With the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Title X, Sec. 1001, the Secretary of Energy was directed to establish a Technology Transfer Working Group (TTWG), to include representatives from DOE National Laboratories and single purpose research facilities. The same section of the Act also directs the Secretary to appoint a Technology Transfer Coordinator. The duties of the Technology Transfer Coordinator include overseeing the activities of the TTWG.

In establishing the TTWG, the Coordinator has required that its membership include, in addition to the statutory requirements, members from other DOE facilities authorized to conduct technology transfer activities and members from DOE field offices responsible for overseeing these technology transfer activities.

The TTWG primarily includes technology transfer professionals from the National Laboratories, single purpose research facilities and production facilities, and DOE/NNSA field elements. This group works together to improve the technology transfer activities of the laboratories/facilities and the Department. The members promote the implementation of DOE Laboratory technology transfer policy in a mutually beneficial, supportive, and non-adversarial working environment that encourages open communication, teamwork, and professional development.

Purpose:

The TTWG operates to address technology transfer activities, issues, and concerns at the working level. This group does not establish policy, but works collegially under the oversight of the Technology Transfer Coordinator and in conjunction with the Technology Transfer Policy Board. The objectives of the Working Group are to:

1. Coordinate technology transfer activities occurring at National Laboratories and single purpose research and production facilities, such as:

  • Enhancing existing processes and, where appropriate, recommending new processes.
  • Promoting consistency of purpose and process across DOE field elements and laboratories/facilities.
  • Functioning as a Facilitator to supplement existing DOE field element and laboratory/facility reviews, comments, and recommendations on new initiatives.

2. Exchange information about technology transfer practices, including alternative approaches to resolution of disputes involving intellectual property rights and other technology transfer matters. This includes:

  • Enhancing communication by fostering a "team" approach among the DOE field elements and the laboratories/facilities and encouraging mutual buy-in.
  • Addressing process and procedure issues for multi-laboratory partnerships.
  • Providing an avenue to raise and discuss issues of concern to members and their respective organizations.
  • Facilitating communication between the TTWG membership and the Technology Transfer Coordinator/Technology Transfer Policy Board.
  • Promoting the use of the Technology Transfer Ombudsmen and alternative approaches to resolution of disputes involving intellectual property rights and other technology transfer matters.

3. Develop and disseminate to the public and prospective technology partners information about DOE/NNSA technology transfer matters, including:

  • Opportunities for partnering.
  • Procedures supporting alternative approaches to resolution of disputes involving intellectual property rights.
  • Other technology transfer matters.

Technology Transfer Working Group Documents:

TTWG Licensing Guide and Sample License
This licensing guide provides a general understanding of typical contract terms and provisions to help reduce both time and cost to license intellectual property (IP) from DOE's Laboratories.

TTWG Guide to Partnering with the National Laboratories
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the various mechanisms available for partnering with the national labs, provide contact information for technology transfer professionals, and to address Frequently Asked Questions.