Vehicle-grid integration is a growing field, with many interconnected variables across many stakeholder groups each with large uncertainties. Quantifying and developing solutions to the challenges facing vehicle-grid integration requires technical, policy and economic expertise spanning areas such as vehicle powertrain systems, electricity grid systems, and the established and developing regulatory systems around vehicle-grid integration. Berkeley Lab and the V2G-Sim development team offer numerous services to companies, universities, research institutions and policy makers to understand the challenges facing vehicle-grid integration and to develop effective solutions.A full list of mechanisms for working with Berkeley Lab is available here.Work-for-Other agreements (WFOs) are a mechanism through which industry can utilize the unique expertise and facilities at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. In this type of arrangement the industrial or otherwise outside sponsor pays 100% of the cost of the work to be performed by Berkeley Lab. Under certain conditions, a company may take title to inventions created by Berkeley Lab under the WFO. Some key points in such arrangements include product, general and IP indemnification, advance payment requirements and the fact that Berkeley Lab may not compete with the private sector for such work. Work to be performed by Berkeley Lab via a successfully funded SBIR/STTR proposal is also a WFO; however, in this case, it is federally funded and different terms will apply.
CRADAs are cooperative research and development agreements between Berkeley Lab and industrial partners that contribute to the goals of each party. A CRADA is usually cost shared between the partners and Berkeley Lab. Companies are able to retain rights to their own inventions made under a CRADA and they are granted a free option to Berkeley Lab inventions. Intellectual property created by the Laboratory under a CRADA are retained by Berkeley Lab.