Partnering with NETL through a formal agreement allows a partnering organization to gain access to NETL’s unique skills, facilities, expertise, and intellectual property. NETL’s Technology Transfer Group offers a variety of agreement mechanisms to allow for collaboration, partnering, and designation of intellectual property ownership between NETL and outside entities. For inquiries regarding partnering and collaborating with NETL, please fill out our inquiry form and email to techtransfer@netl.doe.gov.

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Because NETL is a government-owned, government-operated (GOGO) laboratory, we only sign our own agreements. The following types of agreements are traditionally executed through the Technology Transfer Group. However, other types of agreements are available, if necessary.

• Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) allow for joint research and development performed by NETL and CRADA participant researchers. Provisions for background intellectual property (IP) protection are included for both parties and any CRADA developed IP is jointly owned. A CRADA also offers the participant the right of first refusal to an exclusive license for jointly developed IP. More Info

Model CRADA
Please note that these model agreements are subject to change and are only posted as examples.

• Contributed Funds-in Agreements (CFAs) are a type of work-for-others agreement. CFAs allow for specific, mutually beneficial research projects to be conducted by NETL researchers upon receipt of funds from the private sector participant. Resulting intellectual property is owned by the government. This mechanism is often helpful to a private sector participant needing research that can be performed at NETL. At the end of the project, NETL reports research findings back to the participant.

Model CFA
Please note that these model agreements are subject to change and are only posted as examples.

• Licenses transfer NETL owned intellectual property (IP) from the government to the private sector both exclusively and non-exclusively. NETL looks for licensing partners with a satisfactory plan for technology development and marketing that shows a high probability for technology commercialization. Licensing partners should also plan to make the benefits of the licensed IP reasonably accessible to the public. For a list of current licensing opportunities, see Available Technologies for Partnership and Commercialization. To submit an application for a license, please fill out the license application [DOCX-28KB] and return it to techtransfer@netl.doe.gov.

Model Non-exclusive License
Model Exclusive License
Please note that these model agreements are subject to change and are only posted as examples.

• Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)or Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) are written agreements between NETL and other entities that state of scope of work for a specific project or state the terms of a partnering relationship. Parties to these agreements may include other federal agencies, local, state, international, or other government entities; the private sector; and educational institutions. An MOU or MOA is not considered a binding contract. It cannot be used to obligate or commit funds or be used as the basis for the transfer of funds between or among the parties. Actual implementation of the understandings established by the MOU or MOA must be accomplished through a legally binding instrument such as an interagency agreement, contract or other appropriate agreement between the parties (as applicable).

Model MOU
Please note that these model agreements are subject to change and are only posted as examples.

• Non-disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are sometimes referred to as confidentiality agreements and are used when NETL and/or another party wish to exchange information that is either considered potentially patentable by NETL or proprietary by the other party.  NETL is bound to maintain information received in the course of business confidential by the Trade Secrets Act (18 USC Sec. 1905.  However, NETL will enter into an NDA that reiterates this protection.  NDA's may be unilateral or bi-lateral, depending on the circumstances.  NETL only executes its own model NDA's.

CRADA information, continued:

NETL seeks CRADA partnerships that benefit both the private sector participant and NETL. Partnerships need to align with NETL's mission of solving national energy and environmental problems and fall under one or more of the lab's core research areas.

NETL gives preference to partners whose business units are located in the United States and who agree that products resulting from the CRADA will be manufactured substantially in the United States or there is a significant net benefit to the United States. If the potential partner is part of a foreign-owned company, NETL will consider how that country deals with U.S.-based companies. Also considered in the formation of a CRADA are the resources offered by the proposed participant, NETL's resource availability, and the specific contribution of the project to NETL's R&D program.

The most effective way to initiate a CRADA is for the potential participant to contact the NETL Technology Transfer team at techtransfer@netl.doe.gov. The expression of interest triggers discussions within NETL and between NETL and the potential participant to decide whether a project can be defined that will benefit both parties and if needed resources are available to perform the envisioned work. The NETL Director makes the final decision about whether NETL will pursue a CRADA opportunity. No funds are transferred from NETL to the private sector participant so most regulations governing Federal procurements do not apply.

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