The Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) works to develop the Department’s vision to expand the commercial impact of its research investments, and streamline information and access to DOE’s national labs and sites.

In order to carry out these goals, OTT satisfies requirements under congressional statutes found in the United States Code Title 42—The Public Health in Welfare. Authority is specially derived from Chapter 149—National Energy Policy and Programs, Subchapter X—Department of Energy Management. Sections 16391 - 16396 cover guidelines for technology transfer leadership, as well as policy and regulations for program activities, including the Technology Transfer Working Group and the Technology Commercialization Fund. Statutes also authorize the National Laboratories and facilities to conduct technology-partnering activities to fulfill the Department’s mission.

To review the statutory authority referenced above, please click here.

Additionally, OTT implements public laws passed by Congress. The office derives much of its mission, responsibilities, and oversight authority from the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, and Energy Policy Act of 2005. These legislations require OTT to develop two reports to Congress annually— the “Technology Transitions Execution Plan” and the “Report on Technology Transfer and Related Technology Partnering Activities at the National Laboratories and Other Facilities.” OTT tracks more than 70 technology-transfer-related metrics from across all of DOE’s laboratories, sites, and facilities to create these statutorily mandated reports. 

Policy 

OTT engages and collaborates internally with employees at DOE’s National Laboratories, Site Offices, and Program Offices to identify key issues and develop policies that address those areas and advance the Department’s technology transfer mission.

The Technology Transfer Working Group (TTWG) works directly with OTT and provides a valuable forum of experienced tech transfer professionals that exchange information about best practices and areas for improvement. It is comprised of federal and contractor personnel from across the DOE complex.

At the headquarters level, the office works with the Technology Transfer Policy Board (TTPB), which includes representation from DOE’s Program Offices that fund and manage much of DOE’s national R&D portfolio.

Finally, the office works with the National Laboratory Tech Transfer (NLTT) Working Group and the Laboratory Policy Council for insight and perspective on the key issues and priorities at the National Laboratories.