Dose reduction when manipulating Americium in a glovebox

This PIN is to inform the supply chain that the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is considering developing methods and technologies for reducing the contact dose when manipulating Americium in a glovebox. If the contact dose can be reduced and enabled in a glovebox, as opposed to using master slave manipulators in a hot cell, this would provide cost and time savings.

This challenge will be administered though the Game Changers programme and advertised on their website during October 2020. This document will provide a detailed overview of the challenge and NNL's technical requirements along with any deployment restrictions. A webinar will be held during November 2020 where NNL will further describe the challenge. Details of the webinar will be shared on the Game Changers website. Interested technology providers should complete and submit a Game Changers application via the Game Changers website www.gamechangers.technology. The challenge is open to any organisation who feel they can meet the technical requirements. The closing date for applications will be in November 2020.

Interested organisations should note that the issue of this PIN may not result in a full procurement exercise being conducted. The outcome of the Game Changers Challenge will determine whether a full procurement exercise will follow. We would therefore encourage any organisation which has the capability, knowledge and experience in developing glovebox-based, radiation dose reduction technologies to respond to this PIN and visit the Game Changers website for further information on the upcoming Game Changers Challenge.

If NNL progresses to a future procurement opportunity for the implementation of glovebox-based dose reduction technologies, the learning gathered from the Game Changers technology study may be shared with all potential suppliers, noting that commercially sensitive information will not be included.

Additional information: Please visit www.gamechangers.technology for further details.