TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: FortiCoat Steel
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 Department of Energy (DOE), through Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), is offering a Technology Licensing Opportunity for FortiCoat Steel. This innovative two-step process enhances metal surfaces to resist corrosion, wear, and harsh environments. This is not a call for external services for technology development, but an invitation for companies to license the existing technology. Inquiries are due by June 30, 2026.
Technology Overview
FortiCoat Steel is a patented technology developed by LANL designed to extend the lifespan of metal surfaces in demanding conditions. It combines a recyclable etching step with a nanoparticle-infused protective polymer coating, creating a durable barrier resistant to corrosion, wear, salt water, acids, radiation, and surface damage.
How it Works
The process involves two main steps:
- Etching: A highly oxidizing ion (e.g., Ce(IV)) etches the metal surface, creating a high-surface-area, wettable surface optimized for coating. The etching solution is continuously regenerated, reducing waste.
- Coating: A specialized dual-polymer coating is applied, often with nanoparticles (e.g., silicon carbide, carbon nanotubes, silver) to enhance wear resistance and add functionalities like antimicrobial properties. The cured coating is smooth, low-friction, and highly resistant.
Advantages
- Improves coating adhesion on difficult metal surfaces like stainless steel.
- Protects against corrosion, wear, and harsh environmental exposure.
- Creates a smooth, low-friction surface for easier cleaning.
- Uses a recyclable etching solution, minimizing waste.
- Allows performance tuning with various nanoparticle additives.
- May reduce maintenance and extend service life.
Market Applications
- Maritime and Marine: Ship hulls, offshore structures, port equipment.
- Energy and Industrial Operations: Wind energy structures, process tanks, piping systems.
- Civil Infrastructure: Bridges, buildings, dams.
- Nuclear and Radiological Environments: Gloveboxes, controlled handling systems.
Licensing Details
LANL's licensing program aims to commercialize inventions. Patented and patent-pending technologies, including FortiCoat Steel (US Patent pending, TRL 3), are available for licensing through exclusive or non-exclusive agreements. Interested parties should contact licensing@lanl.gov for specific discussions.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Technology Licensing Opportunity)
- Set-Aside: None specified (licensing opportunity)
- Response Due: June 30, 2026, 23:00 UTC
- Published: May 19, 2026, 19:26 UTC
- Place of Performance: Los Alamos, NM, United States (LANL development location)
Additional Notes
This notice is for technology licensing and is explicitly not a call for external services for the development of this technology.