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04302026LithiumLicensing
Response Deadline
Jun 12, 2026, 9:00 PM(EDT)43 days
Eligibility
Contract Type
Sources Sought
Overview
Purpose
The Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) production site, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified U.S. entities seeking to obtain a license to develop and commercialize Y-12’s Low Temperature Lithium Metal Production Technology.
This RFP supports a competitive, phased licensing process consisting of:
This RFP constitutes a formal solicitation for proposals. It does not guarantee award of any license or agreement. It does not obligate the Government to provide funding.
Licensing Structure and Progression
This opportunity is structured as follows:
Phase 1 – R&D License (Competitive Entry Phase)
Phase 2 – Milestone-Based Down-Selection
Phase 3 – Exclusive Commercial License
Participation in Phase 1 is not strictly required for consideration; however, demonstrated performance may be a significant evaluation factor.
Schedule and Communications
Submit all questions and materials to OTCP@y12nsc.doe.gov.
Questions and Answers
All questions submitted in response to this RFP will be compiled and addressed by CNS. Responses will be posted in the form of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on the Y-12 Technology Transfer website.
The FAQ document will be updated periodically as additional questions are received and answered. To ensure fair and consistent access to information, responses to questions will not be provided individually.
Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the following website for updates, clarifications, and additional information related to this RFP: https://www.y12.doe.gov/technologies
Y-12 is not responsible for any Offeror’s failure to review posted information or incorporate such information into their proposal.
Technology Description
Technology Summary
The Y-12 lithium metal production technology enables lithium metal production at temperatures below 100° Celsius through an integrated extractive metallurgy and electrowinning process. Lithium-bearing feedstock is dissolved and introduced into an anode basket. Lithium carbonate or lithium oxide is subsequently recovered through electrowinning from a low-temperature electrolyte. Lithium metal is deposited on a cathode grate, removed from the electrowinning cell, solvent-washed, mechanically recovered, and consolidated into final form.
Key technical attributes include:
Associated U.S. Patents:10,718,057; 11,466,375; 11,466,376; 11,486,045
Technology Readiness Level: TRL 3 – Analytical and experimental proof of concept
Supporting Data and Government Support:
Supporting technical data, patent abstracts, and laboratory performance data are available under NDA upon request.
Subject to applicable policies and availability, Y-12 may provide limited technical support, access to laboratory facilities, or pilot-scale equipment to R&D licensees to facilitate technology development. Any such support will be defined in the license agreement and provided at the Government’s discretion.
Intellectual Property Rights
The license will cover the identified patents and associated technical know-how developed by Y-12. Applicants are responsible for identifying and securing any required third-party intellectual property and demonstrating freedom to operate for commercialization. The Government retains ownership of all background intellectual property.
R&D License Application Requirements
Purpose of Proposal Submission
Submission of a proposal in response to this RFP constitutes an application for an R&D license. At this stage, Offerors are not being asked to perform work, but rather to demonstrate technical capability, proposed development approach, commercialization vision, and organizational and financial readiness.
Proposal Content Requirements
Proposals must include:
Technical Approach (Suggested Length: 5 Pages + Figures)
Development and Execution Plan (Suggested Length: 2 pages)
Commercialization Strategy (Suggested Length: 2 pages)
Organizational Capability (Suggested Length: 2 Pages)
Financial Capability (Suggested Length: 2 Pages)
Intellectual Property Considerations (Suggested Length: 2 Page)
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Scope of Work (Applicable to Awarded R&D Licensees)
This section describes the expected scope of activities to be performed only by the Offerors that are awarded an R&D license. It is provided to inform proposal preparation and evaluation.
Overall Scope
R&D licensees will be responsible for advancing the technology from TRL-3 to pilot-scale demonstration and toward commercial readiness.
Activities include:
Required Outcomes
R&D licensees will be expected to demonstrate:
Illustrative Development Areas
The following are non-prescriptive areas of technical interest:
Offerors may propose alternative or additional approaches.
Period of Performance
R&D activities are expected to occur over 12-24 months, subject to adjustment
Eligibility Requirements
Ownership and Citizenship
Foreign nationals and foreign-owned or foreign-controlled entities are not eligible for consideration under this opportunity. Applicants must be U.S.-owned and U.S.-controlled companies, and all participating personnel must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, consistent with DOE and national security requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
Milestone and Down-Selection
Exclusive license consideration will be based on:
Y-12 will evaluate via:
Basis for Selection (Evaluation Criteria)
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
Proprietary Information
Licensing applications may include proprietary or business-sensitive information. Applicants seeking protection must request execution of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) no later than June 12, 2026 at OTCP@y12nsc.doe.gov. Applicants are encouraged to clearly indicate any proprietary information and justification for confidentiality. Y-12 will handle such information in accordance with DOE technology transfer and IP protection policies.
Terms and Conditions
Y-12 reserves the right to:
License terms will be negotiated separately and may include:
Daniel Riddick
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
CNS - DOE CONTRACTOR
CNS - DOE CONTRACTOR
301 Bear Creek Road
Oak Ridge, TN, 37831
NAICS
All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing