  The current and future need for high-energy neutrons has been a subject of
increasing discussion and concern. Immediate applications for such an intense
neutron source include medical isotope production, high-energy physics (HEP)
research, and for materials development and to support qualification for
fission reactors. Also, and of the utmost importance, is the need for such a
source to inform critical gaps in our understanding of the transmutation
materials science issues facing fusion power reactors. A 14 MeV fusion
prototypical neutron source (FPNS) has been a critical, yet unresolved need of
the fusion program for more than 40 years. Given the narrowing timeline for
construction of pilot and fusion power plants the urgency and necessity of such
a neutron source has become increasingly time sensitive. One possibility to
address this need is a scaled-down version of IFMIF technology ("IFMIF-Lite"),
operating at 125 mA with the beam and target technology leveraging technology
developed under the IFMIF/EVEDA program. Within this white paper, a blueprint
of necessary R&D to enable a transformational change in both the capital and
operating cost of this IFMIF-Lite driver concept is presented. Enabling this
transformation is the replacement of the historic RFQ/LINAC components with
multiple compact 35+ MeV D+ drivers, based on compact cyclotrons.
