Request for Application: NRIC Nuclear Energy Launch Pad

The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad program, administered by the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) at Idaho National Laboratory, invites private‑sector developers to submit applications for DOE‑authorized deployment of advanced nuclear reactors or related fuel‑cycle facilities. Applicants must provide a detailed technical volume (≤ 50 pages), a project schedule, and demonstrate full funding, technology maturity, waste‑management plans, and compliance with DOE safety and regulatory standards. The RFA is open initially until July 8, 2026, after which it remains open for rolling selections. Selected projects will receive programmatic support via Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreements and, where needed, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts. • Scope includes reactors, fuel‑fabrication, enrichment, conversion/de‑conversion, recycling, and supporting facilities. • Applicants must self‑fund all costs; DOE provides no direct funding. • Evaluation criteria cover technology readiness, nuclear feedstock strategy, waste management, schedule credibility, DOE authorization pathway, funding adequacy, and team experience. • Two pathways: Launch Pad INL (site at Idaho National Laboratory) and Launch Pad U.S.A. (any DOE‑authorized or non‑federal U.S. site).