RFI IMPACT Steel Shielding HIMB – Framework Agree-ment for Steel Plates

Subject and Scope of the RFI: The Paul Scherrer Institute is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. It is the central location for large-scale research facilities in Switzerland. As part of the ETH Domain, PSI is an important pillar of the Swiss research landscape and conducts research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation, and fundamentals of nature. PSI is preparing a potential procurement of partially machined steel plates for the steel shielding in the HIMB / Target H project. The steel plates are required for shielding containers and other shielding components and will later be assembled, welded, or installed in plate packages at PSI. The current procurement approach provides for a framework agreement for the further HIMB requirements. The requirement includes different material thicknesses, dimensions, and shapes. In addition to rectangular plates, special shapes with machining such as cuts, holes, and surface treatment are also foreseen. The currently known quantities and technical basis are still being developed. The information stated in this RFI is intended for market research purposes and is not to be understood as a binding order, request for quotation, or final technical specification. Indicative Procurement Scope: Based on the current planning status, a framework agreement with a total volume of approximately 2,000,000 kg is envisaged for the HIMB requirement. The procurement is expected to comprise several call-offs or delivery lots. The currently known quantities and requirements are not yet final. The current project documents mention approximately 130,000 kg for steel containers for reuse and approximately 200,000 kg for waste packages / remote handling. Further steel requirements are still under clarification. The information is provided solely for market research purposes. It does not create any entitlement to a subsequent tender, order, minimum purchase quantity, or award. Purpose of the RFI: The purpose of this RFI is to clarify the market situation, technical feasibility, available machining and delivery capacities, and commercial framework conditions. The responses will support PSI in preparing the appropriate procurement procedure and the later tender documents. Information to be Clarified: - Deliverable steel grades and equivalent material alternatives - Available thicknesses, formats, maximum dimensions, and maximum individual weights - Machining options, in particular flame cutting, sawing, milling, drilling, and production of special shapes - Achievable cut quality, tolerances, and surface quality - Possibility of delivering external surfaces free of slag and sandblasted for subsequent painting - Optional coating prior to delivery, if available - Material certificates, traceability, and quality assurance - Capacities, delivery times, partial deliveries, and call-off logic - Suitability of a framework agreement with several call-offs or lots - Commercial pricing logic, e.g. price per steel grade / thickness, price per cut length, surcharges for holes and special shapes, transport and packaging - Options for indexation or price adjustment based on a steel price index - Foreseeable technical, schedule-related, or commercial risks A compact questionnaire is attached as a separate Excel file. In addition, a PDF appendix with non-binding examples of shapes and sizes is provided. Please complete the questionnaire and submit any relevant appendices, technical documents, references, or explanatory documents. Appendix with Shape and Size Examples: The document "2026_07_01_Dipole_shield_size_example_v2.pdf" is provided as an appendix with non-binding examples of shapes and sizes. The appendix is intended solely for market research purposes. It shows examples of possible geometries, plate packages, special shapes, holes, and bolted connections. The appendix does not constitute a final technical specification, a binding drawing, or a complete quantity structure. The final technical requirements, drawings, quantities, and delivery lots will only be determined in a possible later tender procedure. Appendices: 1. B-26-066 RFI QuestionaireSteelShielding-IMPACT.xlsx – questionnaire and indicative pricing structure 2. 2026_07_01_Dipole_shield_size_example_v2.pdf – non-binding examples of shapes and sizes This RFI is a non-binding market and feasibility assessment. It does not constitute a public tender, a request for quotation, an order, a reservation of material, or a purchase obligation. Participation is voluntary. No compensation will be paid for responding to the RFI. Participation or non-participation in this RFI does not constitute prior involvement in any possible later procurement procedure. PSI reserves the right to use the information received for the analysis of the procurement requirement, the market and competition assessment, and the determination of the appropriate procurement procedure.