Novel and Highly Efficient Separation Methods for Critical Rare Earth Elements
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Defense Logistics Agency is seeking SBIR solutions for novel, highly efficient domestic separation methods for critical rare earth elements to strengthen DoW supply chain resiliency and reduce foreign reliance. The work centers on separating rare earths from mixed feedstocks into high-purity oxides, salts, or metals such as Sc, Y, Nd/Pr, Sm, Gd, Tb, and Dy, with an emphasis on cost-competitive, modular, and scalable processes. Proposals should target technologies at TRL/MRL 3 through 6, and Phase I is for a proof-of-concept demonstration plus a commercialization roadmap, while Phase II is for a pilot-scale process using domestically sourced materials and a business case for DoW and commercial markets. The opportunity is a pre-release solicitation under DLA26BZ02-NV002, with release on 2026-05-06, an open date of 2026-05-27, and an application deadline of 2026-06-24 at 16:00 UTC; Phase I is capped at 12 months and $100,000, and Phase II at 18 months and $1,000,000.