ATR Plant Protection System (PPS) Seismic Switch Replacement

INTRODUCTION

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), the management and operating contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy-owned Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified suppliers capable of providing environmentally and seismically qualified seismic switches for use in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) Plant Protection System (PPS).

The purpose of this EOI is to identify suppliers with the technical capability, quality assurance program, testing facilities, and experience necessary to provide safety-related seismic switch equipment qualified for nuclear applications. This EOI is being issued for market research and acquisition planning purposes and is intended to identify potential suppliers for a future procurement opportunity. The EOI process is used by INL to develop a list of qualified and interested vendors that may be considered for future solicitations.

BACKGROUND

The ATR Plant Protection System currently utilizes seismic switches to provide a critical reactor protection function. Seismic switches detect ground motion and initiate a reactor scram when predetermined seismic thresholds are exceeded.

The existing Kinemetrics Model TS-3A seismic switches are obsolete and have demonstrated performance degradation, resulting in increased reliance on limited spare inventory. Additionally, one seismic switch is currently out of service, placing the PPS in a reduced logic configuration. Replacement with modern, supported equipment is required to restore normal system configuration and ensure long-term reliability and maintainability.

SCOPE OF INTEREST

BEA seeks information from suppliers capable of providing complete seismic switch solutions meeting the functional, environmental, seismic qualification, testing, documentation, and quality assurance requirements typically associated with nuclear safety-related applications.

Functional Capability

• Three-axis ground motion sensing capability.
• Dry contact output suitable for reactor protection system input.
• Adjustable seismic trip setpoints.
• Response times consistent with nuclear protection system applications.
• Long-term reliability and maintainability.
• In-situ testing and calibration capabilities.

Environmental and Seismic Qualification

Respondents should be capable of qualifying equipment consistent with applicable industry standards, including

• IEEE 603
• IEEE 323
• IEEE 344
• ANSI/ISA-67.04.01
• ASME NQA-1

Deliverables

Suppliers should be capable of providing:

• Complete seismic switch assemblies.
• Required mounting hardware and accessories.
• Qualification documentation and test reports.
• Operation and maintenance manuals.
• Installation and interface documentation.
• Calibration and surveillance procedures.
• Certificates of conformance and applicable certifications.

MINIMUM MANDATORY CAPABILITIES

To facilitate evaluation, respondents should clearly identify whether they can meet the following minimum capabilities:

1. Provide a seismic switch solution capable of detecting low-level seismic events suitable for reactor protection applications.
2. Demonstrate environmental and seismic qualification in accordance with IEEE 323 and IEEE 344 methodologies.
3. Maintain a Quality Assurance Program consistent with ASME NQA-1 requirements or equivalent controls.
4. Support a qualified service life suitable for long-term nuclear facility operation.
5. Provide qualification reports, testing documentation, calibration information, and supporting quality records.
6. Provide long-term product support, maintenance recommendations, and obsolescence management.

RESPONSE FORMAT AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested organizations shall submit a concise response demonstrating their qualifications, capabilities, and interest in supporting this requirement.

Responses should be limited to approximately 10 pages, excluding product literature, drawings, certifications, and supporting quality documentation.

Responses should include, at a minimum:

• Organization name, mailing address, and primary point of contact
• UEI and CAGE Code (if applicable)
• Business size and socio-economic classifications
• Technical capabilities
• Relevant experience
• Quality Assurance Program information
• Manufacturing and delivery capabilities
• Estimated lead times
• Assumptions, exceptions, or recommendations related to the requirement

Responses shall be submitted electronically in PDF format to: Chase Egbert & Stacey Hill
Email: Chase.Egbert@inl.gov and Stacey.Hill@inl.gov

Responses must be received no later than: April 23, 2026

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

Because information received in response to this EOI may be business sensitive or proprietary to the responding party, respondents should clearly identify any proprietary or confidential information contained within their submission.

DISCLAIMER

This Expression of Interest (EOI) is issued solely for market research and acquisition planning purposes. This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or commitment by BEA or INL to procure supplies or services.

BEA reserves the right to use information received through this EOI to evaluate market capabilities, acquisition strategies, and potential supplier interest. Submission of an EOI response does not guarantee participation in any future solicitation and does not obligate BEA or INL to award a contract.

BEA is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents in preparing or submitting responses to this EOI. Information obtained through this process may be used to assist in developing future procurement requirements and solicitation strategies