NASA Offers Exclusive License for 3D Welding Breakthrough
Published Date: 1/14/2026
Notice
Summary
NASA plans to give LeapFast Manufacturing in Ohio a special license to use two cool new inventions about 3D printing and welding tech. If anyone thinks this isn’t fair or has a better idea, they need to speak up by January 29, 2026. This could open doors for LeapFast to boost manufacturing with NASA’s cutting-edge tech, but the final yes or no is still up in the air.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
NASA Intends Exclusive License to LeapFast
NASA plans to grant an exclusive, co-exclusive, or partially exclusive U.S. patent license to LeapFast Manufacturing Inc. of Youngstown, Ohio to practice U.S. Patent No. 12,343,930 B2 ("Solid-State Additive Manufacturing System and Method") and U.S. Patent No. 12,157,179 B2 ("Bobbin Friction Stir Weld Additive Manufacturing System and Method"). NASA says fields of use may be limited and has not made a final decision to grant the license.
Opportunity to Object or Compete by Jan 29, 2026
Anyone may submit written objections with evidence and argument, or submit a completed competing application, to NASA by January 29, 2026 to oppose the contemplated license. Objections received by NASA will not be made available for public inspection and, to the extent permitted by law, will not be released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13245 — Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
NASA is updating its rules for how it checks the environmental impact of its projects to make the process clearer and faster for everyone involved. This change affects NASA staff, project partners, and the public by providing new guidelines and updated lists of projects that don’t need detailed reviews. The new rules take effect on August 17, 2026, and NASA is asking for public comments by July 31, 2026.
2026-13624 — Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of NASA-Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
NASA updated its rules to focus only on stopping intentional discrimination in programs it funds, dropping rules about accidental unfair effects. This change makes NASA’s policies match the law better and keeps things fair and clear for everyone getting federal help. The new rules start on July 6, 2026, with no extra costs involved.
2026-13110 — Name of Information Collection: NASA Astronaut Candidate Selection Qualifications Inquiry
NASA is updating how it collects info about astronaut applicants by asking their bosses, co-workers, and references for feedback. This helps NASA pick the best space explorers while cutting down on paperwork. If you’re involved, get ready to share your thoughts by July 30, 2026—no extra costs, just a smoother astronaut selection process!
2026-12807 — Information Collection; Paperwork Reduction Act Changes in FAR Case 2026-002, Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 6, 7, 10, 18, 26, 37, and 41
The government is shaking up some key rules about how federal agencies collect information when buying goods and services. This overhaul affects contractors, agencies, and anyone involved in federal purchases, aiming to cut down paperwork and make things clearer and faster. Comments on these changes are open until August 24, 2026, so get ready to share your thoughts and help shape the future of federal buying!
2026-12806 — Information Collection; Paperwork Reduction Act Changes in FAR Case 2026-001, Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 1, 2, 4, 33, 39, 40, and 53
The government is shaking up the rules for how federal agencies collect paperwork from contractors, making things simpler and smarter. If you work with or for the government, these changes could affect how you submit info and save you time and hassle. You’ve got until August 24, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new rules roll out!
2026-12561 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 5, 24, and 29
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by simplifying rules in parts 5, 24, and 29 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This change affects all federal agencies and contractors, aiming to save taxpayer money and cut red tape. Comments on the proposed changes are open until July 23, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00607 — Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
The U.S. International Trade Commission got a complaint about certain power converters and computer parts possibly breaking trade rules. Companies from the U.S., Taiwan, and China are involved, and the Commission wants the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect everyone. This could lead to changes in what products can be sold or imported, so keep an eye out for updates soon!
Next: 2026-00610 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection Requested; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection
The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women is asking to keep collecting info through a form that helps check if groups qualify for a special grant. They want to extend this approved form and are inviting comments until March 16, 2026. This keeps things running smoothly without adding extra costs or time burdens for those who respond.