Characterizing the transport properties of iodine in natural illite-rich clay barriers sampled from Cigar Lake uranium deposit

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW:

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is seeking offers to conduct characterizing studies on clay samples from the Cigar Lake Uranium Deposit in Saskatchewan, Canada. The primary objectives include acquiring clay samples from the clay-rich zones overlying the ore-body, characterizing their geotechnical and geochemical properties, and developing an experimental program to measure the transport properties of iodine under conditions that mimic in-situ circumstances. The study aims to enhance understanding of iodine transport mechanisms in the vicinity of uranium deposits.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION:

• Organization Name: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
• Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Contact: Team Procurement
  Email: [email protected]

KEY DATES:

• Posted Date: June 9, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: July 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM (EDT)
• Anticipated Start Date: Summer/Fall 2026
• Contract Duration: 24 months

CONTRACT DETAILS:

• Contract Type: Competitive tendering for a single contract.
• Estimated Budget: Maximum project budget is $150,000.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Offerors must demonstrate capability to acquire and analyze approximately 20-30 core clay samples.
• Must possess expertise in geotechnical and geochemical characterization.
• No specific certifications or security clearances are mentioned as mandatory.
• Offerors must provide duplicates of samples as required in the solicitation.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:

• Expertise in geotechnical and geochemical analysis, including but not limited to:
  • Moisture content, saturation degree, dry density, porosity, mineralogy, redox chemistry, specific surface area, grain size distribution, and iodine leachability.
• Ability to develop and execute experimental programs to measure solute transport properties, specifically diffusion and partition coefficients of iodine.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Acquisition of clay samples and their characterization.
• Development of an experimental program for iodine transport properties.
• Comprehensive reporting of experimental findings to the CNSC.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with similar geological studies or projects related to nuclear safety or environmental assessments.
• Familiarity with the regulatory framework surrounding nuclear materials in Canada.
• Additional capabilities in advanced analytical techniques for geochemical analysis may provide a competitive advantage.

This summary captures the essential details for potential bidders to assess their fit for the CNSC's RFP regarding the characterization of iodine transport properties in clay barriers from the Cigar Lake uranium deposit.