Silicon Carbide Cladding Lead Test Rod Development-Phase 1

The Department of Energy’s Idaho Operations Office is seeking a single awardee to lead Phase 1 of a three‑year research, development, and fabrication effort to produce silicon‑carbide (SiC) cladding specimens for insertion into research reactors, subsequent irradiation, and post‑irradiation examinations. The effort aims to advance the scientific and technological maturity of SiC cladding for future commercial light‑water reactor fuel rods, supporting licensing, safety, and performance data generation. The award will be a Cooperative Agreement with a minimum 20 % cost‑share requirement and an estimated total project cost of up to $62.5 million (government share $50 million). All work must be performed in the United States, and the awardee may collaborate with DOE‑funded research centers as sub‑recipients. • Scope: SiC cladding material fabrication, mechanical/thermal‑hydraulic testing, high‑temperature and corrosion testing, irradiation in research reactors (e.g., INL ATR, ORNL HFIR, MITR), and post‑irradiation examinations. • Deliverables: Qualified SiC cladding specimens, performance data, modeling tools, supply‑chain and manufacturing recommendations, and a roadmap toward licensing and commercial deployment. • Eligibility: U.S. higher‑education institutions, for‑profit and nonprofit entities, state/local governments, and Indian tribes; foreign participation only via waivers. • Funding: Up to $50 M federal share; total project cost up to $62.5 M; 20 % cost share required. • Timeline: Application due 7 Dec 2026; award anticipated 6 Apr 2027; performance period 3 years starting 6 Apr 2027.