Tech Transfer Ombuds

The Ombuds Program offers dispute resolution assistance to the Laboratory's external stakeholders in areas of technology transfer and other community–based affairs that are consistent with Ombuds Standards of practice.

Scope

To serve as a focal point for assisting the public and industry in resolving complaints and disputes with Los Alamos National Laboratory regarding technology partnerships, patents, and technology licensing. 

To promote the use of collaborative alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation to facilitate the speedy and low-cost resolution of complaints and disputes, when appropriate.

To report quarterly on the number and nature of complaints and disputes raised, along with the Ombudsperson’s assessment of their resolution, consistent with the protection of confidential and sensitive information, to

• The Secretary or Energy;
• The Administrator for Nuclear Security;
• The Director of the Office of Dispute Resolution of the Department of Energy, and
• The employees of the Department responsible for the administration of the contract for the operation of Los Alamos National Laboratory that is the subject of the report, for consideration in the administration and review of that contract.

To learn about other Laboratory resources for businesses, please go to:

• Business/Tech Transfer
• Small Business Office
• Community Outreach
• Procurement

For more information about the establishment of Tech Transfer Ombuds Programs, please refer to the Technology Transfer Commercialization Act (pdf), and DOE's Office of Dispute Resolution.

For more information, please contact John Armijo at ombuds@lanl.gov or at 5-2837 (5-BUDS).

Related Links

• Ombuds Statistics/Dashboard
• Ombuds Survey (anonymous)
• Mediation Survey (anonymous)

Documents

• FY08 Ombuds Annual Report (pdf)