Bolstering Underutilized Industry by Leveraging Technology Transfer (BUILTT) for DOE
This pilot links U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses to license and manufacture specific DOE/NNSA lab technologies for government and limited commercial sale.
RESTRICTED TO: SMALL BUSINESS SBIR STTR
⚑ Total Small Business Set-Aside · sources sought / notice of opportunity, not a standard grant competition · DOE/NNSA technology transfer pilot using Cost Reduction Licenses · limited to U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses; public universities cannot apply directly
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 100 strong | SBIR/STTR — core Hub pipeline (faculty founders + small-business partners); funds commercialization; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 35 weak | technical depth: substantial; funds commercialization (capped) |
| IPPRA | 27 weak | portfolio topics: energy, national_security_defense; social/behavioral work is none; funds commercialization — not a research fit; university can only partner, not lead |
Description
Notice of Opportunity: Bolstering Underutilized Industry by Leveraging Technology Transfer (BUILTT) for DOE The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), announces an opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to participate in the Bolstering Underutilized Industry by Leveraging Technology Transfer (BUILTT) program. This pilot initiative is being conducted by the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS), Y-12 National Security Complex, and Kansas City National Security Campus. https://www.energy.gov/technologycommercialization/fiscal-year-2025-climr-projects-commercializing-energy-technologies Program Overview: The BUILTT program is designed to facilitate the transfer of low-volume, high-impact technologies developed at DOE/NNSA Labs, Plants, and Sites (LPS) to qualified SMBs. These technologies are often mission-critical but have limited commercial markets, with the government frequently being the primary or sole customer. The program introduces a new technology transfer mechanism, the Cost Reduction License (CRL), which enables SMBs to manufacture and supply these technologies to DOE and other government agencies at a fair and reasonable price. Key Program Elements: • Technologies included in the program are anticipated to be fully developed, tested, and ready for production, but are typically excluded from traditional technology transfer due to their limited market size. • The CRL is a licensing agreement that allows SMBs to produce and sell specified technologies to DOE/NNSA at a set price, with the potential for additional commercial sales if applicable. • As applicable, the program will pool eligible technologies from participating DOE/NNSA sites and match them with vetted SMBs through a standardized process. • Depending upon SMB location, the pilot project cost share partners, including regional economic development organizations and technical service providers, may be available to assist SMBs interested in participating in BUILTT pilot. Eligibility and Participation: • Participation is open to U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration. • Preference may be given to businesses located in the regions of the participating DOE/NNSA sites and to those meeting designations such as SBA 8(a) or HUBZone. • Interested SMBs will undergo a vetting and due diligence process to assess technical capabilities and alignment with the needs of the technologies being offered. Process and Timeline: • The program will be conducted in phases, including technology identification and pooling, SMB sourcing and vetting, matchmaking, and pilot CRL execution. • Educational materials can be provided to participating SMBs regarding the licensing process and technology requirements. Additional Information: • The BUILTT program is funded by the DOE Office of Technology Commercialization and National Nuclear Security Administration and is intended to serve as a model for scalable, replicable technology transfer across DOE and other government agencies. How to Respond: Interested parties should contact the DOE/NNSA BUILTT program team at TPIP@nv.doe.gov with the subject line: ‘BUILTT for DOE Pilot’. Additional details, including specific technology listings and application procedures, will be provided in subsequent postings. General Conditions The submission of a response to this opportunity does not create any implied or express contract between an OFFEROR and MSTS obligating MSTS to review or evaluate the proposal or to make an award in accordance with the evaluation and selection criteria specified herein. This solicitation and the terms specified herein are strictly for the convenience of MSTS. By submitting a response to this opportunity, OFFERORS acknowledge and agree that they shall not be entitled to any compensation, damages, or remuneration of any kind whatsoever in the event that MSTS fails to follow, or deviates from, this solicitation. Primary Point of Contact: Technology Partnerships and Intellectual Property Office Email: TPIP@nv.doe.gov Keywords: license, manufacturing, technology, commercialization NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5). Notice type: Sources Sought. Organization: ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF / ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF / MSTS – DOE CONTRACTOR.
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