How to bid on Protein-Based Rare Earth Recovery via Condensation from the Department of Energy

What the Department of Energy is buying

The Department of Energy is offering a technology licensing opportunity for a new method developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This technology, called Protein-Based Rare Earth Recovery via Condensation, uses an engineered protein to capture and concentrate rare earth elements from liquid mixtures. It is a bio-inspired system that forms separable clusters of target metals, providing a cleaner and more flexible approach to recovering these critical materials.

This technology is designed to reduce reliance on harsh processing methods and supports more resilient supply chains for rare earth elements, which are vital for energy, electronics, transportation, and advanced manufacturing. The system is modular, allowing adaptation for different rare earth elements and feedstocks, and avoids the need for protein immobilization on fixed supports.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on June 22, 2026. The deadline for responding to this technology licensing opportunity is December 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. At the deadline, the Department of Energy will no longer accept new inquiries or proposals for licensing this technology.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for companies in the professional services category, particularly those involved in critical minerals recovery, mining and mineral processing, waste recycling, environmental remediation, and biomanufacturing or bioseparation. Firms looking to enhance their capabilities in environmentally conscious critical-material recovery methods would find this technology relevant.

The technology is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, indicating it is suitable for companies interested in early-stage commercialization and further development of innovative solutions for rare earth element recovery.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, you should first click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

For specific discussions regarding this technology licensing, you should contact [email protected]. This is not a call for external services to develop the technology, but rather an invitation to license the existing invention.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response for a technology licensing opportunity, clearly articulate your company's capabilities and resources for commercializing the technology. Highlight your experience in relevant market applications such as critical minerals recovery, waste recycling, or biomanufacturing.

Demonstrate a clear understanding of the technology's advantages, such as its bio-based nature, modularity, and environmental benefits. Outline your proposed development plan and how you intend to bring the technology to market, including any potential adaptations or improvements you envision. Emphasize your commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, aligning with the technology's core benefits.