# Tech Licensing Opportunity: ViBRANT: Visual Benign Reactor As Analog for Nuclear Testing

Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/ba1398

- Solicitation number: BA-1398
- Notice type: Special notice
- Status: Closed. Deadline was July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT
- Department: Department of Energy
- Contracting office: Battelle Energy Alliance–doe CNTR (899050)
- NAICS: 541511 Custom Computer Programming Services
- Product or service code: R412 Simulation
- Place of performance: Idaho Falls, Idaho
- County: Bonneville County (FIPS 16019). https://abierto.us/counties/bonneville-county-id-16019
- City: Idaho Falls. https://abierto.us/cities/idaho-falls-id-1639700
- First posted: July 1, 2024
- Last posted: April 13, 2026
- SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/80839a339dd341389e404d6ac47a5979/view

## Description

**ViBRANT:** Visual Benign Reactor As Analog for Nuclear Testing ViBRANT offers a revolutionary approach to simulating and understanding nuclear reactor behaviors using a geometrically accurate, LED-based analog model.

**The Challenge:** In the intricate world of nuclear reactor design and testing, the gap between theoretical models and tangible applications presents significant hurdles. Traditionally, this process involves a lengthy and rigid sequence of design, build, test, refine, and repeat, fraught with potential hazards and inefficiencies. Enter ViBRANT (Visual Benign Reactor As Analog for Nuclear Testing), a solution designed to streamline and safeguard this process.

Through its innovative use of geometrically accurate, LED-based models, ViBRANT offers a safer, quicker, and more intuitive way to understand and iterate nuclear reactor behaviors and systems. How it Works: ViBRANT is a physical apparatus designed to mimic the core configuration of nuclear reactors, such as the SNAP-10A and MARVEL reactors, using 20,000 individually addressable LED lights.

This model facilitates a direct, intuitive connection between digital simulation and physical phenomena, enabling rapid iterations of design, testing, and refinement in a safe, accessible format. It represents a significant step forward in nuclear reactor development, training, and educational tools by bridging the gap between digital approximations and physical reality.

**Key Advantages:** Provides a geometrically accurate representation of nuclear reactor cores. Enables rapid, agile iterations between concept ideation and analog validation. Reduces the hazards and protocols associated with full-scale nuclear reactor deployment. Improves understanding and integration of digital and physical development processes. Enhances human interaction with complex nuclear systems through visual and sensory engagement.

Problems Solved Long, sequential development cycles in nuclear reactor design and testing. Uncertainties and approximations inherent in purely digital simulation methods. Accessibility and safety concerns associated with direct interaction with nuclear reactors. Lack of intuitive, hands-on learning tools for nuclear physics and engineering education. Market Applications Training and education tools for nuclear reactor operation and safety protocols.

Development and testing platforms for microreactor automated control systems. Simulation and modeling tools for advanced nuclear reactor design and research. Public engagement and educational exhibits on nuclear technology and safety.

**Development Status:** TRL 8 US Patent Application No. 18/538,864, “BENIGN REACTIVITY ANALOGS FOR NUCLEAR MODELING,” BEA Docket No. BA-1398 INL Tech Partnerships: Your Gateway to Innovation INL offers strategic access to proprietary technology, enhancing small business growth and contributing to economic and public advancement. We cater licensing terms to each business we work with, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements. Engage with our diverse technology offerings to propel your company forward.

Learn more about our licensing opportunities and the support we provide at https://inl.gov/technology-deployment/. For specific discussions on how your business can benefit, please contact td@inl.gov. INL’s Technology Deployment department focuses exclusively on licensing intellectual property and partnering with industry collaborators capable of commercializing our innovations. Our goal is to commercialize the technologies developed by INL researchers.

We do not engage in purchasing, manufacturing, procurement decisions, or providing funding. Additionally, this is not a call for external services to assist in the development of this technology.

## Publications

- July 1, 2024: Special notice, due July 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT. Notice 94a12285a9104509830d1b9822385f07. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/94a12285a9104509830d1b9822385f07/view
- October 31, 2024: Special notice, due July 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT. Notice 9b265b70059c4a8a854529522aafcf3f. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/9b265b70059c4a8a854529522aafcf3f/view
- July 21, 2025: Special notice, due August 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT. Notice dbcf3f6aefc14a02af656f283a098080. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/dbcf3f6aefc14a02af656f283a098080/view
- July 21, 2025: Special notice, due August 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT. Notice e6da7adb3b8b4716b54a71e784961f4d. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e6da7adb3b8b4716b54a71e784961f4d/view
- July 21, 2025: Special notice, due August 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT. Notice f8f14e9e01704ea9ab85d2db0ba71a79. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/f8f14e9e01704ea9ab85d2db0ba71a79/view
- September 16, 2025: Special notice, due October 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT. Notice 4b42eb55943744eca31b367f33f77347. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/4b42eb55943744eca31b367f33f77347/view
- April 13, 2026: Special notice, due July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT. Notice 80839a339dd341389e404d6ac47a5979. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/80839a339dd341389e404d6ac47a5979/view

## Points of contact

- Javier Martinez, javier.martinez@inl.gov

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Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/ba1398.
