CY 2022 DOE Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM) Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP)

Classification Code:A - Research & DevelopmentNAICS Codes:541713 -- Research and Technology in Nanotechnology541714 -- Research and Technology in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)541715 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)611310 -- Colleges, Universities and Professional SchoolsResponse Date:April 8, 2022   5:00 PM Eastern Standard TimeContracting Office Address:505 King AvenueColumbus, OH 43201USAPlace of Performance:AS PROPOSED BY THE AWARDEES.United States Primary Point of Contact:Ellen HarrisonProcurement Representativeellen.harrison@srnl.doe.govPhone: 803-725-4851Secondary Point of Contact:Debbie PopeProcurement Representativedebbie.pope@srnl.doe.govPhone: 803-725-4455Overview:Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) solicits

Expressions of interest (EOI) from Minority Serving Institutions that provide research, design, development, engineering, test and evaluation and educational services to assist in the accomplishment of the current and future missions of the Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM).  Services shall include all areas of professional development that support defined DOE-EM research and development needs.  Collaboration with partners and funding agencies, preparation of written reports and presentations of results shall be elements of provided services.This program covers applied research and related activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that support defined EM needs in Soil and Groundwater, Deactivation & Decommissioning, Tank Waste, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Climate Change.  Activities performed in collaboration with DOE laboratories are especially encouraged.  The hub national laboratory for the MSIPP is SRNL.  This program is managed by SRNL, which is operated by Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), at the Savannah River Site (SRS) for the Department of Energy.Any tasks to be furnished will be defined in a Statement of Work associated with a Task Order Agreement.  Universities may be required to submit a Quality Assurance Plan or provide a Safety Plan in support of manual on-site work.Eligibility:MSIs are defined by the U.S. Department of Education as institutions of higher education enrolling populations with significant percentages of minority students, or that serve certain populations of minority students under various programs created by Congress.To be considered eligible for the MSIPP, an MSI must:1)  award bachelor’s degrees in STEM disciplines2)  be an accredited postsecondary public or private institution3)  be a nonprofit institution4)  enroll populations with significant percentages of undergraduate minority students, or serve certain populations of minority students under various programs created by Congress (http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html).Response Required:Any eligible MSI interested in submitting a proposal for financial assistance for applied research and related STEM activities on the Sub-Program Priority Areas and Research Needs listed below must respond with a Letter of Interest by April 8, 2022.  All letters must be submitted by email to ellen.harrison@srnl.doe.gov and debbie.pope@srnl.doe.gov . The following must be included in the Letter of Interest:Institution Name:Institutional Accreditation (Accrediting Agency):Sub-program Priority Area (PA) and Research Need (RN) Category of Proposed Research (List Below):Proposed Title:                                            Eligible institutions that respond with a Letter of Interest will be provided with a Request for Proposal.  Expressions of Interest are to be addressed by email to the Points of Contact identified in this notice.This EOI is a “Sources Sought” notice only for eligible institutions interested in submitting proposals for financial assistance for applied research and related activities in STEM fields that support defined DOE-EM research and development needs.   The DOE Office of Environmental Management mission is to complete the safe clean-up of the environmental legacy brought about from decades of nuclear weapons development and government-sponsored nuclear energy research. Environmental Management (EM) missions and priorities are instrumental in the successful clean-up process. Research and technologies proposed in response to the CY22 MSIPP Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request For Proposals (RFP) should align with DOE-EM key priority areas.The following are some of the key priority areas for CY22:*Achieve significant construction project milestonesComplete cold commissioning of the first WTP Melter at HanfordBegin construction of K-East Reactor Cocooning Enclosure at HanfordBegin construction of the AMC Facility at Savannah RiverComplete all concrete placements for SDU-9 at Savannah RiverComplete construction of New Filter Building for SSCVS at WIPP*Executive key projects that enable the EM clean-up missionBegin tank waste pre-treatment at Hanford through TSCR operationsComplete processing of 100 sodium-bearing waste containers at the IWTU at IdahoComplete all Subsurface Disposal Area buried waste remediation at IdahoTreat 4 million gallons of tank waste at Savannah River Complete demolition of the X-326 process building at PortsmouthBegin hot cell processing of the high-activity uranium-233 inventory at Oak RidgeInstall equipment to support Los Alamos transuranic waste removal from WCSComplete 30 shipments of transuranic waste from Los Alamos to WIPPComplete 50 Percent of West Access Drift Mining at WIPPBegin demolition of Main Plant Process Building at West ValleyComplete demolition of remaining ancillary support facilities at West ValleyComplete removal of a cumulative 13M tons of material from the Moab siteDisposition 1 million pounds of hazardous refrigerant from PaducahBegin demolition of the TCC and EMAD facilities at NevadaBegin demolition of Building B251 at Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryComplete remediation of the D1G Ditch Area at Naval Reactors’ Kesselring Site MSI Research Topic AreasThe following program descriptions are offered to provide more in‐depth information on STEM areas of interest to the Office of Environmental Management. Specific areas of research interest are identified in each Sub‐Program Priority Areas and Research Needs list.  1. Soil and GroundwaterThe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) manages the largest groundwater and soil remediation effort in the world. The inventory at the DOE sites includes 6.5 trillion liters of contaminated groundwater, an amount equal to about four times the daily U.S. water consumption, and 40 million cubic meters of soil and debris contaminated with radionuclides, metals, and organics. At large sites such as Hanford (Richland, WA), Savannah River (Aiken, SC), and Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge, TN), the Office of Technology Development conducts research and demonstration projects to test new technologies and remediation approaches. These initiatives are developing remediation alternatives ranging from active engineered systems to passive methods such as natural attenuation to address a variety of DOE‐EM contaminants. They are being integrated into a systems‐based, risk‐informed, remediation framework that is being applied across the DOE‐EM complex.Research and Development (R&D) can include characterization and monitoring; stabilization, remediation and processing; and modeling, visualization and analysis. The goal of research and technology development activities is to deliver approaches and technologies from highly leveraged and strategic investments that maximize the reduction of risk and life‐cycle cleanup costs.Sub‐Program Priority Areas (PA), Research Needs (RN), and Conditions (C):PA1: Attenuation-Based Remedies for the SubsurfaceRN1: R&D leading to solutions to address contamination resulting from subsurface metals and metalloids including iodine and chromium; radionuclides including uranium, plutonium, technetium, and americium; and recalcitrant organics including trichloroethane (TCE) perchloroethylene (PCE), tribuylphosphine (TBP), and others.C1: Research should complement or extend the work.PA2: Deep Vadose ZoneRN2: R&D leading to improved characterization, remediation, monitoring, and prediction for the deep vadose zoneC2: Research should complement or extend the work funded at Richland, Washington and address those issues related to uranium, iodine, and chromium in groundwater. For additional information please visit: Evaluation of Central Plateau Remediation Alternatives: Interim Status Report (Technical Report) | OSTI.GOV and Deep Vadose Zone Monitoring Strategy for the Hanford Central Plateau (Technical Report) | OSTI.GOVPA3: Remediation of Mercury and Industrial ContaminantsRN3: R&D leading to the control of contaminant flux in soil and water environments As well as mitigating the presence of contaminate vapors in confined space.C3: Research should complement or extend the work of the Mercury Initiative based at the Oak Ridge Reservation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, that focuses on protecting surface water, groundwater, and ecological receptors. The Oak Ridge Mercury Strategy can be found at Mercury Remediation Technology Development for Lower East Fort Poplar Creek - FY2018 Update (Technical Report) | OSTI.GOV and Microsoft Word - Hg Strategy Ver D1_3-28-13_Final.docx (energy.gov).PA4: Monitoring at Environmental Remediation SitesPA4: Across the DOE Complex, long-term monitoring of residual subsurface contamination that is undergoing naturally attenuation and/or bio remediation requires new approaches, sensors, and data analysis to ensure the safety and health of the environment. For additional information please visit Scientific Opportunities for Monitoring at Environmental Remediation Sites (SOMERS): Integrated Systems-Based Approaches to Monitoring (Technical Report) | OSTI.GOV; Deep Vadose Zone Monitoring Strategy for the Hanford Central Plateau (Technical Report) | OSTI.GOV; and Guidance for Monitoring Passive Groundwater Remedies Over Extended Time Scales (Technical Report) | OSTI.GOV.2. Deactivation & DecommissioningDeactivation and Decommissioning (D&D) is the process of taking an active/excess/abandoned facility to a final disposition end state. Because of residual radioactivity, other hazardous constituents, and the physical condition of EM’s facilities, D&D presents unique hazards that must be addressed from a safety, programmatic, environmental, and technological standpoint. The general D&D process applies to all facilities across the EM complex. The D&D function within the Office of Infrastructure and D&D focusses on innovative applications and timely insertion of existing commercially available technologies, to address D&D risks and challenges. In cases where appropriate technologies do not exist or are not at the required level of maturity, the Office supports R&D to increase technology maturation. The program supports the development of an informed facility D&D strategy such as In‐Situ Decommissioning (entombment), enhanced verifiability of the efficacy of D&D operations, increased productivity, personnel safety of D&D operation, facilitation of acceptable facility end‐states, and independent verification.Sub‐Program Priority Areas (PA), Research Needs (RN), and Conditions (C):PA1: Unique sensor networks for remote monitoring of entombed facilities and tanksRN1: R&D leading to the development and deployment of these networksC1: Research should extend techniques already developed at DOE labsPA2: Interactions between radiological and chemical contaminants of concern to DOE (e.g. plutonium, cesium, mercury, etc.) and facility materials (e.g. concrete, steel, nickel, etc.)RN2: R&D leading to a better scientific understanding of these interactionsC2: Scientific understanding should support the development of cost effective methods to decontaminate facility materials.PA3: Incombustible fixatives and decontamination agentsRN3: R&D leading to the development of these fixatives and agents for a nuclear facility. Also, the development of testing protocols to demonstrate their acceptance.C3: Meets ASTM standard from E10.03. Protocols should be applicable to various DOE facilities.PA4: Enhanced Characterization and Real-Time Monitoring TechnologiesRN4: R&D Leading to improved field deployable instrumentation; with increased detection limits and precision and accuracy for both radiological and chemical contaminantsC4: Research could include development of a real-time field-deployable asbestos characterization/quantification instrument and fixed radiation monitors with automatic shift in the direction of prevailing and changing winds.PA5: Robotics and remote systems with plug‐and‐play interchangeable componentsRN5: There are several areas where advancements in robotics will benefit the DOE Environmental Management mission. Research in any of the areas described below will be considered: (1) R&D leading to advances in the development of multi-use robots and remote systems ranging from simple tele-operated units to fully autonomous systems applicable to DOE Environmental Management tasks including D&D. (2) R&D targeting sensors that can be deployed on mobile platforms. Sensors of interest include devices to characterize the condition of inaccessible nuclear facilities (e.g. concrete structures) such as gamma scanning, UT, IR, GPR, laser mapping, etc. (3) Wearable robotics to enhance worker capability and safety. The DOE complex employs numerous gloveboxes where operators work through rubber gloves. R&D involving tele-operated manipulators that can be deployed through existing gloves and requires no modification to the existing infrastructure would be beneficial. https://energy.gov/em/office-environmental-managementC5: Research should support component development with application to DOE nuclear facilities. Devices developed for DOE nuclear facilities must be rugged and able to operate in radioactive environments ranging from low to highly radioactive. Developers should consider the facilities to be an industrial setting with the objective to execute tasks that are dirty (contaminated), dull (routine, repetitive), dangerous (occupational hazards), and difficult (requires engineered measures).PA6: Models for facility decommissioningRN6: R&D leading to model development for facility integrity, decommissioning strategy, and environmental impact of nuclear decommissioning and demolition.C6: Research could include modeling of degradation and its effects on decommissioning scope and costs3. Tank WasteEM is dedicated to safely disposing of waste and seeks cost-effective and environmentally responsible project execution methods. EM offices that focus on waste management provide leadership in planning and executing EM programs for the storage, retrieval, pretreatment, treatment, and final preparation of nuclear materials for disposal and tank closure planning.Tank Waste and Waste ProcessingThe Department has approximately 88 million gallons of liquid waste stored in underground tanks and approximately 4,000 cubic meters of solid waste derived from the liquids stored in bins. The current DOE estimated cost for retrieval, treatment and disposal of this waste exceeds $50 billion to be spent over several decades. The highly radioactive portion of this waste, located at the Hanford Site, Idaho National Laboratory, and Savannah River Site, must be treated, immobilized, and prepared for shipment to a waste repository. Efforts currently focus on improving pre‐treatment to reduce the amount of waste that must be disposed, retrieval technologies, vitrification performance, and breakthrough immobilization technologies.Sub‐Program Priority Areas (PA), Research Needs (RN), and Conditions (C):PA1: Current DOE tank waste and waste processing approachesRN1: R&D leading to the development of technology improvements that address technology gaps or optimize the current DOE flow sheets.C1: Research should be in at least one of the following areas: Characterization of Physical and Chemical Properties (both in-situ and laboratory techniques); Improvement in Slurry Transport, Mixing, and Flammability Control; Refining the Separations Processes for removal of selected radionuclides from the waste; and Optimizing Processing Facilities and Waste Forms.PA2: Alternative DOE tank waste processing optionsRN2: R&D leading to addressing challenges to alternative processes, to eliminate the need for new massive facilities, to start waste treatment operations sooner, and to accelerate reduction of hazards from materials stored in tanks.C2: Research should be in at least one of the following areas: Development of Alternative Separations Methods and Deployment Strategies or Development of Alternative Waste Forms and ProcessesPA3: Tank Management and ClosureRN3: R&D leading to improved tank integrity, water intrusion detection, and leak detection.Closure objectives include achieving retrieval goals, developing protocols for residual waste characterization and immobilization, establishing barriers to the release of constituents of interest, and development of closure materials.C3: Research should be in at least one of the following areas: Improvement in tank leak and intrusion detection and mitigation; improvement in in-situ sampling, analysis, characterization, and monitoring for tank closure; development of retrieval method alternatives (mechanical and chemical); and improvement in the technical basis for closure and performance assessments.4.    Artificial Intelligence (AI)EM’s vision is to transform DOE into a world-leading AI enterprise by accelerating the research, development, delivery, and adoption of AI. The Artificial Intelligence and Technology Office (AITO), the Department of Energy’s center for Artificial Intelligence, will accelerate the delivery of AI-enabled capabilities, scale the department-wide development and impact of AI, and synchronize AI activities to advance the agency’s core missions, expand partnerships, and support American AI Leadership.Sub‐Program Priority Areas (PA), Research Needs (RN), and Conditions (C):PA1: Cutting-Edge Airborne Methane Detection TechnologyRN1: The objective of the new research is to develop an airborne, autonomous, real-time leak detection technology that applies machine learning techniques to passive optical sensing modalities to mitigate emissions through early detection.C1: Smart Methane Emission Detection System Development (SLED/M): Develop technologies which allow SLED/M to operate from an aerial platform or drone. Perform testing, collect data, and develop a machine-learning-based methane detection algorithm to detect leaks from a drone using the existing SLED/M components.PA2: Machine Learning (ML)RN2: Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are being used to extract actionable information from vast environmental datasets and to support key decisions in environmental closure and monitoring strategies. Examples include the use of AI techniques to better evaluate historical groundwater monitoring data to optimize long-term monitoring strategies, interpret spatially integrative geophysical methods to improve environmental monitoring and to better evaluate long-term mobility of plumes as the geochemistry evolves.5.    Climate ChangeThe Department of Energy (DOE) has released the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP) in 2021, requiring DOE to address risks posed by climate change, including rising costs to maintain infrastructure from more frequent and extreme weather events and climate changes. The DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) currently manages sites over a wide range of geographical and climate settings, each containing mission-critical assets. These assets include operating facilities, waste storage tanks, active remediation treatments, and disposal cells.Increased incidence of frequent and extreme events, including flooding, drought, intense precipitation/windstorms, storm surge, wildfires, erosion, and vegetation mortality, have been identified as threats to site assets. Such events will increase operational costs and efficiency and may damage critical EM infrastructure. Each DOE site and office is tasked with developing a site-specific Vulnerability Assessment and Resiliency Plan (VARP) to address the long-term challenges mission-critical assets will encounter.Priority Area 1: Resiliency solutions to mitigate impacts of extreme eventsResearch Needs 1: Ways to lessen the economic and environmental impact of increased flooding, drought, intense precipitation, increased winds, wildfires, erosion, flooding, etc. to maintain or reduce operational cost and efficiency at DOE-EM sites. This will ideally focus on climate data specific to sites in New York, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and New Mexico.Priority Area 2: Identify solutions for DOE-EM sites for DOE’s top 5 identified vulnerabilitiesResearch Needs 2: DOE identified the following vulnerabilities of climate that could impact DOE’s long-term mission. More information can be found in section IV of the 2021 Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan.Workforce – adaptation to rising temperatures, extreme weather, epidemics/pandemics that could result in workforce inefficiencies, site evacuations, and overall inability to perform daily dutiesSupply chain and distribution – extreme weather events could impact transportation and manufacturing processes, resulting in mission-critical supplies being delayedEnergy and water systems – impact of increased weather events on systems due to downed power lines, failed transformers, and disrupted power distribution. Additionally, an overabundance of water due to increased precipitation can negatively affect DOE’s missionMission specific operations and equipment – high powered equipment (e.g. particle accelerators, bio-refinery pilot plants, supercomputers, waste processing facilities) face potential disruptions due to increase weather or drought.Real property and physical assets – increased wildfires in the western regions are associated with increased temperatures and drought. Site operations could be suspended due to wildfires.