Advanced lithium metal production technology competitive licensing opportunity request for proposals

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:

1. Initial award of one or more non-exclusive Research and Development (R&D) licenses, and
2. Subsequent award of a single exclusive commercial license to the entity that successfully meets defined technical and business milestones.

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)

• Offerors submit proposals in response to this RFP.
• Y-12 may award one or more non-exclusive R&D licenses.
• R&D licensees will execute their proposed development plans and compete for the exclusive license.

Phase 2 – Milestone-Based Down-Selection

• R&D licensees advance the technology through defined milestones.
• Y-12 evaluates performance based on technical progress, execution capability, and commercialization readiness.

Phase 3 – Exclusive Commercial License

• Y-12 intends to award one exclusive commercial license to the entity that:
  • Successfully completes required milestones
  • Demonstrates technical, operational, and financial readiness
  • Meets all licensing and DOE requirements

Participation in Phase 1 is not strictly required for consideration; however, demonstrated performance may be a significant evaluation factor.

Schedule and Communications

• Deadline for Questions: May 29, 2026
• Proposal Submission Deadline: June 12, 2026
• Anticipated Selection Notifications: June 2026

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:

• Lithium metal purity exceeding 98.8% by weight.
• Approximately 92% reduction in energy consumption relative to conventional lithium metal production processes.
• Approximately 40% reduction in processing steps.
• Improved operational safety and reduced hazard potential.
• Elimination of chlorine gas by-products.
• Reduced fire risk associated with lithium handling.

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)

• Proposed strategy to mature and scale the technology
• Understanding of technical challenges
• Identification of risks and mitigation strategies

Development and Execution Plan (Suggested Length: 2 pages)

• Proposed roadmap from TRL-3 to pilot-scale demonstration
• Milestones, schedule, and success criteria

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Commercialization Strategy (Suggested Length: 2 pages)

• Target markets and applications
• Path to commercial deployment
• Manufacturing and scale-up strategy

​​​​​​​Organizational Capability (Suggested Length: 2 Pages)

• Key personnel and qualifications
• Facilities and infrastructure
• Relevant past experience

Financial Capability (Suggested Length: 2 Pages)

• Evidence of financial resources
• Investment strategy to support development and commercialization

Intellectual Property Considerations (Suggested Length: 2 Page)

• Identification of any required third-party IP
• Freedom-to-operate considerations

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:

• Process validation and optimization
• Engineering scale-up
• Pilot system design and operation
• Development of operational and quality systems
• Commercial readiness planning

Required Outcomes

R&D licensees will be expected to demonstrate:

• Scalable lithium metal production
• Achievement of purity, yield, and safety targets
• Reliable and repeatable operations
• Engineering designs suitable for commercialization
• Economic and energy efficiency viability
• A credible path to commercial deployment

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Illustrative Development Areas

The following are non-prescriptive areas of technical interest:

• Feedstock processing and lithium carbonate digestion
• Electrodeposition behavior and dendrite control
• Impurity management and purification
• Electrolyte performance and system dynamics
• Electrical and process optimization
• Pilot-scale system design and manufacturability
• Safety, quality, and workforce development

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

• Experience in lithium or related materials processing
• Adequate facilities and technical staff
• Sufficient financial resources

Milestone and Down-Selection

Exclusive license consideration will be based on:

1. Laboratory validation
2. Pilot-scale demonstration
3. Operational and QA system development
4. Commercial readiness

Y-12 will evaluate via:

1. Technical reviews
2. Testing and validation
3. Site visits

Basis for Selection (Evaluation Criteria)

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1. Technical Merit:  Feasibility and soundness of approach
2. Commercial Potential:  strength of commercialization strategy
3. Organizational Capability:  experience, personnel, and facilities
4. Financial Capability:  ability to fund development and scale
5. Innovation and Risk Management

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:

• Award multiple or no R&D licenses
• Modify or cancel this RFP
• Negotiate with Offerors

License terms will be negotiated separately and may include:

• Performance milestones
• Field-of-use restrictions
• March-in or termination provisions consistent with DOE policy