Illustration of Covid-19 virus

COVID-19 Technical Assistance Program (CTAP)

The Office of Technology Transitions, OTT, is providing funding to the National Laboratories and Sites for a DOE National Laboratory Technical Assistance Program to address COVID-19 public health and economic recovery related technical challenges. CTAP is designed to allow external entities – including state, tribal, and local governments; not-for-profit organizations; regional and local businesses; and other private sector entities – to engage directly with DOE lab researchers. Ames Laboratory is participating in this program.

These groups would be enabled to tap researchers' technical expertise to work through and overcome difficult technical or scientific challenges related to combating the novel coronavirus. Funding provided under this program will cover up to 40 hours of consultation with Ames Laboratory staff. Work anticipated for CTAP projects leverages AL’s unique capabilities or expertise, is not R&D intensive, and should not be intended to generate intellectual property. In addition to the 40 hours of labor, minimal amounts of consumables are allowed. Only projects that provide COVID-19-related technical assistance to U.S. entities will be considered.

Proposals will be accepted beginning immediately on a rolling/continual basis as long as 1) funds are available and 2) the project can be completed before 12/31/2021. Please contact ipp@ameslab.gov if interested. Applications must include two required documents:

Below are a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help guide you in developing a project and applying.

How can CTAP help in the COVID response?

CTAP will provide targeted funding to DOE’s National Lab system to assist non-DOE entities working to combat the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. CTAP gives National Lab researchers the ability to offer short-term, limited assistance to U.S.-based entities dealing with particularly challenging technical hurdles. This is a great opportunity for external partners who could benefit from the incredible resources and expertise our Labs hold.

What kind of work can the National Labs provide in CTAP projects?

The National Labs offer an expansive wealth of expertise in areas related to COVID-19 including: medical-related manufacturing and supply chain, medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics (pharmaceuticals), sensors, discovery research processes, medical-related artificial intelligence and data analytics, epidemiology tools, and modeling and simulation.

In addition to projects that address public health issues, CTAP funding may be used to address needs relating to economic consequences of the pandemic.  Investments in critical American infrastructure and supply chain strengthening are vulnerable given the downturn in the economy.  In particular, CTAP funding may be used by the labs to support job-creating projects to: reinvigorate the transportation, clean water, and sanitation sectors; refine manufacturing supply chains, and control the pandemic with efforts to strengthen health care, schools, safe buildings and transportation, and digital infrastructure.

What types of “non-DOE entities” are eligible to participate in CTAP?

National Labs may receive CTAP funding to support short-term engagements with U.S.-based state, tribal, and local governments, not-for-profit organizations, regional and local businesses, and other private sector entities.

What is meant by “short-term, limited assistance?”

A CTAP project is a short-duration consultation.  Projects up to 40 FTE hours, plus minimal consumables, will be considered appropriate.  Projects exceeding this threshold will require justification.

Why is DOE funding CTAP projects?

DOE recognizes the severe negative impacts to public health and the U.S. economy caused by the pandemic.  The labs, along with their partners are expected to define measurable performance goals and estimates of expected impacts on mitigating effects from the pandemic. 

My company could benefit from consultation with the National Labs, how do I start?

Begin by clearly identifying your problem so you can communicate it concisely to representatives at the Labs.  Then you will want to find the right team at one of the Labs.  Your best resource is the DOE Lab Partnering Service which helps you easily navigate all 17 National Laboratories to search for expertise, facilities or technologies that can support your needs.  Click on: https://www.labpartnering.org/      Search for Expertise and when you’ve found a good match follow the directions under “Connect.”

Is there a fee to participate in CTAP or use the Lab Partnering Service?

No.  Provided the technical assistance you need can be served through a short-term engagement as above, the costs incurred by the National Lab are fully covered with CTAP funding.  Any additional costs that exceed CTAP funding would be negotiated separately and directly with the Lab.