Microreactor Power Plants: On-Base Energy Resilience

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The U.S. Army and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) are seeking commercially led microreactor designs that can deliver resilient, independent power to military installations. This effort—part of the Army’s Janus program—aims to field advanced, safe, continuously operating nuclear power systems by 2030.  

The Problem

Military bases rely heavily on fragile civilian grids and outdated infrastructure. These vulnerabilities—frequent outages, unstable power quality, complex fuel supply chains—threaten mission assurance and readiness. When power fails, so do command and control systems, logistics networks, and training operations. The Department of War needs a dependable, long-duration power source that can operate through grid disruptions, cyber threats, natural hazards, and contested environments.  

The Solution

The Army and DIU seek Microreactor Power Plant (MPP) prototypes capable of delivering safe, nonstop power for military installations. Strong proposals will include:

• Resilient, Always-On Power: Systems that maintain operation even during total grid failure.

• Black-Start + Grid-Connected Modes: Ability to run independently or tie into existing installation infrastructure.

• Credible Fuel Strategy: Use of ≤20% enriched uranium with a validated sourcing, fabrication, and logistics plan.

• First-of-a-kind → Second-of-a-kind Iteration: A clear path from First-of-a-Kind development to Second-of-a-Kind improvements and long-term production.

• Passive Safety: Designs meeting radiation limits and accounting for environmental factors like sky-shine and multi-level site structures.

• Hazard Tolerance: Engineered resilience against seismic activity, flooding, and other natural hazards.

• Mature Nuclear Supply Chain: Identification of reliable nuclear-grade component sources and mitigation of any gaps.

• Regulatory Readiness: Familiarity with Army nuclear regulatory processes (AR 50-7) and the ability to participate in continuous technical reviews.

DIU also expects commercial skin-in-the-game: proposals relying entirely on government funding will not be considered.

Awards

Winning vendors may receive Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements that can transition directly into follow-on production contracts without additional competition, per 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

Follow-on options may include:

• Power Purchase Agreements

• Production OTAs

• FAR-based contracts

Follow-on production could be significantly larger than the prototype award.

Submissions

Submit your solution brief via DIU’s portal:

• Submit Here

• Deadline: December 15

Next Steps

Selected companies advance to Phase 2 for in-depth technical dialogue, FOAK/SOAK planning, and regulatory alignment. Installation pairings will be announced separately.

Difficulty

Solution brief (5–20 pages) or slide deck (20–40 slides).

Questions

Contact Scott Cohen at The CET Sandbox at scott@cetsandbox.com.

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