[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 237 (Monday, December 11, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63515-63516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-30086]



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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Privatization of Isotope Activities; Comment Request

AGENCY: Department of Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Notice for Expressions of Interest.

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SUMMARY: Expressions of Interest are sought concerning the possible 
privatization of DOE isotope activities such as selling or leasing 
existing DOE facilities for commercial use; sale of existing isotope 
inventory; isotope marketing, distribution, or technical services; and 
other innovative arrangements for enhanced private sector involvement 
in isotope operations.

DATES: This notice is effective on the date of publication and will 
remain effective until February 23, 1996. Responses may be submitted at 
any time prior to February 23, 1996. An information meeting addressing 
this notice will be held at the DOE facility in Germantown, Maryland, 
from 9:00 a.m. until noon on January 10, 1996. Information packages 
distributed during the January 10, 1996, meeting will be made available 
to interested parties after January 11, 1996. Submit requests to the 
programmatic information contact listed below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for programmatic information 
should be directed to: Mr. Owen W. Lowe, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Isotope Production and Distribution, NE-70 (GTN), 19901 Germantown 
Road, Germantown, MD 20874, (301) 903-5161.
    Expressions of Interest (original plus five copies), citing this 
notice, should be postmarked by February 23, 1996, and mailed to: U.S. 
Department of Energy, Document Control Specialist, HR-562, Headquarters 
Procurement Operations, 1615 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Purpose
II. Areas of DOE Interest
III. Expressions of Interest Format

I. Purpose

    The DOE Isotope Program has a twofold mission. First, the Isotope 
Program produces and distributes certain radioisotopes and enriched 
stable isotopes for research or development purposes. Prices for these 
isotopes are set at a level designed to balance cost recovery with the 
national priority of meeting U.S. research needs and supporting our 
health care system. Second, other radioisotopes and enriched stable 
isotopes are produced and distributed for medical diagnostics and 
therapeutics, industrial, agricultural, and other useful applications 
on a cost-recovery basis.
    The DOE Isotope Program currently produces isotopes at six 
locations in the United States. The isotope products and related 
services from these sites are provided only where: a) there is no 
existing domestic, private sector capability; b) unique Government 
facilities are needed to provide such a capacity; or c) other 
productive capacity is insufficient to meet pressing national needs. 
While continuing to assure that a reliable supply exists, DOE is 
encouraging privatization of DOE Isotope Program activities in order to 
fulfill the DOE Isotope Program's missions at a reduced cost to isotope 
customers and the Nation's taxpayers by greater involvement of the 
private sector. This notice is not intended to be a solicitation for 
proposals. Instead, it is an attempt to obtain information and to 
identify interested private sector participants in the possible 
privatization of some or all DOE isotope activities. Activities that 
fall under the scope of this notice include, but are not limited to, 
selling or leasing existing DOE facilities for commercial use; sale of 
existing isotope inventory; isotope marketing, distribution, or 
technical services; and other innovative arrangements for private 
sector isotope operations. Depending on the nature of the responses and 
subsequent determinations by DOE, a formal solicitation for competitive 
proposals may be published in the future, and awards may be made based 
upon an evaluation of proposals received pursuant to the evaluation 
criteria as stated in the solicitation.

II. Areas of DOE Interest

    DOE is seeking to encourage innovative Expressions of Interest for 
privatization. Expressions of Interest should be structured to address:
    1. The development or deployment of isotope production, 
distribution, and services in terms of:
    a. A significant decrease over the cost of current methods through 
a substantial reduction in the cost of manufacturing by use of more 
efficient methods or technology.
    b. Feasibility of approach consistent with proposed cost. The 
Expression of Interest must demonstrate a knowledgeable approach and an 
appreciation of risks.
    2. Probability of success: Clarity of objectives and quality of 
approach. The approach should be based on well-defined objectives, 
milestones, and deliverables. The approach should contain a reasonable 
and practical plan for providing the maximum private sector 
participation on a financial and managerial basis and at the least cost 
to the Government.
    3. The appropriateness of the facilities and techniques. The need 
for (and availability of) facilities, equipment, design and 
manufacturing tools; technical, financial, and administrative 
resources; and the protection of intellectual property.

III. Expression of Interest Format

    The length of the Expression of Interest should not be more than 15 
pages (double spaced) using a 12-point type font. It is left to the 
responder to determine how best to use the 15 pages, however, it would 
facilitate review if the Expression of Interest was divided into the 
following sections:

Section 1--Summary
Section 2--Comments on privatization of some or all DOE isotope 
activities
Section 3--Additional comments and recommendations

Proprietary Information

    If the Expression of Interest contains information that is 
privileged or confidential and that the respondent does not want 
disclosed to the public or used by the Government for any purpose other 
than this notice, the respondent should place the following notice on 
the Expression of Interest.

    Notice: The data contained in pages ________ of this Expression of 
Interest has been submitted in confidence and contains trade secrets or 
commercial or financial information that is confidential or privileged, 
and such data should be used or disclosed only for purposes of 
consideration of this 

[[Page 63516]]
response. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use 
or disclose data obtained without restriction from any source including 
the respondent.

Submission

    Each submittal should consist of six copies, one original and five 
photocopies. The original copy of the Expression of Interest shall 
contain all documents that bear original signatures. DOE is under no 
obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or 
submission of Expressions of Interest in response to this notice. DOE 
reserves the right to respond or not respond to any portion, all, or 
none of the Expressions of Interest submitted in response to this 
notice.

    Issued in Washington, D.C., on November 21, 1995.
Terry R. Lash,
Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology.
[FR Doc. 95-30086 Filed 12-8-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P