Jane Edwards
The Department of Energy has released a request for proposals for a potential 15-year contract to manage and operate the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Virginia.
DOE said Wednesday that TJNAF is a federally funded research and development center focused on delivering technological and scientific breakthroughs in nuclear physics, accelerator science and technology and large-scale user facilities and advanced instrumentation.
The department expects to award the TJNAF management and operating contract before the existing agreement with Jefferson Science Associates expires by the end of May 2025.
The selected contractor is expected to assume full responsibility for the facility’s operation on June 1, 2025.
DOE will discuss the solicitation’s key elements through a virtual pre-proposal conference on July 18 and host a site tour for interested stakeholders on July 23.
According to the RFP’s cover letter, the agency will award one cost-reimbursement, performance-based contract, which has a five-year base period and could be extended for up to 15 years based on performance.
DOE will evaluate proposals against several factors: science vision and implementation plan, past performance, transition plan, management approach and laboratory operations.
Offerors are required to submit a transition plan covering a three-month phase-in period and a small business subcontracting plan.
Proposals are due Sept. 30.
In February, the department issued a request for information and unveiled a website to provide details of the upcoming contract competition.
