ADVANCED LITHIUM METAL PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVE LICENSING OPPORTUNITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Y-12 National Security Complex (DOE) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a competitive licensing opportunity for its Advanced Lithium Metal Production Technology. This phased process aims to award non-exclusive Research and Development (R&D) licenses, leading to a single exclusive commercial license for qualified U.S. entities. Proposals are due June 12, 2026.
Opportunity Purpose & Scope
Y-12, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) production site, seeks proposals from qualified U.S. entities to develop and commercialize its Low Temperature Lithium Metal Production Technology. The opportunity is structured as a competitive, phased licensing process:
- Phase 1: Initial award of one or more non-exclusive R&D licenses.
- Phase 2: Milestone-based down-selection, where R&D licensees advance the technology.
- Phase 3: Award of a single exclusive commercial license to the entity successfully meeting defined technical and business milestones.
Technology Description
The Y-12 lithium metal production technology enables lithium metal production below 100° Celsius through an integrated extractive metallurgy and electrowinning process. Key attributes include:
- Lithium metal purity exceeding 98.8%.
- Approximately 92% reduction in energy consumption.
- Approximately 40% reduction in processing steps.
- Improved operational safety, reduced hazard potential, and elimination of chlorine gas by-products.
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 – Analytical and experimental proof of concept.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be U.S.-owned and U.S.-controlled companies, with all participating personnel being U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Minimum qualifications include experience in lithium or related materials processing, adequate facilities and technical staff, and sufficient financial resources.
Proposal Content Requirements
Proposals for an R&D license must demonstrate technical capability, proposed development approach, commercialization vision, and organizational/financial readiness. Key sections include:
- Technical Approach (strategy to mature and scale technology)
- Development and Execution Plan (roadmap from TRL-3 to pilot-scale)
- Commercialization Strategy (target markets, path to deployment)
- Organizational Capability (key personnel, facilities, experience)
- Financial Capability (evidence of resources, investment strategy)
- Intellectual Property Considerations (third-party IP, freedom-to-operate)
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Technical Merit: Feasibility and soundness of approach.
- Commercial Potential: Strength of commercialization strategy.
- Organizational Capability: Experience, personnel, and facilities.
- Financial Capability: Ability to fund development and scale.
- Innovation and Risk Management.
Key Dates & Communication
- Deadline for Questions: May 29, 2026
- Proposal Submission Deadline: June 12, 2026
- Anticipated Selection Notifications: June 2026
All questions and materials should be submitted to OTCP@y12nsc.doe.gov. Responses to questions will be posted as an FAQ on the Y-12 Technology Transfer website:
https://www.y12.doe.gov/technologies.