RFI - DOE Infrastructure Work Scope Development

DOE is seeking information, comments, feedback, and recommendations from interested parties to determine what capabilities supporting research, training and technology demonstration are of highest interest to the nuclear energy research community.All responses are to be made at NEUP.gov per the attached instructions. NE’s mission is to advance nuclear energy science and technology to meet United States (U.S.) energy, environmental, and economic needs. NE has identified the following goals to address challenges in the nuclear energy sector, to help realize the potential of advanced technology, and to leverage the unique role of the Government in spurring innovation: 1. Enable continued operation of existing U.S. nuclear reactors. 2. Enable deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. 3. Develop advanced nuclear fuel cycles and spent nuclear fuel management options. Developing and maintaining a national RD&D framework to achieve NE’s mission requires an integrated approach involving people, tools, facilities, and knowledge tied to strategic partnerships. The infrastructure (i.e., tools and facilities) for nuclear research is a critical part of this framework. NE currently solicits and awards general scientific infrastructure enhancements to universities and national laboratories, as well as university research reactor upgrades through an annual Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) Funding Opportunity Announcement. The awards made through this mechanism primarily focus on supporting infrastructure for localized research and training needs. NE has implemented an initiative to expand the infrastructure program to enhance the regional or national impact of university research reactors and other nuclear energy research capabilities, and to expand the scope and breath of infrastructure projects and expanding the reach of capabilities through consortia, partnerships and/or reactor sharing.