The Department of Energy (DOE) has made noteworthy changes to its contractor proposal solicitation for the U.S.-wide deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactors (Gen III+ SMRs), a significant program valued at $900 million. This announcement, made on March 24, 2025, indicates a shift toward aligning with the Trump administration’s energy policies, which was revealed in a statement by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
The initial solicitation was issued in October 2024, and the recent modifications aim to attract a range of proposals for early movers in this sphere. Wright emphasized, "This solicitation is a call to action for early movers seeking to put more energy on the grid through the deployment of advanced light-water small modular reactors." The intent is not just to innovate but also to push for a more substantial contribution of energy to the grid through modern technology.
Among the modifications, a significant change is the removal of all community benefits information that was required in the original solicitation. Additionally, the description regarding funding for the program's second tier, focusing on fast follower deployment support, has been reworded to indicate “approximately $100M” instead of the previous phrasing of “up to $100M.” This alteration may reflect a balanced approach as the Department aims to streamline and clarify the funding process.
The program comprises two distinct tiers. The first tier targets the first mover team support, providing a maximum of $800 million in funding for two teams that will be responsible for deploying the first two Gen III+ SMRs. This structure aims to encourage competition and innovation from a select group of contractors that would initiate projects in the small modular reactor space.
Entities that previously submitted proposals should take note; these proposals will not be evaluated, as the DOE has confirmed that all applicants must revise their submissions. This includes an outright deletion of any community benefit plan information. The DOE has set a deadline of April 23, 2025, for both new proposals and revised submissions, creating a push for timely action among interested contractors.
This restructuring of the proposal process signifies a major operational shift within the DOE, particularly in how they manage submissions. The office managing proposal filings has transitioned to FedConnect, a system where new account registrations are limited only to those designated as points of contact in SAM.gov. This change aims to centralize and streamline communications between contractors and the department, reflecting a high level of operational efficiency.
The DOE’s move to re-evaluate this program comes at a time when the energy landscape in the United States is rapidly evolving. With a burgeoning demand for more sustainable and efficient energy sources, the involvement of small modular reactors could potentially reshape the energy generation sector in the country. Small modular reactors are viewed as a promising technology for more flexible power generation that can complement renewable energy sources.
As the due date approaches, the DOE will be looking for innovative solutions and proposals that adhere to the new criteria. The competitive nature of the solicitation is expected to foster a climate of innovation, as contractors rush to position themselves as leaders within this promising sector of nuclear energy. With these changes, the DOE is signaling a clear direction toward embracing advanced technology in meeting the nation’s energy needs.
Ultimately, as contractors prepare their submissions, they will need to navigate the updated requirements set forth by the DOE. The adjustments reflect a broader vision within the U.S. government to further integrate cutting-edge energy solutions into the national grid. The proliferation of Gen III+ SMRs could mark a pivotal point in the United States’ energy strategy, paving the way for a more robust, resilient, and sustainable energy future.
