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{{Program
|ProgramName=Federal Laboratory Consortium
|ProgramType=Program
|OrgSponsor=Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer
|TopOrganization=None
|CreationLegislation=Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986
|Purpose=The Federal Laboratory Consortium promotes and facilitates the transfer of federal laboratory technologies to the private sector to enhance U.S. economic competitiveness. It connects over 300 federal labs, including DOE facilities, with industry and academia to commercialize innovations and solve national challenges.
|Website=https://federallabs.org
|ProgramStart=1974
|InitialFunding=Not publicly specified
|Duration=Ongoing
|Historic=false
}}
The '''Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer''' (FLC) is a U.S.-based nationwide network of federal [[laboratories]] that provides a forum to develop strategies and opportunities to help transfer laboratory mission technologies into commercial products for the global marketplace.  
The '''Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer''' (FLC) is a U.S.-based nationwide network of federal [[laboratories]] that provides a forum to develop strategies and opportunities to help transfer laboratory mission technologies into commercial products for the global marketplace.  


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Specifically, the FLC develops and tests transfer methods, addresses barriers to the process, provides training, highlights grass-roots transfer efforts, and emphasizes national initiatives in which [[technology transfer]] has a role. For the public and private sectors, the FLC brings laboratories together with potential developers and users of government-owned technologies. The FLC seeks to add value to the [[List of United States federal agencies|federal agencies]], laboratories, and their partners to accomplish the rapid integration of research and development resources into commercial products. The Consortium's vision is to actively promote the fullest application and use of federal research and development by providing an environment for successful technology transfer, thereby enhancing the socioeconomic well-being of the [[United States]] in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.federallabs.org/home/about |title=About the FLC |publisher=Federallabs.org |date= |access-date=2013-04-07}}</ref>
Specifically, the FLC develops and tests transfer methods, addresses barriers to the process, provides training, highlights grass-roots transfer efforts, and emphasizes national initiatives in which [[technology transfer]] has a role. For the public and private sectors, the FLC brings laboratories together with potential developers and users of government-owned technologies. The FLC seeks to add value to the [[List of United States federal agencies|federal agencies]], laboratories, and their partners to accomplish the rapid integration of research and development resources into commercial products. The Consortium's vision is to actively promote the fullest application and use of federal research and development by providing an environment for successful technology transfer, thereby enhancing the socioeconomic well-being of the [[United States]] in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.federallabs.org/home/about |title=About the FLC |publisher=Federallabs.org |date= |access-date=2013-04-07}}</ref>


==Background==
It is a nationwide network established to accelerate the transfer of cutting-edge technologies from federal laboratories to the marketplace, fostering innovation and economic growth across the United States. Founded in 1974 and formally chartered by the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, the FLC links over 300 federal labs—including key DOE National Laboratories like Argonne, Oak Ridge, and NETL—with businesses, universities, and entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborations that have earned DOE labs numerous FLC awards, such as the 12 received in 2021 for advancements like lithium-ion battery improvements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.energy.gov/technologytransitions/federal-laboratory-consortium |title=FLC Overview |publisher=Department of Energy}}</ref> With a 50-year legacy celebrated at its 2024 National Meeting in Dallas, it continues to evolve, supporting initiatives like the DOE’s Energy I-Corps program.
{{Official URL (simple)|url=https://federallabs.org}}
==Goals==
* Enhance technology transfer by linking federal lab innovations with commercial applications.
* Educate and train lab personnel and industry partners on commercialization processes.
* Strengthen U.S. competitiveness by deploying solutions in energy, health, and security.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://federallabs.org/about |title=About FLC |publisher=Federal Laboratory Consortium}}</ref>
==Organization==
The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer operates as a self-governing network, managed by an elected Executive Board drawn from its member labs and agencies, with Paul Zielinski serving as Executive Director as of 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://federallabs.org/leadership |title=FLC Leadership |publisher=Federal Laboratory Consortium}}</ref> While not under a single Cabinet agency, it includes significant DOE participation via labs sponsored by the Office of Science and other offices. Funding derives from member agency contributions, including DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions, supporting events, awards, and resources like the Lab Partnering Service.
==Partners==
* [[Department of Energy]]
* [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]]
* [[Department of Defense]]
* [[National Institutes of Health]]
==History==
The FLC began informally in 1974 as labs sought to share technologies, gaining formal status with the [[Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986]], which mandated federal agencies to promote tech transfer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.energy.gov/technologytransitions/federal-laboratory-consortium |title=FLC Overview |publisher=Department of Energy}}</ref> Early efforts focused on DOE and NASA innovations, with milestones like the 1986 charter and the 2016 National Meeting in Chicago emphasizing commercialization. Marking 50 years in 2024, it has adapted to modern needs, integrating tools like webinars and podcasts (e.g., "The Transfer Files") to spotlight labs like Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
==Funding==
Initial funding in 1974 was not publicly detailed, relying on ad hoc agency support until the 1986 Act formalized contributions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://federallabs.org/about |title=About FLC |publisher=Federal Laboratory Consortium}}</ref> Today, it’s sustained by member dues and federal budgets, including DOE’s technology transfer allocations (e.g., $45 million in FY 2023 for OTT), with no end date as it aligns with ongoing innovation mandates. Costs support training, awards like the 2021 DOE recognitions, and digital platforms.
==Implementation==
The FLC implements its mission through regional and national meetings (e.g., April 2024 in Dallas), awards programs recognizing tech transfer excellence, and online tools like the Lab Partnering Service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.energy.gov/technologytransitions/articles/saddle-2024-flc-national-meeting-dallas |title=2024 FLC Meeting |publisher=Department of Energy}}</ref> It operates continuously, evolving with initiatives like NM LEEP for deep tech entrepreneurs, with no fixed end, adapting to lab and market needs.
==Related==
* [[Energy I-Corps]]
* [[Lab Partnering Service]]
== Legislation ==
== Legislation ==
* [[Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-480)]]
* [[Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-480)]]
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*[http://www.federallabs.org FLC web site]   
*[http://www.federallabs.org FLC web site]   
*[https://www.federallabs.org/flcbusiness/search?f%5B%5D=type:available_technology&f%5B%5D=type:reference_material_publication&f%5B%5D=type:equipment&f%5B%5D=field_lab_category:facilitiesandequipment&f%5B%5D=field_program_type:funding&f%5B%5D=field_program_type:program Linked list of federal labs].
*[https://www.federallabs.org/flcbusiness/search?f%5B%5D=type:available_technology&f%5B%5D=type:reference_material_publication&f%5B%5D=type:equipment&f%5B%5D=field_lab_category:facilitiesandequipment&f%5B%5D=field_program_type:funding&f%5B%5D=field_program_type:program Linked list of federal labs].
* https://www.energy.gov/technologytransitions/federal-laboratory-consortium
* [[wikipedia:Federal Laboratory Consortium]]
===Social media===
* https://twitter.com/FLCNational
* https://www.linkedin.com/company/federal-laboratory-consortium
[[Category:Programs and initiatives]]
[[Category:Programs]]
[[Category:Partnerships]]


== References ==
== References ==
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