TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Extremely Light Foam (ELF)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is offering a Technology Licensing Opportunity for Extremely Light Foam (ELF), a novel structural foam that is significantly lighter and stronger than current alternatives. This special notice aims to connect with companies interested in commercializing this innovative material. Responses are due December 2, 2026.
Technology Overview
ELF is a new structural foam developed by LANL scientists. It utilizes common epoxy materials mixed with tiny hollow particles and a temporary liquid that evaporates, leaving behind a well-organized network of empty space. This process creates a foam that is mostly air but highly resistant to crushing and pressure, achieving up to twice the strength at the same weight as conventional foams. The material is easy to pour, mold, and manufacture at scale using safe, commercially available ingredients.
Key Advantages
- Exceptionally low weight while maintaining high structural integrity.
- High resistance to crushing and compression.
- Simple, low-cost manufacturing process using standard equipment.
- Easy to cast and mold into complex shapes.
- Safe and non-hazardous materials for easier handling and regulatory acceptance.
- Multifunctional performance, offering structural support, thermal insulation, and impact energy absorption.
Market Applications
ELF is well-suited for commercial applications across various sectors, including:
- Marine & Offshore: Lightweight buoyancy materials, pressure-tolerant structures.
- Aerospace: Weight-saving structural cores, multifunctional insulation.
- Defense & Security: Lightweight structural components, energy-absorbing materials.
- Transportation & Mobility: Mass reduction, impact and vibration mitigation.
- Advanced Composites & Manufacturing: Core materials for sandwich structures.
- Energy & Industrial Systems: Lightweight structural insulation, protective housings.
- Thermal & Acoustic Solutions: Lightweight insulation panels, noise-damping materials.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Technology Licensing Opportunity)
- Development Status: TRL 3
- Patent Status: US Patent pending
- Published Date: May 13, 2026
- Response Date: December 2, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified (licensing opportunity)
Contact Information
For specific discussions regarding licensing, please contact:
- Email: licensing@lanl.gov
- Primary Contact: Satya Srinivasan
- Secondary Contact: Lindsay Augustyn
Additional Notes
LANL's licensing program focuses on moving inventions to commercial innovations through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. This notice is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.