Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory Conceptual Design

This Solicitation invites proposals for candidate sites and for the development of a conceptual design of the infrastructure for a Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL). The purpose of a DUSEL is to enable the broad range of science and engineering research that requires a deep underground location for reasons such as shielding from cosmic rays or direct access to physical/chemical/biological/engineering processes that occur deep underground. The scientific scope of the multidisciplinary program enabled by such a DUSEL and the resulting infrastructural requirements are the subject of a parallel solicitation (Solicitation-1): “Deep Underground Science and Engineering Program and Technical Requirements.” Responses to the present solicitation (Solicitation-2) will propose a specific site or sites and a plan to develop a conceptual design of the infrastructure necessary to meet the technical requirements being developed in response to Solicitation-1. In addition, the conceptual design will include the identification of an initial suite of experiments that could be installed in the proposed site(s) and the vision for a longer-term (30 year) program. A third solicitation (Solicitation-3) is planned through which detailed technical designs will be developed for the most promising combinations of site and conceptual design resulting from this solicitation.