Novel and Highly Efficient Separation Methods for Critical Rare Earth Elements
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Defense Logistics Agency seeks Small Business Innovation Research proposals to develop novel, highly efficient domestic separation methods for critical rare earth elements from mixed feedstocks. Awardees will design modular, scalable, and cost-competitive production processes to supply high-purity rare earth oxides, salts, or metals such as scandium, yttrium, neodymium, and dysprosium. Proposed technologies must be restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations and must reside between Technology and Manufacturing Readiness Levels 3 and 6 to be considered. Phase I contracts are limited to a 12-month duration and a $100,000 budget, while Phase II efforts are limited to 18 months and $1,000,000. Applications for this opportunity must be submitted through the Department of Defense SBIR portal by the closing deadline of June 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM UTC.