How to bid on Fluorescent Tracer Technology licensing from the Department of Energy

What the agency is offering and why it matters

The Department of Energy, through Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is offering a fluorescent tracer technology for licensing. This is not a procurement for products or services; instead, INL is seeking partners to license and develop this technology.

The technology involves an additive for hydrofluoric acid (HF) that glows under UV light. This allows workers to detect HF contact on skin, clothing, or surfaces before symptoms appear, which is critical because HF can cause severe damage silently. It also has potential for identifying leaks in industrial processes.

This innovation addresses a significant safety gap in industries that use HF, such as petroleum refining, semiconductor manufacturing, and pharmaceutical synthesis. Early detection can enable timely decontamination and treatment, improving worker safety.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The opportunity was published on September 23, 2026. The deadline for expressing interest is October 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.

At the deadline, INL will review expressions of interest from parties seeking to license the technology. This is not a bid submission for a contract, but rather an initial step to engage in discussions about licensing terms and partnership opportunities.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses and organizations in the professional category, particularly those involved in chemical safety, industrial safety products, or manufacturing in sectors that use hydrofluoric acid.

Firms with expertise in chemical additives, safety equipment, or those looking to expand their product lines with a novel safety solution for hazardous materials would find this relevant. It is for entities interested in commercializing a new technology, not for those seeking to sell existing products or services to the government.

How to respond to this licensing opportunity

To access the original source and learn more, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the opportunity.

You may need to create a free account to view any associated documents, though this is not always required. Once you have reviewed the details, you should contact Idaho National Laboratory's Technology Deployment office to discuss licensing terms and partnership opportunities.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Since this is a licensing opportunity, focus your response on your organization's capability to commercialize and deploy this technology. Highlight your market reach, manufacturing capabilities, and any relevant experience with chemical safety products or industrial applications.

Clearly articulate your proposed business model for bringing this fluorescent tracer to market. Emphasize how your company can effectively integrate this technology into existing safety protocols or develop new products around it. Provide a clear vision for how you would develop, produce, and distribute the technology.

Demonstrate an understanding of the target industries and the specific safety challenges related to hydrofluoric acid. Show how your proposed approach aligns with the stated advantages of the technology, such as post-task detection and early-window treatment support.