The Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) is planned to develop the scientific basis for an economically competitive and continuously operating tokamak fusion power source. It has been designed to have steady-state operating capability, sufficient performance to produce reactor-like plasma configurations, and a flexible set of steady-state plasma controls. Active plasma control (e.g., current profile control, shape and position control, passive and active MHD mode stabilization, and toroidal rotation control) is a key to achieving steady stale tokamak operating conditions with enhanced beta and confinement, efficient current drive, high purity, and high reliability. Inductive scenarios and steady-state operating modes with current-drive have been studied to determine the system requirements for access and maintenance of advanced steady-state modes. Industry contractors have begun detailed engineering design of the superconducting magnets, vacuum vessel, and plasma-facing components.