How to bid on Building Technologies Research and Integration Center collaborations with the Department of Energy

What the agency is buying and why it matters to you

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), on behalf of the Department of Energy, is seeking US manufacturers of building technologies for collaborative, short-term research and development projects. The goal is to accelerate the creation and deployment of new energy-efficient building technologies.

This is an opportunity to access ORNL's staff and specialized equipment to develop innovative products. The broader aim is to reduce energy use in US buildings by 35% by 2035 and 50% by 2050, relative to 2005 levels, and to create domestic jobs. This is not a procurement request; instead, it is a call for partnerships.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on December 13, 2023, and the deadline for submissions is December 13, 2028, at 12:00 PM ET. This long timeframe indicates an ongoing interest in forming partnerships over several years.

At the deadline, it is expected that any proposals submitted by that time will be considered for collaborative projects. The nature of this opportunity suggests a continuous evaluation process rather than a single cutoff for all proposals.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for US industries that currently manufacture building technologies for commercial applications in residential or commercial markets, or those that will be able to do so as a direct result of these collaborations. There are no restrictions on the specific building technology area, as long as it aligns with ORNL's facilities and expertise.

Relevant technology areas include HVAC, water heating, appliances, windows, building envelope, solid-state lighting, building energy modeling, sensors and controls, advanced building construction, thermal energy storage, grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEB), and building integration.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, you will need to 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 bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though for some bids, this step is not necessary.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Since this is a collaborative research opportunity, focus your proposal on how your technology aligns with ORNL's mission to improve energy efficiency in US buildings. Clearly describe the potential energy savings and any non-energy benefits your project could achieve.

Highlight your company's manufacturing capabilities in the US and how this partnership would strengthen domestic job creation. Remember that a minimum 20% cost share is required, which can be in-kind contributions like facilities, services, or staff time. Clearly outline how you will meet this cost share requirement without using other US Government funds.

Review the sample Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) or User Agreement if available in the announcement package. This will give you insight into the intellectual property and proprietary data provisions, which are crucial for a collaborative research project.