How to bid on Heat Pipe Reactor Fire Mitigation and Suppression System licensing from DOE

What the Department of Energy is buying

The Department of Energy is offering a technology licensing opportunity for a patented Heat Pipe Reactor Fire Mitigation and Suppression System. This system, developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, transforms internal heat pipes in alkali metal-cooled nuclear reactors into active fire defense components.

The technology uses an inert gas buffer, a phase change material jacket, and automated suppressant injection to quickly respond to fire conditions. It can also disperse neutron absorbers into the reactor core for coupled fire and reactivity response. This system aims to provide automated, layered safeguards for advanced small and microreactor designs.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on June 19, 2026. The deadline for responding is December 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. This is a technology licensing opportunity, so by the deadline, interested parties should have submitted their proposals or expressions of interest to license this technology.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses in the professional category, particularly those involved in nuclear energy, power generation, space power, industrial process heat, or marine propulsion. Companies developing advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, or those focused on nuclear safety instrumentation, may find this technology valuable for enhancing their designs and meeting stringent safety requirements.

The system is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, indicating it is in the experimental proof-of-concept stage.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, you need to view the original source on the portal. Click the designated button to open the opportunity. 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 any associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response for a technology licensing opportunity, clearly articulate how your company plans to commercialize and further develop the technology. Highlight your market expertise and how this specific system aligns with your product roadmap or service offerings.

Demonstrate your technical capabilities and financial resources to support the licensing agreement. Provide a clear business plan outlining your strategy for bringing this technology to market, including potential applications, target customers, and a timeline for development and deployment. Emphasize how your company can unlock the innovative potential of this Los Alamos National Laboratory invention.