Request for Information (RFI): Advanced Battery Circularity & Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

The Defense Logistics Agency is conducting market research through a Request for Information due November 19, 2026, to assess the defense industrial base's capabilities in end-of-life battery recovery, reclamation, and critical mineral recycling. No set-aside applies to this RFI, which is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a promise to issue a future solicitation.

DLA, as the Department of Defense executive agent for hazardous waste disposal and combat logistics, seeks to evaluate how new Environmental Protection Agency universal waste regulations and Federal Executive Orders (including EO 14057 and EO 14110) affect the storage, transportation, processing, and domestic reclamation of military-grade and commercial batteries.

The RFI (SP4705-27-J3-RFI-001) is organized into separate question sets targeting manufacturers and processors. Questions to manufacturers address supply chain mapping challenges under Executive Order 14415, compliance obstacles related to battery sourcing from Foreign Entity of Concern sources, current Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and take-back programs, collection and recycling infrastructure requirements, and impacts of EPA TSCA SNUR and Bureau of Industry and Security export control rules on EPR responsibilities. Manufacturer questions also cover material feedstock, logistics and safety requirements for battery returns, cost structures and reimbursement models, and contracting mechanisms for federal battery return-to-producer programs. Processor questions cover battery recycling processes, capacity expansion requirements, processing volumes and permitted capacity, environmental and safety challenges, incentives for improving domestic recycling capacity, and potential partnerships with secondary producers.

Respondents may submit answers via email to the point of contact or upload directly to SAM.gov.