Technical Questions - Repsonse

Thank you for the detailed technical questions. It was not expected to get to this level of detail for the request for information to evaluate market interest and capabilities. We are providing details below, however, please note that technical requirements may change prior to future actions.
Round 1 Questions to RFI-966967: U-10Mo Monolithic Fuel Fabrication October 1, 2026

RFI Section
(if applicable)
2.1

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No.

Question
What analysis equipment is required?
• Low Carbon Arc Cast molybdenum is typically provided by commercial suppliers with a material certification; no further analysis is required unless it does not meet the specification (in which case it can be rejected or accepted with further
substantiation).
• HALEU is provided by the US Government with a material certification, no further analysis is required.
• U-10Mo alloy requires isotopic, transuranic, and impurity analysis as identified in SPC-70872. Qualification of the process using the analysis equipment is required and approved by the design authority. Typically, the process includes a combination of alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Is the required analysis equipment supplied by NNSA?
• It can be, if desired, along with fabrication equipment. What crucible material is used in the VIM furnace?
• Typically, crucibles and molds are fabricated from high purity graphite. Ceramics may be acceptable for use in a VIM; they would require process verification testing.
Are the crucibles custom fabricated?
• The crucibles and molds are machined either in house or by a commercial supplier.
What surface treatment is used to prevent corrosion?
• The crucible and molds are coated to prevent corrosion and erosion. Erbium oxide is currently being used. Alternatives are available and would require process verification testing. Is that process and corresponding equipment supplied by NNSA? • If desired the equipment can be supplied by NNSA along with technical support for installation and implementation.
Alternatively, the offeror may design, select, and develop their own process using the provided process windows; process verification testing would be required.
What are the tolerances required for the U-10Mo ingot?

The ingot, which is the U-10Mo ready for hot roll bonding needs to be held to normal machining tolerances (+/- 0.05 inches) for length, width, and thickness.
Is it possible to hit the required dimensions/tolerances without