Environmental Microbes as a BioEngineering Resource (EMBER)

Environmental Microbes as a BioEngineering Resource (EMBER) is sponsored by DARPA. The EMBER program aims to develop a biotechnology-based separation and purification strategy for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from under-utilized domestic sources, such as phosphate mine waste, acid mine drainage, and electronics recycling.

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gov/esrs for more information. # Environmental Microbes as a BioEngineering Resource (EMBER) DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) #### Looking for contract opportunity help? APEX Accelerators are an official government contracting resource for small businesses.

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* **Contract Opportunity Type:**Presolicitation (Original) * **Original Published Date:**Jul 13, 2021 04:21 pm EDT * **Original Response Date:**Sep 27, 2021 04:00 pm EDT * **Inactive Policy:**Manual * **Original Inactive Date:**Oct 27, 2021 * **Original Set Aside:** * **Product Service Code:** AC12 - NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH * 541714 - Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) * **Place of Performance:** The Environmental Microbes as a BioEngineering Resource (EMBER) program aims to develop novel, bio-based technologies to overcome key challenges facing domestic supply of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) critical to the U.S. and Department of Defense (DoD).

The EMBER program will leverage the diversity, specificity, and customizability of environmental microbiology to enable new biomining methods for separation, purification, and conversion of REEs into manufacturing-ready forms. Microbes (and/or biomolecules), including those from extreme or metal-rich environments, can be biologically engineered or adapted to bind, assimilate, and manipulate individual REEs.

These biological components, once developed, may be assembled into an in-line separation, purification, and recovery workflow resulting in individual, purified REEs. Scalability of EMBER’s approach will be demonstrated with proof-of-concept, pilot scale studies aligned with existing mining/waste treatment infrastructure.

### Contracting Office Address * 675 NORTH RANDOLPH STREET * ARLINGTON , VA 222032114 ### Primary Point of Contact ### Secondary Point of Contact * **Oct 27, 2021 11:56 pm EDT**Presolicitation (Original) What changes or improvements would you suggest? * Freedom of Information Act * Freedom of Information Act This is a U.S. General Services Administration Federal Government computer system that is **"FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY."

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