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
    SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES WEBSITE: SEE LINK PROVIDED BELOW
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through Sandia National Laboratories, is seeking expressions of interest from firms capable of providing a diverse range of goods and services to support its mission-critical security and operational needs. This procurement opportunity encompasses a variety of requirements, including advanced research and development systems, operational equipment, maintenance supplies, and administrative services. Sandia National Laboratories, a government-owned and contractor-operated facility, plays a vital role in national security and continually seeks to engage suppliers that can meet its varied program needs. Interested parties are encouraged to visit Sandia's Business Opportunities Website for further details and to submit their capabilities, as all responses must be directed through the provided link rather than contacting the posting agent directly.
    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.
    TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Green 3D Electrodeposition (G3DED): Revolutionizing Advanced Manufacturing of Metallic Fuel Elements
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    Special Notice ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Green 3D Electrodeposition (G3DED): Revolutionizing Advanced Manufacturing of Metallic Fuel Elements The Department of Energy is seeking a technology licensing opportunity for Green 3D Electrodeposition (G3DED), a groundbreaking approach to fabricate high-performance metal fuels. This technology combines green electrodeposition with 3D manufacturing, ensuring efficiency, reduced contamination, and cost-effectiveness. Traditionally, metal fuel fabrication has relied on high-temperature processes, which often lead to contamination and waste. While 3D printing brought innovation, it introduced challenges in nuclear applications. The G3DED technology addresses these issues by harnessing the benefits of green electrodeposition in ionic liquid electrolytes and integrating it with advanced 3D manufacturing techniques. The G3DED technology allows for the fabrication of metallic fuels at room or slightly elevated temperatures, optimizing fuel composition and microstructures. It offers significant reductions in contamination and waste, versatility in using different starting materials, and potential cost savings due to process simplification. The technology is scalable and designed to meet diverse application needs. Potential applications of G3DED include fabrication of nuclear fuels and components, corrosion prevention, processing of new fuels, spent fuels, and nuclear wastes. It also has potential applications in the production of lightweight materials like aluminum and titanium alloys, manufacturing of battery materials, electrodes, and devices, and electrochemical dissolution of noble metals for etching and machining. The G3DED technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2, with a technology concept and/or application formulated. It is protected by a US Patent Application (No. 17/309,574) managed by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is eager to form commercial collaborations and license the intellectual property to organizations proficient in bringing innovations to the market, particularly small businesses and start-ups. For further inquiries and collaboration opportunities, please contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov. More information about collaborating with INL can be found at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment.
    TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY High Performance Metal Droplet Ejection
    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 its High-Performance Metal Droplet Ejection technology. This initiative focuses on advancing liquid metal jetting (LMJ), an innovative method for high throughput, powder- and laser-free metal additive manufacturing, which also serves as an alternative for generating high-quality metal powder feedstock. LLNL is seeking industry partners capable of bringing this patented technology to market, emphasizing improved performance and reduced operating costs, with potential applications in metal additive manufacturing and powder production. Interested companies should submit a statement of interest, including relevant corporate expertise and contact information, to LLNL's Innovation and Partnerships Office by email or written correspondence.
    Licensing Opportunity: Speculative Evaluation of What-if Scenarios Using Continuously Evolving Tree of Simulations on Finite Memory Machines
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through ORNL UT-Battelle LLC, is offering a licensing opportunity for a novel simulation cloning framework designed for speculative evaluation of what-if scenarios using continuously evolving simulations on finite memory machines. This technology aims to enhance the efficiency of simulation computing by enabling the exploration of an exponentially large space of clone simulations, which is particularly beneficial for industries such as power grid management, personalized cancer treatments, and battlefield strategy evaluations. The framework provides significant advantages, including drastically reduced run times for complex simulations and usability for various high-performance computing applications without requiring users to understand the underlying cloning specifics. Interested parties can learn more about this opportunity by contacting Leslie Smith at smithlm@ornl.gov or by phone at 865-341-0373.
    Licensing Opportunity: Cross-Facility Orchestration for Electrochemistry Experiments and Computations
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy is offering a licensing opportunity for a technology designed to enhance electrochemistry experiments through cross-facility orchestration. This innovative solution involves the design and development of hardware and software that supports autonomous chemistry workflows, enabling real-time measurement transfer and analysis on high-performance computing systems, thereby addressing the limitations of manual testing. The technology is applicable across various fields, including isotope production, battery testing, and analytical chemistry, and aims to automate workflows, improve productivity, and minimize errors. For further information, interested parties can contact Leslie Smith at smithlm@ornl.gov or call 865-341-0373.
    INL Innovation Spotlight Efficient Protonic Ceramic Power: Dual-Mode Hydrogen and Electricity Generation
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    Special Notice ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF INL Innovation Spotlight Efficient Protonic Ceramic Power: Dual-Mode Hydrogen and Electricity Generation The Department of Energy is seeking innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable energy storage and conversion. The INL Innovation Spotlight focuses on the development of a reversible solid oxide cell technology that enables dual-mode hydrogen production and electricity generation. This breakthrough technology utilizes a perovskite material called PNC oxide, which operates effectively at lower temperatures and offers enhanced efficiency and durability. It has versatile applications in renewable energy storage systems, hydrogen production facilities, power generation companies, environmental sensing devices, and industrial gas processing. This technology aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a carbon-neutral energy cycle. Interested businesses can engage with INL Tech Partnerships to explore licensing opportunities and receive support for their growth. For more information, please contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.
    Tech Licensing Opportunity: ViBRANT: Visual Benign Reactor As Analog for Nuclear Testing
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    Special Notice: ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF is offering a Tech Licensing Opportunity for ViBRANT: Visual Benign Reactor As Analog for Nuclear Testing. ViBRANT is a revolutionary approach to simulating and understanding nuclear reactor behaviors using a geometrically accurate, LED-based analog model. It offers a safer, quicker, and more intuitive way to understand and iterate nuclear reactor behaviors and systems. ViBRANT mimics the core configuration of nuclear reactors using 20,000 individually addressable LED lights, bridging the gap between digital approximations and physical reality. It provides a geometrically accurate representation of nuclear reactor cores and enables rapid iterations between concept ideation and analog validation. ViBRANT also reduces the hazards and protocols associated with full-scale nuclear reactor deployment and enhances human interaction with complex nuclear systems through visual and sensory engagement. This Tech Licensing Opportunity has applications in training and education tools for nuclear reactor operation and safety protocols, development and testing platforms for microreactor automated control systems, simulation and modeling tools for advanced nuclear reactor design and research, and public engagement and educational exhibits on nuclear technology and safety. The development status is TRL 8, and licensing terms can be tailored to each business. For more information, visit https://inl.gov/technology-deployment/ or contact td@inl.gov.
    TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Green Chemistry Breakthrough: Transforming CO2 into Olefins with Innovative Electrocatalysis
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    Special Notice ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Green Chemistry Breakthrough: Transforming CO2 into Olefins with Innovative Electrocatalysis The Department of Energy is seeking a technology licensing opportunity for a green chemistry breakthrough that efficiently converts carbon dioxide into olefins. This technology offers a sustainable solution for the chemical and polymer industries by reducing dependency on petrochemical feedstocks and addressing the need for decarbonization and sustainable methods in the chemical industry. The system utilizes a proton-conducting solid oxide electrochemical cell with perovskite-structured mixed metal oxide catalysts, operating at intermediate temperatures (300-500°C). It allows for flexibility in hydrogen sources and energy input, providing higher CO2 conversion and energy efficiency compared to traditional methods. The catalysts used in the system offer high activity and selectivity, making the process more efficient. This technology has the potential for modular implementation, making it appealing for on-site CO2 valorization at industrial plants. It can be used in the petrochemical and polymer industries, sustainable aviation fuel production, and industrial plants with CO2 emissions. Companies specializing in CO2 utilization technologies can also benefit from this technology. The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, with analytical and experimental proof-of-concept demonstrated. It is protected by a provisional patent application. Interested parties can partner with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for access to this pioneering technology and mutual growth. For more information and to discuss how your business can benefit from this technology licensing opportunity, please contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.