How to bid on Acid-tuned Terphenyl Membranes (ATM) licensing from Department of Energy

What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care

The Department of Energy, through Los Alamos National Laboratory, is offering licensing opportunities for its Acid-tuned Terphenyl Membranes (ATM) technology. This technology is a hydrocarbon proton exchange membrane designed for use in fuel cells, electrolyzers, and similar electrochemical devices.

Vendors in the hydrogen, transportation, power generation, energy storage, off-road equipment, and electrochemical devices markets may find this technology valuable. It offers a potentially lower-cost and more sustainable alternative to existing perfluorosulfonic acid membranes, with improved proton conductivity and reduced water uptake, which can lead to better dimensional stability and durability.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on July 22, 2026. The deadline for responding is August 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. This is a licensing opportunity, not a request for development services. After the deadline, Los Alamos National Laboratory will review expressions of interest for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing agreements.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for companies in the professional category, particularly those involved in clean energy hardware, fuel cell manufacturing, electrolyzer development, or related electrochemical device production. Firms looking to enhance their product offerings with advanced membrane technology that is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 and has a U.S. patent pending would be a good fit.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” to open the portal. If the first click leads to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid. For specific discussions, you can contact [email protected].

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response for a technology licensing opportunity, clearly articulate your company's business model and how this technology aligns with your strategic goals. Highlight your market expertise and your capacity to commercialize the ATM technology effectively. Provide a clear vision for how you plan to integrate and develop products using this membrane.

Emphasize your financial capabilities and any relevant experience in bringing new technologies to market. Since this is a licensing agreement, demonstrating a strong understanding of the intellectual property and your ability to respect and leverage the patent-pending status will be beneficial. Focus on how your company can maximize the impact and reach of this innovation.