Nuclear Energy Launch Pad
Accelerate Advanced Nuclear Technology from Demonstration to Deployment
The Launch Pad provides streamlined pathways for developers wanting to demonstrate advanced nuclear energy technology and accelerate commercial deployment. Leveraging DOE’s authority and expertise, the program supports developers working across a range of nuclear technologies, including advanced reactors, fuel fabrication, fuel enrichment, fuel reprocessing, and and other related technologies supporting advanced nuclear deployment.
Built on the proven success of DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs, Launch Pad offers participants flexible technical and regulatory frameworks designed to fast-track paths from concept to deployment.
Industry Day Presentations, Video Recording & Frequently Asked Questions
Expertise, capabilities & facilities
NRIC is developing a comprehensive catalog of expertise, capabilities and facilities available at universities and national laboratories to participants in the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad program.
*Funding is not available through DOE or NRIC. A contract vehicle will be required between developer and university or national laboratory.
Choose your pathway
Launch Pad INL
Demonstrate your technology at Idaho National Laboratory with access to dedicated land, existing infrastructure, and on-site nuclear expertise.
Launch Pad USA
Demonstrate at other DOE sites, national laboratories, or non-federal locations nationwide—with the flexibility to leverage regional and site-specific advantages.
Ready to get started?
Contact us
The Launch Pad team is ready to help you explore which pathway fits your demonstration project.
How to apply
Launch Pad applications will be accepted and evaluated on a continual basis. Application requirements and review criteria will mirror those used in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Program RFAs. This will ensure companies that have already applied for the pilot programs can seamlessly transition to the Launch Pad without reapplying.
Interested applicants must submit their responses to the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad RFA by June 19 at 5 p.m. MDT. The deadline for applications is July 8 at 5 p.m. MDT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the selection and application framework for those developers wishing to participate in the Launch Pad initiative?
To participate, developers must submit applications to NRIC. The Request for Application (RFA) will be accepted and evaluated on a continual basis. Application requirements will mirror the RFA of DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs. Applications already submitted to DOE’s Pilot Programs may be transferred to the Launch Pad and will not need to reapply.
Who can participate in Launch Pad
All applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible. NRIC will use all available tools
and authorities to verify eligibility and alignment with the strategic interests and foreign policies of the United States.
Applicants must be either:
1. Organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States or under the laws of the United States, have majority domestic ownership and control, and a physical location for business operations in the United States; or
2. Legally formed under the laws of a state or territory of the United States, including as a subsidiary of a foreign entity, and have a physical location for business operations in the United States; such entities will be considered foreign and must submit an explicit waiver request for foreign entity participation at the time of application. The information required for a waiver request can be found on FedConnect at the same location as this RFA.
SAM.gov Registration: SAM registration is required to be eligible for selection. Registration must remain active throughout the term of the project
Will the Department of Energy be providing funding to selected Launch Pad participants?
No, DOE will not provide funding to selected participants. DOE will be providing resources as part of the application review and selection. DOE costs for other activities associated with DOE authorization or NRC licensing, as part of this initiative, will be borne by the participant and will be delineated in the agreement instrument between the DOE and the participant. If the participant elects to engage Idaho National Laboratory or other national laboratories, those costs will be borne by the participant.
What are the options for contracting with DOE to participate?
One option is for participants to enter into an agreement directly with DOE under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract and function as the design authority for their facility. Another option for developers pursuing DOE Authorization would be to enter into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) or Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with
Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA), the Management and Operations Contractor of INL, for BEA to function as the Design Authority for their facility. If the developer enters into an OTA with DOE it does not preclude a contract with BEA for support activities. Other contracting mechanisms will be explored for those participants within the Launch Pad U.S.A. pathway.
Do developers who have already applied to DOE's pilot programs automatically get priority for the Launch Pad
The required information and review criteria for NRIC’s Launch Pad will mirror the requirements in the Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs RFAs. This will ensure that companies who have already applied for the Pilot Programs can transition to NRIC Launch Pad and do not need to reapply.