The Department of Defense (DOD), specifically the Army, is inviting proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on "Advanced Pyrometallurgical Feedstock Processing to Produce Germanium Concentrates." The objective is to develop a method for extracting germanium (Ge) from coal gasification ash, aiming for a yield greater than 60% Ge concentrates, which can be further purified for use in optical-grade materials. This initiative addresses the critical supply chain risks posed by foreign dominance in the Ge market, particularly concerning its applications in DoD infrared sensor platforms. Proposals for Phase I are due by September 4, 2024, with a funding amount of up to $250,000 for a six-month performance period. Interested parties can find more details and submission guidelines on the DOD SBIR website.