Nuclear Decommissioning Training

1.0 Introduction

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has a requirement for a contractor to provide decommissioning training to CNSC staff. The training will encompass decommissioning planning, preparation for decommissioning, execution and completion of decommissioning. The course will also address topics relevant to decommissioning such as waste characterization and cost estimation. The purpose of this advance contract award notice (ACAN) is to signal the CNSC’s intention to award a contract for these services to:

UChicago Argonne, LLC

o/a Argonne National Laboratory

9700 Cass Avenue

Lemont, Illinois, USA 60439

Before awarding a contract, however, the CNSC would like to provide other suppliers with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are capable of satisfying the requirements set out in this ACAN, by submitting a statement of capabilities within the posting period for this ACAN, which is eighteen (18) calendar days. 

If, during the posting period, other potential suppliers submit a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements set out in this ACAN, the CNSC may proceed to a full tendering process via the Government Electronic Tendering Service or by inviting bids directly from suppliers.

If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a statement of capabilities meeting the requirements set out in the ACAN, a contract will be awarded to the above-noted supplier.

2.0 Background

CNSC has identified a need for decommissioning training for CNSC to maintain and build in-house expertise at a time when CNSC staff work associated with decommissioning activities are anticipated to increase significantly in the coming years. This training shall address safety considerations during the planning and implementation of decommissioning, and for the release of facilities from regulatory control. The training shall include sharing international operational experiences and lessons. The work will involve the following training components:

• Responsibilities associated with decommissioning and regulatory aspects
• selection of decommissioning strategy and evaluation of alternatives
• decommissioning management (i.e. organization for the management and implementation, skills and training, record keeping and quality assurance;)
• planning for decommissioning (i.e.. developing decommissioning plans, surveys);
• preparation for decommissioning (e.g. safety shutdown, transition to decommissioning, characterization);
• execution of decommissioning (i.e.. storage with surveillance and maintenance activities for deferred decommissioning, decontamination and dismantlement techniques and methods);
• completion of decommissioning (i.e. confirmation of end-state objectives, end-state reporting);
• waste management (i.e. assessment of characteristics and amounts, consideration for the waste hierarchy, waste disposition alternatives)
• funding (cost estimation, including the management of resulting waste)

  The proposed contract is for a period of 4-5 days for delivery by March 31, 2021.

  The estimated value of the contract, including the option period, is $58,825 USD. Applicable taxes are extra.

  3.0 Minimum Mandatory Requirements

  Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a statement of capabilities that it meets the following requirements:

• The contractor must be a recognized expert on nuclear decommissioning, demonstrated extensive experience (20+ years) in conducting decommissioning of various nuclear fuel cycle activities
• Knowledge and understanding of nuclear decommissioning and of nuclear regulatory process. Understanding of how decommissioning projects are planned and executed in Canada and internationally.
• Significant experience in providing formalized training to professionals, including scientists and engineers

4.0 Justification for the Pre-selected Supplier

The proposed contractor has extensive experience in performing decommissioning activities for various fuel cycle facilities. The experience and lessons learned have enabled the proposed contractor to develop a Facility Decommissioning Training Course. The course also utilizes experts from various decommissioning projects as part of the training. The contractor has many years of delivering this course internationally as well as in Canada. The contractor is a demonstrated provider for a nuclear decommissioning course, offering the full breadth of the decommissioning process and topics of interest and at an appropriate level of detail for professional scientists and engineers in the nuclear industry. Furthermore, this course is being offered virtually during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic when travel and close contact classroom participation are challenging.

1. Statement of Capabilities

   Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to meet the specified requirements may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contracting authority identified in this notice on or before the closing date of this notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

   The closing date and time for accepting statements of capabilities is January 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. (EST).

   6.0 Contact Information

   Inquiries and statements of capabilities are to be directed in writing to:

   Luc Bonhomme
   Email: cnsc.solicitation-demandedesoumission.ccsn@canada.ca

   7.0 Policy Information

   Government Contracts Regulations (GCRs) section 6: “Notwithstanding section 5, a contracting authority may enter into a contract without soliciting bids where… (d) only one person is capable of performing the contract.”