model and correlations from data generated in these same series of tests; and (5) create a pilot version of TRACE code with the new models implemented and benchmark against the test series parameters. To accomplish the above stated objectives for this project, the contractor must have: (1) detailed knowledge of two-phase flow theory and experimental techniques; (2) demonstrated experience and expertise in multi-phase instrumentation and measurement skills; and (3) a unique test facility which models the full length reactor core and downcomer that has the capability to supply pressurized steam and high temperature rod bundle that simulated reflood conditions. The NRC posted Sources Sought Synopsis No. RES-10-Spacer-Grid on the Federal Business Opportunities website (https://www.fbo.gov/spg/NRC/OA/DCPM/RES-10-Spacer-Grid/listing.html) to conduct a market survey and analysis to determine the range of available contractors that exist and to assess their capabilities to assist the NRC with Spacer Grid Thermal-Hydraulic Program. The synopsis required interested parties to provide a capability statement that demonstrated their organization had the required expertise, experience, and test facility as stated in paragraph 4 above. The NRC evaluated the responses received for Sources Sought Synopsis No. RES-10-Spacer-Grid and determined that the only source with the required expertise, experience, and facility to perform this work is PSU. Specifically, it was determined that Dr. F. B. Cheung, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering at PSU, and Dr. Seungjin Kim, a respected thermal-hydraulic expert in two phase flow phenomena, both have the required expertise and experience to meet NRC's requirements. Located at PSU is the Rod Bundle Heat Transfer (RBHT) test facility, which meets all of NRC test facility requirements. Specifically, the RBHT facility models the full length reactor core and downcomer and has the capability to supply pressurized steam and high temperature rod bundle to simulate reflood conditions. In summary, PSU is the only organization that posses the required expertise, experience, and facility to accomplish the objectives of this project. This is not a request for competitive proposals. Request for copies of this solicitation will not be honored unless the respondent provides evidence showing their capability to perform the required services. Detailed capabilities must be submitted to Jennifer A. DeFino, Sr. Contract Specialist via e-mail at Jennifer.DeFino@nrc.gov no later than May 17, 2012 (i.e. 15 calendar days from the date this announcement was posted). Inquiries regarding this announcement may be made to Jennifer A. DeFino, Sr. Contract Specialist by phone at (301) 492-3637 or via e-mail at Jennifer.DeFino@nrc.gov.