Opportunity to collaborate using a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
ID: 24_06Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFRichland, WA, US

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life SciencesT (54171)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy, through Sandia National Laboratories, is offering an opportunity for collaboration via a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with non-federal entities, including businesses, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. This initiative aims to leverage Sandia's advanced technologies and expertise to enhance innovation, commercialization capabilities, and support the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy. The CRADA framework fosters joint efforts in research and technology transfer, ensuring the protection of commercially valuable information while promoting local economic growth and industry advancements. Interested parties are encouraged to express their interest by contacting the CRADA Team at CRADA@sandia.gov for further engagement.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) process at Sandia National Laboratories, enabling collaboration between federal and non-federal entities to advance research and technology transfer. Key benefits of a CRADA include access to unique personnel and technologies, negotiation for licenses to intellectual property, and resource combination for R&D objectives. Essential prerequisites for initiating a CRADA include a written statement of work, legal terms acceptance, identification of funding sources, Department of Energy (DOE) project approval, and intellectual property negotiations. The document emphasizes the importance of defining existing intellectual property to prevent ownership disputes and mentions funding types: Funds-In (cash contributions) and In-Kind (non-cash contributions of services or equipment). A structured execution process is outlined, including defining collaboration needs, cost determination, and formal agreement on terms. The CRADA aims to foster strategic partnerships that ultimately contribute to cutting-edge research and commercialization opportunities. The summary serves as a guide for potential participants in understanding the CRADA mechanism within the context of federal grants and RFPs.
    The document outlines a collaborative opportunity offered by Sandia National Laboratories, operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia (NTESS), under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). This initiative invites non-federal entities—including businesses, nonprofits, universities, and other government agencies—to engage in research partnerships that align with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) missions. Through a CRADA, participants can access Sandia’s advanced technologies and expertise, enhancing innovation and commercialization capabilities. The collaborative framework of the CRADA distinguishes it from other technology transfer mechanisms by fostering joint efforts to develop proprietary solutions. NTESS aims to support local economic growth and boost industry-wide advancements via this partnership while ensuring the protection of commercially valuable information. Interested parties are encouraged to express their interest in collaborative efforts. This document serves as an invitation to leverage research resources for mutual benefit among the various stakeholders involved.
    Similar Opportunities
    Grid Research Integration and Deployment Center Technology Collaborations for US Power Electronics Industries
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking U.S. industry partners for collaborative projects at its Grid Research Integration and Deployment Center (GRID-C) to advance power electronics technologies for grid modernization. ORNL invites cost-shared proposals from industries aligned with its facilities and expertise in areas such as Materials & Components, Embedded Controllers, and Subsystems Devices. Selected partners will work closely with ORNL staff, leveraging its unique capabilities to demonstrate innovative grid integration solutions. The focus is on accelerating the development of resilient and energy-efficient power electronics, with projects conducted in short timeframes. Industry participants are required to contribute at least 20% of the project cost, which can include in-kind contributions, and must align with ORNL's facilities and capabilities. GRID-C collaborations aim to strengthen the U.S. power electronics industry and clean energy landscape. Proposals are evaluated based on technical feasibility, commercialization potential, and their impact on grid improvement. This initiative supports the DOE Transformer Resilience and Advanced Components (TRAC) Program's mission. For more details, eligible industries should refer to the proposal guidelines and contact Dr. Madhu Chinthavali for inquiries. The announcement remains open, with funding available through the DOE contract.
    Manufacturing Demonstration Facility: Technology Collaborations for US Manufacturers in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Technologies
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is seeking industry partners for collaborative projects aimed at developing energy-efficient manufacturing technologies within its Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF). The initiative focuses on reducing manufacturing energy intensity and enhancing U.S. competitiveness by inviting proposals from industries engaged in material processing, particularly in advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing and carbon fiber composites. Participants must provide at least a 50% cost share, and projects will be evaluated based on technical feasibility, potential for commercialization, and energy savings. Proposals can be submitted via email to MDFcollaboration@ornl.gov, and the submission period remains open, contingent on funding availability from the DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office.
    Open Source Software: EMRALD: Pioneering Dynamic Risk Assessment for Enhanced Reliability and Safety
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, specifically the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is seeking collaboration on the open-source software EMRALD, which focuses on dynamic risk assessment to enhance reliability and safety in nuclear power generation. The EMRALD software aims to revolutionize traditional probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) methods by providing a user-friendly interface and dynamic modeling capabilities that allow for real-time analysis of complex system interactions. This innovative tool is crucial for improving safety protocols in nuclear facilities and other industries by enabling detailed risk modeling and operational decision-making. Interested parties can reach out to Andrew Rankin at andrew.rankin@inl.gov for further information, as this opportunity emphasizes collaboration rather than procurement or funding.
    INL Innovation Spotlight H2 CURE: Transforming Carbon Emissions into Clean Hydrogen Energy
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory, is seeking partners for the H2 CURE initiative, which focuses on transforming carbon emissions into clean hydrogen energy. This innovative technology aims to convert CO2 into hydrogen while achieving net-negative emissions, thereby addressing the urgent need for sustainable industrial processes and contributing to global emission reduction efforts. The H2 CURE process not only produces hydrogen for thermal energy applications but also generates a commercially viable carbonate salt byproduct, enhancing its economic appeal. Interested parties can reach out to Andrew Rankin at andrew.rankin@inl.gov for further engagement and to explore licensing opportunities related to this technology.
    TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Simple, Cost-Effective Method for Producing Functional Electro-Optical Materials and Devices
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), is offering a collaboration opportunity to further develop and commercialize a Simple, Cost-Effective Method for Producing Functional Electro-Optical Materials and Devices. This initiative aims to address the need for low-cost fabrication strategies for functional devices with tailored properties, particularly in optical applications such as deep UV photodetectors and flexible sensors. The technology involves innovative material transformations, allowing for the creation of semiconducting oxides from conductive metals in a single step, thereby streamlining the manufacturing process. Interested companies are encouraged to submit a statement of interest, including relevant corporate expertise and contact information, to LLNL's Innovation and Partnerships Office by following the specified guidelines. For further inquiries, contact Alex Hess at hess12@llnl.gov or Charlotte Eng at eng23@llnl.gov.
    Tech Licensing Opportunity: ViBRANT: Visual Benign Reactor As Analog for Nuclear Testing
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Battelle Energy Alliance, is offering a technology licensing opportunity for ViBRANT (Visual Benign Reactor As Analog for Nuclear Testing), a novel approach to simulating nuclear reactor behaviors using an LED-based analog model. This initiative aims to address the challenges in nuclear reactor design and testing by providing a geometrically accurate representation of reactor cores, facilitating rapid iterations between digital simulations and physical models, and enhancing safety and accessibility in nuclear education and training. ViBRANT is positioned for various applications, including training tools for reactor operation, development platforms for automated control systems, and public engagement exhibits on nuclear technology. Interested parties can reach out to Andrew Rankin at andrew.rankin@inl.gov for further discussions on licensing terms and opportunities.
    INL Innovation Spotlight Efficient Protonic Ceramic Power: Dual-Mode Hydrogen and Electricity Generation
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is seeking partnerships to advance its innovative technology in Efficient Protonic Ceramic Power, which enables dual-mode hydrogen production and electricity generation. This opportunity focuses on the development of a reversible solid oxide cell technology that operates efficiently at lower temperatures, addressing the critical need for sustainable energy conversion and storage solutions in the context of a global shift towards renewable energy. The technology, utilizing a high-performance PNC oxide material, offers enhanced efficiency, durability, and versatility for applications in renewable energy storage, hydrogen production, and power generation. Interested parties can engage with INL for licensing opportunities and further discussions by contacting Andrew Rankin at andrew.rankin@inl.gov.
    TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Piezo-driven jetting of powders for controlled packing density
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), is offering a collaboration opportunity to further develop a piezo-driven jetting method for additive manufacturing aimed at enhancing controlled packing density of powders. This innovative technology addresses challenges in producing geometrically complex parts with reduced porosity and improved material efficiency, making it applicable for both metal and ceramic powders in various industries, including manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Interested companies with relevant expertise are encouraged to submit a statement of interest, including company details and capabilities, to LLNL's Innovation and Partnerships Office by contacting Austin Smith or Charlotte Eng via email or phone. This opportunity is not a procurement but a call for industry partners to commercialize the technology, which is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3 and has patent protection filed.
    Open Source Software: Caldera Charge: Innovating EV Charging Infrastructure Simulation for Grid Efficiency and Sustainability
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy is seeking collaboration on the Caldera Charge project, which aims to innovate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure simulation to enhance grid efficiency and sustainability. This initiative focuses on developing an advanced simulation platform that addresses the complexities introduced by the rising adoption of EVs, providing critical insights into the interaction between EV charging and electrical grid performance. The Caldera Charge platform features two main components: the Infrastructure Charging Module (ICM) for high-fidelity charging models and the Charging Decision Module (CDM) for innovative scheduling and pricing strategies, making it a vital tool for utility companies, urban planners, academic institutions, and policymakers. Interested parties can reach out to Andrew Rankin at andrew.rankin@inl.gov for further information, as this opportunity emphasizes collaboration rather than procurement or funding.
    Open-Source Software: Unlocking Economic Insights into Nuclear-Renewable Integrated Energy Systems with HYBRID
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy is seeking to enhance economic insights into Nuclear-Renewable Integrated Energy Systems (N-R IES) through the open-source software known as HYBRID, developed by the Battelle Energy Alliance at the Idaho National Laboratory. The objective is to utilize the HYBRID simulation framework, which integrates stochastic analysis, probabilistic optimization, and high-fidelity physical modeling, to accurately assess the economic viability of N-R IES under varying conditions. This initiative is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by the integration of renewable energy sources into the electric grid, enabling better capacity planning and dispatch optimization for energy providers, as well as supporting academic research and policy decision-making. Interested parties can reach out to Andrew Rankin at andrew.rankin@inl.gov for further information, and the software is available for free download on its GitHub page.