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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to cmmacceleratornofo@ee.doe.gov"]
[2,"All questions pertaining to EERE Exchange should be emailed to EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. Include FOA name and number in subject line."]
[3,"All questions and answers pertaining to this FOA will be posted on EERE Exchange within this spreadsheet."]
[4,"DOE will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer has already been posted in this spreadsheet. "]
[5,"All questions should be submitted not later than 3 business days prior to the application due date. Questions submitted after this date will not be answered."]
[6,"Questions are assigned a number in accordance with when they are reviewed by DOE.  "]
[7,"Questions are assigned a topic area by DOE when reviewed."]
[]
["TIPS"]
[1,"Applicants may sort questions and answers in the question tabs of this spreadhseet by selecting the drop-down box arrow on the column headers and selecting any of the listed attributes."]
[2,"Applicants may search for questions and/or keywords by holding CTRL+F on the keyboard and typing in a phrase or keyword."]

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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["DE-FOA-0003589 - ​​Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator Notice of Funding Opportunity    "]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2026-04-07","Other","Trouble downloading the PDF documents on the eXCHANGE website.","Please contact the eXCHANGE support desk at EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[2,"2026-04-07","Eligibility","Is there a limit on the number of Letters of Intent that may be submitted?","No. There is no limit to the number of Letters of Intent that can be submitted. Please ensure all letters of intent from a single lead organization use the same lead organization name."]
[3,"2026-04-07","Eligibility","What determines if institutions are treated as separate entities for purposes of the application limit?","In the context of this funding opportunity’s limits on full application submissions, two entities are considered separate if they each have their own distinct Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)."]
[4,"2026-04-07","Eligibility","Will DoE review Letters of Intent and invite selected Letters of Intent to apply? Or are entities expected to manage their potential applicants to control the number of full applications submitted?","DoE will not provide feedback or responses to Letters of Intent. It is each organization's responsibility to ensure they comply with the limitations on full application submissions."]
[5,"2026-04-07","Technical Topics","Would approaches that reduce the need for critical materials through permanent load elimination and infrastructure durability fall within the scope of Topic Area 1?","As described in Section E of the NOFO, Topic Area 1 “seeks to derisk and validate technologies and processes that establish and expand the amount of Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) recovered from domestic secondary sources.” Proposals that reduce or eliminate the demand for CMM at end-use stage of the supply chain are not of interest. "]
[6,"2026-04-07","Technical Topics","Are geothermal applications in Alaska of interest for this funding opportunity?","All regions of the US are of interest under subtopics 3b and 3c.  "]
[7,"2026-04-07","Technical Topics","There appears to be an error in the units represented in Figure 3 on page 31 of Part 1 of the NOFO","There is an error in the units represented in Figure 3 on page 31 of Part 1 of the NOFO. The order of magnitude should be “thousand tons” rather than “million tons.” The figure has been corrected as part of MOD 0001 which is now live."]
[8,"2026-04-07","Application Content/Format","Regarding Section II.D.1 \"DOE FFRDCs as the Applicant – Topic Areas 3B & 3C Only,\" can national labs submit the FFRDC Authorization Letter at the time of award?","Yes, national labs may submit the FFRDC Authorization Letter at the time of award."]
[9,"2026-04-07","Technical Topics","Questions regarding what feedstocks are of interest for Topic Area 1","As described in Section E of the NOFO, Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include “Rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are materials of interest for this Topic Area as targets for recovery.” Feedstocks that enable recovery of these materials of interest are within scope. Feedstocks not of interest include geothermal brines, lithium battery manufacturing scrap, postconsumer lithium batteries, postindustrial scrap associated with fossil fuel production inclusive of produced waters, operational coal mines, or legacy mine tailings. "]
[10,"2026-04-07","Technical Topics","Could DOE clarify if there are specific forms of the recovered products for Topic Area 1 that DOE considers acceptable outputs for recovered CMMs (e.g., oxides, salts, metals, alloys, etc.)? Is this at the applicant’s discretion based on the offtake market requirements for those particular CMMs?","As described in Section E of the NOFO, proposals to Topic Area 1 “can advance processes to recover CMM from scrap, recover and refine intermediate products or purified products from CMM scrap, or reduce waste generation during the production of intermediate products, refined/purified products or fabricated components.” The form of intermediate or purified products is at the discretion of the applicant. Projects must “demonstrate that recovered CMMs meet industry standards and can serve as an affordable feedstock for manufacturing processes.”"]
[11,"2026-04-07","Technical Topics","Are there specific downstream offtake markets that the technologies should target under Topic Area 1?","Proposed projects should support technologies in alignment with the DOE CMM Program vision to build reliable, resilient, affordable, and secure domestic CMM supply chains that support the energy, manufacturing, and transportation economies while promoting safe solutions to meet current and future needs. Projects are encouraged to target technologies aligned with the mission and scope of the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI). Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation | Department of Energy "]
[12,"2026-04-07","Technical Topics","Table 4 in the NOFO lists separate purity targets for “Purity of Material Recovered” and “Purity of Material Refined.” How does DOE distinguish the boundary between these two stages?","“Purity of Material Recovered” refers to the material recovered from a starting feedstock e.g., leachate. “Purity of Material Refined” refers to the material than purified or refined from the recovered material. "]
[13,"2026-04-07","Technical Topics","Is Telluric Iron of interest for this NOFO?","Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are materials of interest for this Topic Area as targets for recovery. Topic Area 2 focuses on advancing the domestic supply chain for critical semiconductor materials: gallium (Ga), gallium nitride (GaN), germanium (Ge), and silicon carbide (SiC). Topic Area 3 seeks to develop cost-competitive methods to extract, separate, and process lithium from brine and clay sources. Telluric Iron is not a material of interest for any topic areas."]
[14,"2026-04-08","Application Content/Format","Letters of Intent submitted through email.","Per section VI.C.1 of the NOFO, all submissions for applications (including Letters of Intent) must be submitted in the eXCHANGE site. DOE will not review or consider submissions that are not submitted through the correct eXCHANGE site for this NOFO."]
[15,"2026-04-08","Technical Topics","Is the advanced production of copper ( midstream) as a critical mineral eligible in this NOFO?","As described in Part 1, Section III.E. Topic Area 1, “Projects can advance processes to recover CMM from scrap or recover and refine intermediate products or purified products from CMM scrap…Rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are materials of interest for this Topic Area as targets for recovery.”"]
[16,"2026-04-09","Technical Topics","We would appreciate clarification on whether sludge generated during treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) waters would be considered an eligible secondary feedstock under Topic Area 1, and if so, how DOE would categorize this material (e.g., postindustrial scrap, mine-related secondary source appropriate for 1C, or otherwise).","For Topic 1A and Topic 1B, mine tailings (inclusive of acid mine drainage) is not of interest.  For Topic 1C, fossil fuel-derived mine tailings and legacy mine tailings are not of interest. Topic 1C feedstocks may include acid mine drainage from operational mines (other than fossil fuel mines such as coal) if combined with postindustrial and/or postconsumer scrap"]
[17,"2026-04-09","Technical Topics","Would a project that combines mine waste with other mine-related secondary materials (such as slag and/or AMD treatment sludge) be considered responsive under Topic Area 1C? Or does DOE intend that combinations must include at least one feedstock clearly categorized as postindustrial or postconsumer scrap (e.g., manufacturing scrap, e-waste, or similar materials) in addition to mine tailings?","Topic Area 1C must include at least one feedstock that is clearly categorized as postindustrial or postconsumer scrap. "]
[18,"2026-04-09","Technical Topics","Are technologies that could reduce critical-material demand of interest for this NOFO?","Proposals with a primary goal to reduce or eliminate the demand for CMM are not of interest in this NOFO."]
[19,"2026-04-10","Other","The Teaming Partner List shows up as a \".txt\" file","There is a link to the teaming partner list webpage inside the .txt file. The website for the teaming partner list is: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=0525cb6a-abae-4e85-bc6d-de9208d3fe7a"]
[20,"2026-04-10","Technical Topics","Are feedstocks that contain no secondary sources of interest for Topic Area 1?","Feedstocks other than secondary sources are NOT of interest for Topic Area 1. "]
[21,"2026-04-12","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 3A is the prototype DLE expected to run in a lab or at an actual site?","For Topic Area 3a Phase 1 projects there is not restriction on where the DLE prototype must be operated. Coordination and partnership with up-stream (resource provider) entities to access the real lithium feedstock is encouraged."]
[22,"2026-04-12","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 3A, how long is the prototype DLE required to run?","For Topic Area 3A Phase 1 projects the prototype DLE should be capable of continuous operation with flow rate exceeding 2 gallons/hour."]
[23,"2026-04-12","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 3A, what is the expected final product from the DLE system? - lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide or lithium chloride?","Topic Area 3A does not specify what type of Lithium compound the DLE system must produce. Coordination with downstream partners (post processing, metallization, end users) is encouraged to meet and validate precise requirements for industrial grade lithium purity (>99%) such as lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, etc."]
[24,"2026-04-13","Other","Request for the NOFO links","Topic Area 1: eXCHANGE: Funding Opportunity DE-TA1-0003589\n"]
[25,"2026-04-13","Other","Request for the NOFO links","Topic Area 2: eXCHANGE: Funding Opportunity DE-TA2-0003589"]
[26,"2026-04-13","Other","Request for the NOFO links","Topic Area 3: eXCHANGE: Funding Opportunity DE-TA3-0003589\n"]
[27,"2026-04-13","Other","Trouble finding/accessing the teaming partner list","The website for the teaming partner list is: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=0525cb6a-abae-4e85-bc6d-de9208d3fe7a"]
[28,"2026-04-13","Application Content/Format","Is a national lab required as a partner for any Topic Area?","Partnering with a National Lab is not required for applications to any Topic Area. As described in Section D of the NOFO, Technical Assistance will be made available to give awardees access to DOE National Laboratories expertise and facilities through a voucher system. "]
[29,"2026-04-13","Other","Following submission of the LOI by one entity with it’s own UEI (e.g. a parent company), we would like to confirm that it is permissible to transfer ownership of that submission to a separate organization with it’s own UEI (e.g. in the event that a new company spins off)","Answer Pending"]
[30,"2026-04-14","Technical Topics","How does DOE distinguish between industrial process residues derived from fossil fuel refining/petrochemical operations and fossil fuel production wastes when determining feedstock eligibility under Topic Area 1A?","Answer Pending"]
[31,"2026-04-14","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 1A, could DOE please clarify the intended scope of the exclusion for “postindustrial scrap associated with fossil fuel production, inclusive of produced waters”? Specifically, does this exclusion extend to all downstream postindustrial scrap/process residues from fossil fuel refinery activities (e.g., spent catalysts and petroleum coke), or is it limited to upstream wastes from fossil fuel exploration and extraction (e.g., produced water, mine tailings)?","Answer Pending"]
[32,"2026-04-14","Other","Trouble downloading the DE-FOA-0003589-Full Announcement - DE-FOA-0003589 (BASE).zip file on Grants.gov","We are working to fix the link on Grants.Gov. In the meantime, you can download the same Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the eXCHANGE website linked in question 24-26 of this document. "]
[33,"2026-04-14","Other","How do I submit a letter of intent?  Do I email to this address?","Do not submit letters of intent to the email address. Letters of intent can be submitted by clicking the \"Apply\" button on the eXCHANGE website for the NOFO Topic Area you are applying to. Links are provided in question 24-26 in this spreadsheet."]
[34,"2026-04-15","Technical Topics","Topic Area 1c seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that are able to either process blended feedstock or demonstrate the ability to process multiple individual feedstocks.\n\nCould a project build multiple prototype lines to target each feedstock individually, so long as the same underlying technology/process was used? Or, does the single prototype build need to process each feedstock (for example, sequentially)?","The intention of Topic Area 1C is to advance a single approach or technology that is able to process blended feedstocks or process multiple feedstocks. The NOFO does not prohibit the use of multiple prototypes with the same underlying technology. As described in the NOFO, Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include (but are not limited to) translational recycling technologies that can be tailored to recover different target materials."]
[35,"2026-04-15","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 3A, how should clay-feedstock applicants address the mandatory flow rate metric (Table 7, ≥2 gal/hr) given clay processing has no continuous liquid flow through sorbent/membrane?","For Topic Area 3A, processes incapable of a continuous liquid flow rate can use total cost reduction of ≥20% of LCE from the baseline as an acceptable alternative metric to flow rate."]
[36,"2026-04-15","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 3A, Applications Specifically Not of Interest includes applications focused on mining and crushing lithium bearing rocks.  Please confirm that mining and crushing as pre-processing steps are allowable parts of a proposed flowsheet as long as they are not the focus of the project?","Answer Pending"]
[37,"2026-04-15","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 3A, are hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processes eligible approaches?","Answer Pending"]
[38,"2026-04-15","Technical Topics","Questions regarding what specific assistance the Technical Assistance program referenced in Section III.D of the NOFO can provide.","To assist in identifying potential partners at DOE’s National Labs for technical assistance, applicants are encouraged to review DOE’s September 29, 2025 webinar on national lab capabilities related to CMM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUlJkjSqyLM). Inquiries regarding METALLIC collaborations can be sent to Work-With-METALLIC@netl.doe.gov."]
[39,"2026-04-15","Technical Topics","How does DOE distinguish between industrial process residues derived from fossil fuel refining/petrochemical operations and fossil fuel production wastes when determining feedstock eligibility under Topic Area 1A?","Answer Pending"]
[40,"2026-04-15","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 1A, could DOE please clarify the intended scope of the exclusion for “postindustrial scrap associated with fossil fuel production, inclusive of produced waters”? Specifically, does this exclusion extend to all downstream postindustrial scrap/process residues from fossil fuel refinery activities (e.g., spent catalysts and petroleum coke), or is it limited to upstream wastes from fossil fuel exploration and extraction (e.g., produced water, mine tailings)?","Answer Pending"]
[41,"2026-04-15","Application Content/Format","The NOFO states that the Letter of Intent Abstract is limited to 600 characters, but the field in the eXCHANGE website is limited to 6000 characters, which one is accurate?","The 600 character limit in the NOFO is a typo. Letter of Intent Abstracts are limited to 6000 characters. Note that the project description within the abstract is limited to 200 words. We have corrected the typo in the NOFO with MOD 0001 which is now live. Sorry for the confusion."]
[42,"2026-04-16","Other","I recently submitted an entry to the Teaming Partner List, but nothing shows under the query results. Is the Teaming Partner List live?","The teaming partner list is live, however some people have had issues with it displaying properly. Please contact EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov for  assistance."]
[43,"2026-04-16","Technical Topics","Is coal fly ash included in post industrial scraps? ","Answer Pending"]
[44,"2026-04-16","Application Content/Format","Question about technologies that may fit into multiple topic areas","We cannot provide guidance on which topic area you should apply to. There is no limit to the number of Letters of Intent you can submit, so you are welcome to submit separate Letters of Intent for each topic area you are considering. You must submit a separate Letter of Intent for each topic area."]
[45,"2026-04-16","Other","Request for the webinar presentation","The webinar presentation has been added to the NOFO eXCHANGE webpages listed in the answers to questions 24-26 in this document. The recording and transcript will be also be added soon."]
[46,"2026-04-16","Other","Questions about how to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)","1) Go to the eXCHANGE website for the topic area you would like to apply to (see links in questions 24-26 of this document)\n2) Log in or create an account if you haven't already\n3) Click the \"Apply\" button in the upper right corner\n3) Fill out the Letter of Intent web form and submit it"]
[47,"2026-04-16","Other","Question about DoE's substantial involvement, and the ability for DoE to provide input at the application stage","DoE is prohibited from communicating directly with applicants prior to selection, please use the information in the NOFO document to guide your application. We look forward to working with awardees post-selection."]
[48,"2026-04-16","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 2, is improving the cost, waste, and/or speed of producing SiC wafers of interest?","Topic 2 seeks to fund prototyping initiatives for processes that can take primary or secondary feedstocks, extract and purify these elements to semiconductor-grade specifications, and/or form them into alloyed compositions or specific material presentations (e.g., powders, boules, ingots, single crystals) suitable for downstream product manufacturing."]
[49,"2026-04-16","Technical Topics","For Topic 1C, are proposals that focus on the processing mine tailings, industrial scrap, AND legacy intermediates (such as hydroxides, concentrates or calcines) produced from run of mine ore OR black mass of interest for this solicitation?","Fossil fuel-derived mine tailings and legacy mine tailings are not of interest. Postconsumer lithium batteries are not of interest."]
[50,"2026-04-16","Technical Topics","For the feedstocks under topic area 1c, is it a requirement to use all three or just a combination of at least two?","At least two."]
[51,"2026-04-16","Application Content/Format","What should the LOI format look like? ","Please refer question 46 in this document for instructions on how to submit your LOI. You may also refer to Section IV.C in the NOFO document for additional information on the LOI format and content"]
[52,"2026-04-16","Other","What do the qualification criteria look like for Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 qualification?","We are unsure what you mean by Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 qualification. Please resubmit your question with additional information."]
[53,"2026-04-16","Other","The teaming partner list is empty ","See question 42 in this document."]
[54,"2026-04-16","Eligibility","In all topic areas, can FFRDC organizations (national labs) participate as a funded partner?","Yes"]
[55,"2026-04-16","Cost Sharing","If an FFRDC (national lab) is a funded partner, could the cost share portion for FFRDC partner be waived?","There is no cost share exception for FFRDC's. The minimum cost share for the any award in Phase 1 is 20% regardless of FFRDC involvement."]
[56,"2026-04-16","Application Content/Format","Is the list of partners on the LOI fixed once we submit the LOI or this could be changed by the time full application is due?","Partners can be changed in the Full Application. The prime recipient must remain the same."]
[57,"2026-04-16","Eligibility","Clarification on whether a single entity can submit an application as the lead organization for both Topic Area 1 and Topic Area 2 ","Applicants are limited to one full application per Topic Area for Topic Area 1 (all subtopics) and Topic Area 2"]
[58,"2026-04-16","Other","Request for webinar recording","See question 45 in this document."]
[59,"2026-04-16","Other","Should the PI, not the applicant institution create the eXCHANGE account?","Either is acceptable."]
[60,"2026-04-16","Other","Does inputting the prime's UEI in eXCHANGE allow the prime AOR to authorize an application to this NOFO after the LOI has been submitted?","No. It is up to the applying entity to ensure it complies with the application limits."]
[61,"2026-04-16","Other","When the LOI is submitted via exchange, will it route to the institutional AOR for approval?","No. It is up to the applying entity to ensure it complies with the application limits."]
[62,"2026-04-17","Other","Request for webinar recording","See question 45 in this document."]
[63,"2026-04-17","Technical Topics","Applications focusing on Salton Sea or Smackover Formation.” are specifically not of interest. Does this include sites anywhere in the Salton Trough (Salton, Brawley, Heber, and East Mesa geothermal areas) or just the Salton Geothermal area?","Applications focusing on or tied to the Salton Sea geothermal resource are not of interest.  "]
[64,"2026-04-17","Technical Topics","Will you be using the USGS list of critical minerals to define what are critical minerals?  Are Graphite, Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes, Carbon Nanoonions and battery grade carbons considered  critical  minerals for this funding opportunity. ","Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are materials of interest for this Topic Area as targets for recovery. Topic Area 2 focuses on advancing the domestic supply chain for critical semiconductor materials: gallium (Ga), gallium nitride (GaN), germanium (Ge), and silicon carbide (SiC). Topic Area 3 seeks to develop cost-competitive methods to extract, separate, and process lithium from brine and clay sources. Graphite, Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes, Carbon Nanoonions and battery grade carbons are not materials of interest for any topic areas."]
[65,"2026-04-17","Technical Topics","Are Platinum group metals from refinery sludge / waste streams, and improving first pass yields to reduce the PGMs (primarily Pt) going to these waste streams of interest? ","Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are materials of interest for this Topic Area as targets for recovery. Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include projects that co-produce multiple CMM and other valuable commodities contained in a given waste stream and projects that valorize by-production of a singular high value CMM such as cobalt or strategically important CMM that can readily close the gap between domestic supply and demand such as gallium or germanium."]
[66,"2026-04-17","Eligibility","Modification 0001 increased the LOI abstract character limit from 600 to 6,000 characters. However, the NOFO still states that the Project Description sub-item within the abstract is \"limited to 200 words.\" Given that this sub-item is one of five required elements within the 6,000-character abstract, we want to confirm whether the 200-word Project Description limit was also updated as part of Modification 0001, or whether 200 words remains the correct limit for that specific field","The \"Project Description\" sub-item within the abstract is still limited to 200 words."]
[67,"2026-04-17","Foreign Entities/Work","Are UK-based entities eligible to apply as lead applicants, or only as sub-awardees or international collaborators?","Prime Recipients must be incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a State or territory of the United States and have a physical location for business operations in the United States. "]
[68,"2026-04-17","Foreign Entities/Work","If a US-based prime applicant is required, is the DOE Teaming Partner List the recommended route to identify a suitable US partner — and how do we get added to it?","1) Access eXchange\n2) Locate the teaming partner list (TPL-0000069: Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator: Teaming Partner List)\n3) Click on \"Submit Entry to Teaming Partner List.\"\n4) Fill in the required information"]
[69,"2026-04-17","Technical Topics","For TA2, are feedstock materials (primary or secondary sources) are required to be domestically sourced within the United States, or is Foreign-sourced feedstock permissible, provided that all processing, refining, and manufacturing activities are conducted within the United States.","Answer Pending"]
[70,"2026-04-17","Application Content/Format","Do we need to name all of our planned partners, or is it sufficient to describe the type of partnership we are pursuing?","For the Letter of Intent, naming planned partners is preffered. Partners can be changed for the full application. All partners should be included on the full application."]
[71,"2026-04-17","Application Content/Format","Are we able to swap which organization is the lead between Letter of Intent(LOI) submission and full proposal?","The prime recipient must remain the same between the LOI submission and full application."]
[72,"2026-04-17","Eligibility","Are we allowed to submit multiple LOIs under the same Topic Area? ","See question 2 in this document."]
[73,"2026-04-17","Registration Requirements","After our Teaming Partners complete the registration in eXCHANGE, will the Teaming Partners automatically show up in our LOI under \"Other Organizations\"?","Teaming Partners will not automatically show up in your Letter of Intent (LOI) under \"Other Organizations\""]
[74,"2026-04-17","Registration Requirements","If Teaming Partners cannot be added in the system in time, is it ok to list them under \"Abstract\" for now, and include them when submit ","For the LOI, the abstract should list all subrecipients planned for the award and their addresses"]
[75,"2026-04-17","Other","Are Teaming Partners considered as our Subrecipients/Subawards?","Teaming partners are typically designated as subrecipients."]
[76,"2026-04-17","Technical Topics","Topic 3A: Can you please clarify the what is included in the benchmark cost estimate of 5580 $/ton LCE? I reviewed the reference document and project costs like site development, brine delivery, pipelines, roads, etc are not defined. Should this be included in our cost estimates or is the benchmark estimate for lithium extraction and other processing?","Yes, any cost associated with lithium production should be included in the cost estimates  "]
[77,"2026-04-17","Technical Topics","How is coal fly ash categorized within this call, and is it permissible to include coal fly ash as a constituent of a feedstock mixture under Topic 1C?","Fossil fuel-derived mine tailings and legacy mine tailings are not of interest. This is inclusive of coal fly ash."]
[78,"2026-04-17","Technical Topics","Does the feedstock mixture under Topic 1C require the inclusion of postindustrial and postconsumer scrap, or may it alternatively only consist of mixtures of different mine tailings and red mud for example?","Projects that solely focus on secondary CMM production from mine tailings from operational mines as NOT of interest. "]
[79,"2026-04-17","Eligibility","Modification 0001 increased the LOI abstract length from 600 to 6,000 characters. However, the NOFO still states that the Project Description sub-item within the abstract is limited to 200 words. Because this sub-item is one of five required elements within the 6,000-character abstract, could you please confirm whether the 200-word limit for the Project Description was also updated as part of Modification 0001, or if 200 words remains the correct limit for that specific field?","See question 66 in this document."]
[80,"2026-04-18","Registration Requirements","Given that LOIs are required for full submission, some prospective applicants would appreciate additional time to make a considered decision about submitting.","Thank you for letting us know. We understand that the timeline for this NOFO application process is shorter than usual. Unfortunately, we are unable to extend the LOI deadline."]
[81,"2026-04-19","Other","Trouble with the acknowledgement page on the eXCHANGE website.","We have received multiple reports of this recently. We have made the eXCHANGE support team aware of the issue and they are looking into it. Please also contact the eXCHANGE support desk yourself so they can provide assistance to you directly: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[82,"2026-04-19","Other","The teaming partner list is empty ","See question 42 in this document."]
[83,"2026-04-19","Other","Will the names of entities that have submitted LOIs be public?  ","No.  Only the Teaming Partner list will be made public."]
[84,"2026-04-20","Other","Request for webinar recording","See question 45 in this document."]
[85,"2026-04-20","Registration Requirements","Please confirm whether the LOI web form on EERE Exchange can be submitted without a UEI populated, with the UEI provided upon assignment.","Exchange allows you to check N/A for UEI number if you have not been assigned one yet."]
[86,"2026-04-20","Eligibility","Is it permissible to change the Principal Investigator between the Letter of Intent submission and the Proposal Submission? The lead organization/prime recipient would stay the same.","It is permissible to change the Principal Investigator between the Letter of Intent submission and the Proposal Submission."]
[87,"2026-04-20","Webinar","Request for webinar recording","See question 45 in this document."]
[88,"2026-04-20","Application Content/Format","The NOFO states that the Letter of Intent Abstract is limited to 600 characters, but the field in the eXCHANGE website is limited to 6000 characters, which one is accurate?","The 600 character limit in the NOFO is a typo. Letter of Intent Abstracts are limited to 6000 characters. Note that the project description within the abstract is limited to 200 words. We have corrected the typo in the NOFO with MOD 0001 which is now live. Sorry for the confusion."]
[89,"2026-04-20","Technical Topics","Can DOE clarify whether domestically processed aluminosilicate materials derived from U.S. clay deposits qualify as a \"critical material\" under this NOFO's scope","Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are materials of interest for this Topic Area as targets for recovery. Topic Area 2 focuses on advancing the domestic supply chain for critical semiconductor materials: gallium (Ga), gallium nitride (GaN), germanium (Ge), and silicon carbide (SiC). Topic Area 3 seeks to develop cost-competitive methods to extract, separate, and process lithium from brine and clay sources. Domestically processed aluminosilicate materials derived from US clay deposits are not materials of interest for any topic areas. "]
[90,"2026-04-20","Technical Topics","Blended feedstocks including: (a) low-grade kaolinitic clay tailings from domestic mining operations; (b) mineral processing residues with elevated aluminum silicate content; and (c) in some formulations, fly ash from domestic industrial sources as a co-blend input. Does this feedstock profile qualify within Topic Area 1C's scope of \"combinations of feedstocks including mine tailings, postindustrial scrap, and postconsumer scrap\"?","Topic Area 1C seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that are able to either process blended feedstock or demonstrate the ability to process multiple individual feedstocks. These feedstocks may include postconsumer scrap, postindustrial manufacturing scrap, and operational mine tailings. For the purposes of the NOFO, postindustrial manufacturing scrap is defined as waste generated during the refining of intermediate CMM products and waste containing CMM generated during the refining of other primary metal products or manufacturing of components that contain CMM. \nPostconsumer scrap of interest includes electronic waste (e-waste) and electric drivetrains containing permanent magnet machines (motors or generators). For the purposes of this NOFO: E-waste is defined as waste electrical and electronic equipment such as consumer electronics, home appliances, medical or office equipment, and anything else powered by electricity; Electric drivetrains refer to any permanent magnet machine-containing drivetrain; and Devices that contain permanent magnet motors or actuators such as heat pumps and power tools are considered e-waste. For Topic 1C, fossil fuel-derived mine tailings and legacy mine tailings are not of interest."]
[91,"2026-04-20","Technical Topics","Can DOE confirm whether high-value, domestically manufactured aluminosilicate construction materials — specifically calcined clay SCMs that displace imported Portland cement — are within scope for Topic Area 1, given their strategic role in U.S. domestic supply chain resilience and energy-intensive industrial decarbonization?","Topic Area 1A seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that\nimprove recovery and refining of CMM from postindustrial manufacturing scrap or that reduce\nCMM-containing waste generated during the separation, refining or manufacturing process. For the purposes of the NOFO, postindustrial manufacturing scrap is defined as waste generated during the refining of intermediate CMM products and waste containing CMM generated during the refining of other primary metal products or manufacturing of components that contain CMM. Topic Area 1B seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that improve recovery and refining of CMM from postconsumer scrap. Postconsumer scrap of interest includes electronic waste (e-waste) and electric drivetrains containing permanent magnet machines (motors or generators). For the purposes of this NOFO: E-waste is defined as waste electrical and electronic equipment such as consumer electronics, home appliances, medical or office equipment, and anything else powered by electricity; Electric drivetrains refer to any permanent magnet machine-containing drivetrain; and Devices that contain permanent magnet motors or actuators such as heat pumps and power tools are considered e-waste. For Topic Areas 1A and 1B, projects that advance secondary CMM production from operational mine tailings are not of interest. Topic Area 1C seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that are able to either process blended feedstock or demonstrate the ability to process multiple individual feedstocks. These feedstocks may include postconsumer scrap, postindustrial manufacturing scrap, and operational mine tailings. For Topic 1C, fossil fuel-derived mine tailings and legacy mine tailings are not of interest."]
[92,"2026-04-20","Technical Topics","Can DOE clarify whether commercial-scale operations with existing pilot-scale validation data (TRL 7–9) remain eligible for the program, particularly given the accelerator's mandate to \"unlock private capital investments\" and establish domestic supply chains?","The CMM Accelerator program aims to overcome the “valley of death”\nfaced by promising bench-scale innovations, enabling their progression to commercially viable\nsolutions. Awarded Phase 1 projects will be eligible to subsequently compete for a distinct Phase 2 pilot-scale project through a down-select process funding opportunity under the CMM Accelerator program. Note that technologies from Topics 3B and 3C are not eligible for a Phase 2 award through this NOFO. Commercial-scale operations or pilot-scale validation are out of scope for Phase 1 of this NOFO."]
[93,"2026-04-20","Technical Topics","Could you please clarify whether end-of-life PV modules are considered an acceptable postconsumer scrap / e-waste / energy equipment feedstock under TA 1B, assuming the proposed work is centered on secondary production through recovery and upgrading of silicon material from that postconsumer source?","Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are materials of interest for this Topic Area as targets for recovery. Postconsumer scrap of interest includes electronic waste (e-waste) and electric drivetrains containing permanent magnet machines (motors or generators). E-waste is defined as waste electrical and electronic equipment such as consumer electronics, home appliances, medical or office equipment, and anything else powered by electricity. "]
[94,"2026-04-20","Other","Teaming partner list is empty","We believe this issue has been fixed. Please let us know if you are still encountering problems."]
[95,"2026-04-20","Application Content/Format","What is the maximum budget to have a technical service company not listed as a subcontractor","There is not a maximum budget to distinguish a contractor from a subrecipient.  The determination of whether an entity is a subrecipient or a contractor is critical and depends on the nature of the relationship and the work performed. A subrecipient is a legal entity to which a subaward is made, who has performance measured against whether the objectives of the Federal program are met, is responsible for programmatic decision making, must adhere to applicable Federal program compliance requirements, and uses the Federal funds to carry out a program of the organization. All characteristics may not be present and judgment must be used to determine subrecipient vs. contractor status.   "]
[96,"2026-04-20","Application Content/Format","When entering the PI's contact information, there is a checkbox for \"Covered Individual\"  What does that mean and how do we determine if the PI is to be considered \"covered?\"","Please refer to NOFO Part, Section IV.D.1 for more information.  By definition, the PI is a covered individual."]
[97,"2026-04-20","Application Content/Format","Is the 6,000 characters limit of the Abstract with or without spaces?","Yes.  Spaces are included in the 6,000 character count."]
[98,"2026-04-21","Application Content/Format"," I did not see an opportunity to include information on participating organizations or project partners. Would you be able to share whether this information is expected to be captured at the LOI stage, or whether it will be requested later as part of the full application?","Please provide information on project partners and key personnel in the body of the LOI form."]
[99,"2026-04-21","Application Content/Format","The form asked whether the lead PI is a “covered individual.” I did not wish to presume this designation and wanted to ask whether there is any specific action required on my part at the LOI stage to pursue this status.","See question 96 in this document."]
[100,"2026-04-21","Application Content/Format","In the draft submission, the website indicates that I have not indicated any partner organizations for the proposed project. However, the LOI form does not provide a dedicated field for specifying partner organizations (proposed subrecipients), or Senior / Key Team Members. Should this information be included in the abstract field of the submission form? ","Proposed subrecipients, contractors, subcontractors and senior/key team members should be included in the abstract field."]
[101,"2026-04-25","Technical Topics","For Topic 3C, the NOFO states: “Applicants must explore and characterize only resources of economic quantities of critical materials and/or REEs,” and also states as a deliverable: “Discovery and full characterization of underutilized geothermal resource for power or direct use applications and the co-production of critical materials and/or REEs.”\nThese statements appear contradictory.\nHow can an applicant determine whether a site contains “economic quantities” prior to discovery and characterization?\na.\tWhat does DOE mean by “discovery” in this context?\nb.\tHow should “economic quantities” be interpreted at the exploration stage—does it refer to:\no\ta pre-existing condition required to qualify a site, or\no\tan outcome to be assessed through the proposed work?","As stated in the NOFO – “To gain understanding on economic quantities, applicants are encouraged to study projects from the Salton Sea and within the Smackover Formation resources.”  Further, discovery is referring to underutilized geothermal resources for power or direct use applications."]
[102,"2026-04-25","Technical Topics","For Topic 3C, the NOFO states: “At a minimum, applicants should respond to the following questions:” followed by a list of technical and quantitative questions regarding the identification, concentration controls, transport mechanisms, depletion rates, and economic viability of critical materials/REEs in geothermal systems.\nThese questions appear to require results that would normally only be available after significant fieldwork, characterization, and analysis conducted under the award.\nPlease clarify:\n1.\tAre these questions intended to be addressed as part of the application (i.e., using existing data and preliminary evidence), or are they intended as required deliverables/outcomes of the funded project?\n2.\tIf these are application requirements, what level of preliminary data is expected to adequately respond (e.g., literature-based estimates, prior sampling, existing geochemical datasets)?\n3.\tIf these are intended as project outcomes, should applicants structure their workplans specifically to generate the data needed to answer these questions during the award period?","Topic Area 3C Applications of Particular Interest should address the following:\n\na.\tWhat economic critical material(s) and/or REEs are found in a resource, and what are the quantities?\nb.\tWhat controls the concentration of these critical material(s) and/or REEs, what are the potential sources, what controls the solubility, and what are the transport mechanisms (i.e. how are these materials getting into the geothermal brines)?\nc.\tHow fast will these resources decrease over time as a result of commercial co-production of geothermal power or direct use generation and extraction of critical material(s) and/or REEs?\nd.\tWhat is the size and nature of the coincident geothermal resource, and what are the potential geothermal power or direct use applications at the site, and how does the coproduction of geothermal energy and critical material and/or REEs impact the viability of the resource.\n\nAt the conclusion of the project, applicants will need to produce publicly available datasets and a final report that summarizes these questions and the work accomplished throughout the project."]
[103,"2026-04-27","Application Content/Format","Could you please confirm whether a PMP (Project Management Plan) is required?","A PMP is not required for this NOFO."]
[104,"2026-04-27","Eligibility","I am aware that the LOI date to submit was Friday for all 3 topics. However, on Topic 3, the submission date is much further in the future (7/23/26), may there be an opportunity to submit an LOI for Topic 3 or perhaps have the LOI not mandatory for Topic 3?","The LOI due date for all Topic Areas was 4/24/2026.  An LOI is required to be eligible for full application submissions."]
[105,"2026-04-27","Application Content/Format","Would a 24-month duration be considered appropriate for a Topic 1A proposal starting at TRL 3, if clearly justified in the proposal? ","Yes.  Per the NOFO language, Phase 1 project timelines can be up to 36 months and budget periods can be up to 24 months."]
[106,"2026-04-27","Application Content/Format","Can DOE please clarify whether the lead organization/applicant may change after LOI submission, provided the project concept remains substantially the same?","Yes, the Exchange system will allow applicants to update the Lead organization and teaming partners in the Full Application phase of the submission process.  Applicants will also be able to update the technical and business points of contact. "]
[107,"2026-04-27","Eligibility","I'm writing to respectfully request guidance on submitting a late Letter of Intent for the Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator NOFO (DE-FOA-0003589), Topic Area 2 — Processes to refine and alloy gallium, gallium nitride, germanium, and silicon carbide.","Unfortunately, we are unable to accept submissions past the deadline.  Please continue to monitor DOE websites for future opportunities."]
[108,"2026-04-28","Application Content/Format","In the NOFO it states that there are templates to use for the following items:\n\n1)\tProject Management Plan (PMP)\n2)\tLocations of Work\n3)\tEnvironmental Considerations Summary\n4)\tEnvironmental Questionnaire","In the NOFO it states that there are templates to use for the following items:\n\n1)\tProject Management Plan (PMP) - Not required for the full app \n2)\tLocations of Work - Not required for the full app\n3)\tEnvironmental Considerations Summary - Not required for the full app \n4)\tEnvironmental Questionnaire - Not required for the full app\n\nSee NOFO Part 1, Section IV.D.2 for a list of the required documents."]
[109,"2026-04-29","Eligibility","Team submitted LOI to TA1A.  Can a full application be submitted to TA1C?","Yes, applicants can update the subtopic area within the same topic area in the Full Application phase.  Each subtopic area may have its own cost share and review criteria requirements."]
[110,"2026-04-29","Labs/FFRDCs","If a DOE FFRDC (National Lab) is participating as a subrecipient, is the national lab required to contribute to the cost-sharing requirement?","Minimum cost share must be met for all project federal funds.  This includes funds provided directly to the labs.  While the the labs are not required to provide cost share, this cost share must be accounted for by the project team."]
[111,"2026-04-29","Foreign Entities/Work","Does project work, performed in another country as an officer of the US prime recipient with all IP owned by the Prime, require a foreign work waiver under this NOFO?","Yes.  Because the work is being performed in a foreign country, a foreign work waiver is required."]
[112,"2026-04-29","Foreign Entities/Work","If a waiver is required, may the prime instead declare his CSO time as Iteron Labs' own in-kind cost share under 2 CFR 200.306? If so, does in-kind cost share work performed outside the US also require a foreign work waiver?","Yes.  For work performed outside of the United States, project costs (federal and cost share) require a waiver."]
[113,"2026-04-30","Eligibility","Is it still possible to submit an LOI?  We understand LOI's were due 4/24/2026.","See question 107 in this document."]
[114,"2026-04-30","Technical Topics","For Topic 1C, the NOFO mentions that “operational mine tailings” are in scope as part of the eligible feedstock combination and that “legacy mine tailings” are not of interest.  Please clarify how DOE defines these two terms for the purposes of this NOFO.  Are legacy mine tailings simply those that are located at abandoned or historical sites no longer operational and that are not compliant with current regulatory standards?  Alternatively, is DOE envisioning definitions where legacy tailings may be present at the physical site of an operational mine and can be differentiated from operational tailings?","For the purposes of Topic Area 1C of the NOFO, “operational mine tailings” are meant to refer tailings produced at an active domestic mine. Please note that fossil fuel-derived tailings are not of interest. For the purposes of Topic Area 1C of the NOFO, “legacy mine tailings” are meant to refer to mine tailings produced from mine that has ceased activity, inclusive of abandoned mine lands and superfund sites. "]
[115,"2026-05-01","Other","Where can I locate the letters of intent submitted by applicants on or before April 21, 2026? ","LOI's are not available for public release."]
[116,"2026-05-01","Application Content/Format","We submitted a LOI to  DE-FOA-0003589 (see below for confirmation). In the submission system it shows that we can start the application, but we have not received email notification about moving on to the full application phase. Should we wait for further notice on this, or start the application, once ready? ","We will not provide any direct response related to LOI submissions. Anyone who submitted an LOI is free to submit their full application. Please submit the application in eXCHANGE by the applicable due date."]
[117,"2026-05-01","Application Content/Format","Can you please let us know what the maximum value of a voucher is? If leveraging a voucher, how should this be accounted for in our budget justification? Do we just assume that all of the proposed National Laboratory work will be covered by a voucher","Maximum dollar amount is still TBD.  Please see section III.D (Expected Performance Goals) of the NOFO Part 1.  Costs covered by the voucher require no additional cost share. Costs incurred by the project team for their engagement in voucher-related activities should be included in the project budget and will be subject to cost share requirements."]
[118,"2026-05-02","Eligibility","Please find attached the complete proposal in response to DE-FOA-0003589, Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator Notice of Funding Opportunity, issued by the Department of Energy, Golden Field Office.","Applications are not accepted by email.  They must be submitted to through eXCHANGE.  In order to be eligible to submit a full application, an LOI had to also be submitted by 4/24/2026."]
[119,"2026-05-03","Other","Unable to open NOFO Part 1 and Part 2 documents in eXCHANGE.","Please retry using another web browser.  If problems persist, please contact the eXCHANGE support desk at EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[120,"2026-05-03","Eligibility","Is it still possible to submit an LOI?  We understand LOI's were due 4/24/2026.","See question 107 in this document."]
[121,"2026-05-04","Eligibility","I submitted an LOI for Topic Area 1 before the deadline, but not for Topic Areas 2 and 3.\nSince the full-application deadlines for Topic Areas 2 and 3 are still far away, is there any allowable mechanism to submit late LOIs for these topics, or would full applications be ineligible without prior topic-specific LOIs?","Unfortunately, you are only allowed to submit full applications for the topics you submitted an LOI's to."]
[122,"2026-05-04","Application Content/Format","Could you please clarify the timing requirements for research security training for covered individual under the 2025 PAPPG and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022?","Per the NOFO, research and security training must be completed prior to full application submission and included with the Current and Pending Support document. More information can be found here:https://www.energy.gov/ia/research-security-training-requirement"]
[123,"2026-05-04","Eligibility","Is it possible the DOE would make an exception on this application where I may submit my LOI tomorrow in order to apply by the May 29th date?","See question 107 in this document."]
[124,"2026-05-05","Application Content/Format","How are voucher costs attributed to the total federal share?  If we are proposing lab work worth $200k on a voucher, does that mean the maximum federal share for that project $1.8M, plus the $200k voucher? Or does the maximum federal share remain $2M, plus an additional $200k voucher?","If requesting a lab voucher, that would be in addition to the maximum individual award dollar amount.   "]
[125,"2026-05-05","Application Content/Format","In reference to the above DE-FOA, we are trying to locate the Project Management Plan (PMP) template referenced in the NOFO on the eXCHANGE website. We did not find it under the \"Application Forms and Templates\" section. Can you please provide the template at your earliest convenience?","See question 103 in this document."]
[126,"2026-05-05","Eligibility","I am reaching out to request clear guidance on the submission process. Specifically, I would appreciate confirmation on the appropriate platform for submission (e.g., Grants.gov or FedConnect), as well as any required registrations, documentation, or procedural steps necessary to ensure a complete and compliant application.","Full Applications can only be submitted through the eXCHANGE website.  To be eligible, an LOI had to be submitted by the deadline."]
[127,"2026-05-06","Application Content/Format","Can you clarify that a Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) is not required at the time of proposal submission please?","Per the NOFO, a Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) is required as part of the full application."]
[128,"2026-05-06","Technical Topics","I am wondering whether electronic waste and dredged material stored in confined disposal facilities (CDFs) would qualify for Topic Area 1C.","Topic Area 1C seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that are able to either process blended feedstock or demonstrate the ability to process multiple individual feedstocks. These feedstocks may include postconsumer scrap, postindustrial manufacturing scrap, and operational mine tailings such as phosphoric acid sludge, red mud from bauxite, and tailings from metal mines like nickel, gold, copper and platinum. Postconsumer scrap of interest includes electronic waste (e-waste) and electric drivetrains containing permanent magnet machines (motors or generators). For the purposes of the NOFO, postindustrial manufacturing scrap is defined as waste generated during the refining of intermediate CMM products and waste containing CMM generated during the refining of other primary metal products or manufacturing of components that contain CMM. For the purposes of Topic Area 1C of the NOFO, “operational mine tailings” are meant to refer tailings produced at an active domestic mine."]
[129,"2026-05-06","Other","Will you send letters of encouragement for this project?","We will not send letters of encouragement for LOI submissions."]
[130,"2026-05-06","Other","What types of activities can be included under the METALLIC voucher program (e.g., TEA and LCA support, material testing, characterization, process development, subject matter expertise)?\nWhether there is a typical dollar range or ceiling for METALLIC voucher engagements that applicants should plan around in their Technical Volume?\nWhether a single project can utilize multiple METALLIC vouchers across more than one participating national laboratory?","The maximum dollar amount is still TBD as the voucher program has not yet been finalized.  Please reference the METALLIC website for additional information.  https://netl.doe.gov/metallic\n\nFor this NOFO, projects will be limited to one voucher each."]
[131,"2026-05-07","Eligibility","Applying for Topic 1C with an FFRDC as a subrecipient. The total award is $2M. The FFRDC’s funding is not included in the award ($2M). If the FFRDC is budgeting for $1M, is the total cost of the project capped at $3M ($2M + $1M) or $2M? ","The \"up to total\" from the NOFO includes the FFRDC portion. Note that this does not include \"Technical Assistance\" costs as outlined in Section III.D. of the NOFO Part 1"]
[132,"2026-05-07","Application Content/Format","Can the prime applicant/lead organization differ between LOI and full application provided the technical scope remains substantially unchanged?  ","See question 71 in this document."]
[133,"2026-05-07","Eligibility","I wanted to ask whether we should still submit the LOI at this time despite the missed deadline, or if late submissions are not being accepted.","See question 107 in this document."]
[134,"2026-05-07","Eligibility","If a late LOI is not permitted, could DOE please confirm whether we may still participate as a subrecipient, partner, contractor, or team member on an application led by another organization that submitted a timely LOI? We also would appreciate confirmation on whether the Teaming Partner List is the appropriate mechanism for identifying potential teams that may have submitted timely LOIs.","You are welcome to view and submit an entry to the Teaming Partner list.  The website for the teaming partner list is: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=0525cb6a-abae-4e85-bc6d-de9208d3fe7a"]
[135,"2026-05-07","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 1C are recovery methods for CMMs from various intermediate products from primary sources (concentrates, calcines, or hydroxides) in combination with secondary sources (e.g. operational mine tailings) of interest?","Topic Area 1 seeks to derisk and validate technologies and processes that establish and expand the amount of Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) recovered from domestic secondary sources. Topic Area 1C seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that are able to either process blended feedstock or demonstrate the ability to process multiple individual feedstocks. These feedstocks may include postconsumer scrap, postindustrial manufacturing scrap, and operational mine tailings. Primary sources of critical materials are not of interest."]
[136,"2026-05-08","Technical Topics","For Topic 1C would proposals that include processing polymetallic nodules in conjunction with industrial scrap be of interest for this solicitation?","Topic Area 1 seeks to derisk and validate technologies and processes that establish and expand the amount of Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) recovered from domestic secondary sources. Topic Area 1C seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that are able to either process blended feedstock or demonstrate the ability to process multiple individual feedstocks. These feedstocks may include postconsumer scrap, postindustrial manufacturing scrap, and operational mine tailings. Primary sources of critical materials including polymetallic modules are not of interest. "]
[137,"2026-05-08","Application Content/Format","Is there a preferred template for the referenced Data Management & Sharing Plan requirement  under the above referenced FOA?","There is not a template for the Data Management & Sharing Plan; however, additional information can be found here https://www.energy.gov/datamanagement/doe-requirements-and-guidance-digital-research-data-management"]
[138,"2026-05-08","Eligibility","Can I still apply if I did not meet the LOI deadline?","An LOI was required to be eligible to submit a full application.  The LOI deadline was 4/24/2026."]
[139,"2026-05-11","Eligibility","We encountered unexpected technical difficulties beyond our control while attempting to submit the application through the EERE eXCHANGE system. These issues prevented us from submitting before the posted deadline of July 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.","See question 138 in this document.  "]
[140,"2026-05-11","Application Content/Format","Is there a preferred template for the referenced Transparency of Foreign Connection requirement under the above referenced NOFO?","Yes.  It can be found here.  https://www.energy.gov/ia/transparency-foreign-connections"]
[141,"2026-05-11","Eligibility","We request you to please extend the submission deadline for Topic Area 1A to 06/25, i.e. at par with the Topic Area 2 submission deadline. ","At this time there are no plans to extend the TA1 deadline.  "]
[142,"2026-05-11","Eligibility","We submitted two LOIs for this Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator and wonder if there is a date when we will hear back on whether we will be invited to respond to the full Topic Application Deadline (May 29 for Topic 1, and July 23 for Topic 3)?","If you submitted an LOI by the deadline of 4/24/26, you are eligible to submit a full application. The DOE will not be providing LOI feedback."]
[143,"2026-05-11","Eligibility","Are we able to submit an application if we did not submit a letter of intent for Topic Area 2: Processes to refine and alloy gallium, gallium nitride, germanium, and silicon carbide for use in semiconductors (Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO))?","See question 138 in this document.  "]
[144,"2026-05-11","Cost Sharing","1. Is a commercial fee allowed to be included in the proposed subcontractor budget?\n2. Can the fee be counted as cost match if we invest it in the project - for example to buy equipment needed to perform the work or augment space to house facilities unique to the project.\n3. Can reduction of our overhead rate be counted as dollar for dollar as cost match - for example in Year 1, the required match would be ~$70,000. The overhead at normal rates would be ~$90,000. If we reduce the recovered rate can that be used to meet the $70,000 required? ","Commercial fees are typically not allowed.  Please include all project related expenses in your budget justification.  If your project is selected for negotiations, the DOE team will work with you all to ensure all costs are allocable and allowable."]
[145,"2026-05-11","Eligibility","We previously submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) under Topic Area 1B focused on Rare Earth Elements (REE).  Based on a refined analysis of immediate domestic supply chain vulnerabilities and the unique capabilities of our industrially proven technology, we intend to submit its Full Application under Topic Area 1C.","Applicants can update the subtopic area within the same topic area in the Full Application phase.  Each subtopic area may have its own cost share and review criteria requirements."]
[146,"2026-05-11","Eligibility","I am following up on my earlier request regarding the late Letter of Intent (LOI) submissions under Topic Areas 1 (DE-TA1-0003589) and 3 (DE-TA3-0003589).  ","Unfortunately, we are unable to accept requests made after the LOI deadline 4/24/2026 @ 5pm ET. "]
[147,"2026-05-12","Eligibility","Due to our proposal's structure and prior commitments from some of the applicants, we plan to change the lead organization. ","The lead organization for the full application must be the same organization listed on the LOI. "]
[148,"2026-05-12","Labs/FFRDCs","Following up on my question submitted on May 6th, regarding METALLIC voucher scope and ceiling. As the May 29 application deadline approaches, an answer on this question would help me structure the partnership with Argonne National Laboratory appropriately. Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.","Voucher scope and ceiling have still not been determined.  Please describe the voucher activities in your Technical Volume.  Do not include voucher activities in your budget justification.  We will provide additional information as it becomes available. "]
[149,"2026-05-12","Technical Topics","Does processing of tungsten concentrate from primary and secondary sources (including mine tailings and ASM aggregation) — to produce domestic APT — fall within the intended scope of Topic Area 1C, given the explicit supply chain gap in US domestic APT processing capacity and tungsten's designation on the 2025 USGS Critical Minerals List?","Rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, aluminum, and electrical steel are materials of interest for Topic Area 1C as targets for recovery. "]
[150,"2026-05-12","Technical Topics","Does refining multiple metals (e.g., lithium, rubidium, and tantalum) from low-grade, high-impurity mine-derived feedstocks—which are currently discarded because they cannot be processed economically using incumbent methods—qualify under Topic 1C’s “recovery and production from blended feedstocks” category?","Topic Area 1C seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that are able to either process blended feedstock or demonstrate the ability to process multiple individual feedstocks. These feedstocks may include postconsumer scrap, postindustrial manufacturing scrap, and operational mine tailings. At least two of these feedstock types must be included. Projects that solely target operational mine tailings are not of interest. Projects can advance processes to recover CMM from a combination of scrap or recover and refine intermediate products or purified products from a combination of scrap. "]
[151,"2026-05-12","Technical Topics","For Topic 1C, does demonstrating that a single prototype reactor can process multiple secondary feedstocks (e.g., slimes, mine tailings, and low-grade feedstocks) qualify as “recovery and production of CMMs from combinations of feedstocks,” or does the NOFO require multiple feedstocks to be physically blended and processed in the same batch?","The intention of Topic Area 1C is to advance a single approach or technology that is able to process blended feedstocks or process multiple individual feedstocks. As described in the NOFO, Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include (but are not limited to) translational recycling technologies that can be tailored to recover different target materials."]
[152,"2026-05-12","Technical Topics","Do silica and alumina qualify as CMMs of interest to Topic 1C? ","Topic Area 1 category seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that improve recycling recovery and refining of CMM from scraps and improve efficiency where possible. Rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, aluminum, and electrical steel are materials of interest for Topic Area 1 as targets for recovery. Intermediate products for the materials of interest are acceptable if they meet the Topic Area 1 specific deliverable to demonstrate that recovered CMMs meet industry standards and can serve as an affordable feedstock for manufacturing processes."]
[153,"2026-05-12","Application Content/Format","Where can I find the technical volume template? ","There is not a template for the Technical Volume.  See Section IV.D.4 of the NOFO Part 1 for detailed instructions for the Technical Volume. Per the NOFO Part 1, the document should be in pdf format with a 25 page limit."]
[154,"2026-05-13","Technical Topics","May we propose using two types of feedstocks instead of all three shown above? For example, may we use mine tailings and postindustrial scrap, leaving out postconsumer scrap? Alternatively, may we use mine tailings and postconsumer scrap, leaving out postindustrial scrap? Is there a requirement or preference to include tailings?","See question 50 in this document."]
[155,"2026-05-13","Technical Topics","For Topica Area 1C, do the feedstocks have to be mixed and used together simultaneously for critical materials recovery or may we use the feedstocks sequentially and synergistically? For example, may we propose using mine tailings to recover a critical material A and generate other useful materials B and C, then using material B to recover critical materials in postindustrial scrap and using material C to recover critical materials in postconsumer scrap?","Topic Area 1C seeks projects to validate and prototype processes or technologies that are able to either process blended feedstock OR demonstrate the ability to process multiple individual feedstocks."]
[156,"2026-05-13","Application Content/Format","We have a FFRDC as a potential subrecipient and are wondering if they are treated as a typical sub-recipient in terms of document submission, e.g. could their employees be considered covered individuals (assuming other criteria are met) and have to submit biosketches and current and pending support documents, plus letters of commitment, budget justifications if over $500k, and locations of work for the FFRDC? ","FFRDC covered individuals have the same requriements as other covered individuals.  FFRDC's are not required to complete a Transparency of Foreign Connections form.\nIf the FFRDC is providing cost share, they will need a letter of committment.\nInstead of a standard budget justification, FFRDC's provide work proposal and authorization documents. See question 8 of this document regarding FFRDC work authorizations.  See section IV.D.2 in NOFO Part 1 for a complete list of required full application documents ."]
[157,"2026-05-13","Other","What is the anticipated period of performance? The NOFO states September 2026 – December 2029, but the DOE webinar slides state December 2026 – December 2029.","There are multiple factors involved in project start and end dates and the ones provided are for reference only.  September 2026 is a possibility for Topic Area 1."]
[158,"2026-05-13","Eligibility","We submitted a LOI to Topic 3B but we meant to submit to Topic 3A. Are we able to change the subtopic in the full proposal submission?","Yes, applicants can update the subtopic area within the same topic area in the Full Application phase.  Each subtopic area may have its own cost share and review criteria requirements."]
[159,"2026-05-13","Eligibility","Our team had submitted our Letter of Intent. Upon further reflection, the entity who was previously listed as a subrecipient, would like to take the lead on this effort. ","See question 147 in this document."]
[160,"2026-05-13","Application Content/Format","Do we need to include letters of commitment from each of the three partners?","You must submit letters of commitment from all subrecipients. You must also submit letters of commitment from any third-party cost-share providers, if you have any.  See NOFO Part 2 Section 4.C.2 for additional details."]
[161,"2026-05-13","Eligibility","Because the applications are submitted by the PIs, I do not know which Letter of Intent was submitted last. Due to the note in the NOFO, “If an entity submits more than one application, the DOE will only review the last submission” (NOFO Part 1, page 14).","You can submit a full application for either of the LOI's you submitted, it does not matter which LOI was submitted first.  The text from the NOFO “If an entity submits more than one application, the DOE will only review the last submission”, refers to full applications only."]
[162,"2026-05-14","Technical Topics","With the growth in fusion, will deuterium be considered a critical material for the purposes of this grant area?","Topic Area 1 specific applications of interest include rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are materials of interest for this Topic Area as targets for recovery. Topic Area 2 focuses on advancing the domestic supply chain for critical semiconductor materials: gallium (Ga), gallium nitride (GaN), germanium (Ge), and silicon carbide (SiC). Topic Area 3 seeks to develop cost-competitive methods to extract, separate, and process lithium from brine and clay sources. Deuterium is not a material of interest for any topic areas."]
[163,"2026-05-14","Eligibility","If an applicant submitted a timely Letter of Intent, may that applicant add a new subcontractor or teaming partner to its full application even if that subcontractor or teaming partner did not independently submit an LOI?","Yes.  Only the prime applicant was required to submit an LOI by the due date.  It is allowable for the prime applicant to add or remove subrecipients /  partners to the full application submission."]
[164,"2026-05-15","Application Content/Format","Where can I find an electronically writable \"SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance\" Form for submission to DE-TA1-00003589?\n\nI see various flavors of SF-424 listed at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family but have not found one that can be written in Adobe Acrobat Reader on my mac.","This is the correct website.  Click on the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) PDF link.  This should download a writable version of the form.  If you have issues, we suggest trying another brower or perhaps a Windows PC."]
[165,"2026-05-15","Technical Topics","Regarding Topic Area 1A, does the DOE consider desalination waste brine (a liquid industrial byproduct) to fall under the definition of \"postindustrial manufacturing scrap\" due to being post-separation?  Additionally, does the DOE consider desalination waste brine fit within the definition of eligible feedstocks in Topic 1C?","The intention of Topic Area 1 is NOT to be inclusive of brines (projects that advanced recovery of CMM from geothermal brines and produced waters are specifically not of interest for Topic Area 1). Topic Area 3 seeks to develop cost-competitive methods to extract, separate, and process lithium from brine and clay sources. Topic Area 3A Applications of Particular Interest include direct lithium extraction technologies that can be designed to co-produce multiple critical elements uncovering their commercial value. "]
[166,"2026-05-17","Technical Topics","I noticed for topic 1C, you list a specific group of metals that are of interest. Is a project focused on recovering and refining wider critical minerals as well, such as manganese into high-purity manganese salts from secondary manganese-bearing feedstocks, even though manganese is not listed in the Topic Area 1C materials of interest? ","The materials for interest for recovery for Topic Area 1 at large include rare earth elements (particularly magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium), gallium, germanium, silicon, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum. Topic Area 1 Specific Applications of interest include projects that co-produce multiple CMM and other valuable commodities contained in a given waste stream and projects that valorize by-production of a singular high value CMM such as cobalt or strategically important CMM that can readily close the gap between domestic supply and demand such as gallium or germanium."]
[167,"2026-05-18","Other","A LOI was submitted for Topic Area 3 prior to the deadline. How do we initiate the Full Application in the eXCHANGE? We do not see the \"Create Full Application\" option under \"My Submissions\" when clicking on the Control Number.","Applicants who completed their LOI submission in Exchange prior to the deadline can access their applications in the “My Submissions” section."]
[168,"2026-05-18","Application Content/Format","On page 24 of 77 (Part 1), the NOFO outlines expectations for teams in Phase 1 to develop a plan to demonstrate how the work has prepared the technology for public/private follow-on investment and scale up. Can DOE confirm that this, plus the \"Pilot Scale Preparedness section of the Technical Volume, is required for Topic Area 3B even if not eligible to apply for Phase 2 funding?","Yes, applications under topic area 3B/3C must meet all criteria for Phase 1 projects including how the work has prepared the technology for public/private follow-on investment and scale up and must also include a section in Technical Volumes that cover metrics outlined in the \"Pilot Scale Preparedness”."]
[169,"2026-05-18","Application Content/Format","On page 25 of 77 (Part 1), the NOFO describes Technical Assistance expectations but on page 21 it mentions that this voucher system is not available to Topic Areas 3B and 3C. For applications under Topic Area 3B, should applicants provide any discussion of technical assistance requested by the project team, how technical assistance will be leveraged, etc. as instructed to include in the SOPO, or is this section only applicable to the other Topic Areas?","Applications under topic areas 3B and 3C are not eligible for vouchers.  Therefore, there is no requirement to discuss how technical assistance will be leveraged, etc. in the SOPO"]
[170,"2026-05-18","Technical Topics","On page 48 of 77 (Part 1), the NOFO states \"Applications must include all stages of interest in their proposed work.\" Can DOE provide clarity on whether this means applicants must cover pre-treatment, post-treatment, AND disposal in their proposed work, or whether they can choose one or more of these stages to focus on?","Applicants under topic area 3B can focus on all (pretreatment, post treatment, and disposal) OR, focus on one (pretreatment, post treatment, or disposal). "]
[171,"2026-05-18","Other","Can you give me directions for where and how to log in to upload our proposal? ","See question 167 in this document."]
[172,"2026-05-18","Other","Can you give me a phone number for information support on this area - a number that actually works. There are a large number of misprints and disconnected phone numbers out there.","For technical issues with Exchange, please contact the support team @ EERE-ExchangeSupport@Hq.Doe.Gov.  For other questions related to this NOFO, use CMMAcceleratorNOFO@doe.gov.  There is no published phone number."]
[173,"2026-05-18","Concept Paper","Concept papers were mentioned, but I can find no information on them. Can you provide a link to information on them?Are they, in fact, required? ","Concept papers are not required for this NOFO. "]
[174,"2026-05-18","Other","Is there a centralized web site that has gathered all the information on this topic?","There is an Applicants guide in the User guides section of the Exchange website and users can refer to the NOFO announcement on the Funding Opportunity Exchange website (http://EERE-Exchange.energy.gov ) for Technical and submission requirements."]
[175,"2026-05-18","Other","Is there a way to get notified about changes in the proposal due dates, etc.  There have now been multiple changes, and I only discover them when re-reading the Exchange site original document.","Unfortunately, there are no email notifications.  Please continue to check eXCXHANGE for any updates."]
[176,"2026-05-19","Application Content/Format","As part of our budget justification, we plan to include reasonable costs associated with patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance for inventions conceived or reduced to practice during the project period. Could you please confirm whether such intellectual-property-related costs are allowable as direct or indirect costs under this FOA, consistent with the applicable Federal cost principles (FAR 31.2 or 2 CFR 200, as relevant to our entity type)? ","We cannot provide specific guidance beyond what is in 2 CFR 200 at this stage. If your project is selected for negotiations, you will work with your DOE team to ensure all costs are allowable."]
[177,"2026-05-19","Application Content/Format","Please be so kind to indicate where in the application, one can provide a response to the “Equity Considerations for Negotiation” clause found on page 10 of 77, in the NOFO, Part 1.  \nIs SF-424, “Application”, the document that a response would be provided?","Applicants may include a response to “Equity Considerations for Negotiations” in the Market Transformation Plan section of the Technical Volume. "]
[178,"2026-05-19","Application Content/Format","FAQ Answer #156 states that \"If the FFRDC is providing cost share, they will need a letter of commitment.\"  Could you please clarify if this means that FFRDCs not providing cost share are exempt from the requirement to provide a letter of commitment?","If an FFRDC is not providing cost share, an LOC is not required."]
[179,"2026-05-19","Application Content/Format","\"The information may be provided in the approved common disclosure format available at Common Form for Current and Pending (Other) Support (nsf.gov). Regardless of the format used, the individual must include a signature, date, and a certification statement using the language included in the table above.\"\nThat link is broken, but https://www.nsf.gov/policies/nspm-33/common-form-cps has instructions but no form. \nQ1: Is there a specific DOE form for current and pending support?\nQ2: Or should the NIH form at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/help/ be used?","https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv - This site allows you to create a SciENcv login account.  From there, input the necessary CPS information and generate a pdf."]
[180,"2026-05-19","Eligibility","I am writing to seek clarification with regard to the critical minerals funding opportunity. My firm submitted one LOI for Topic Area 3 under the expectation that submission for 3A would be sufficient to have the rights to submit a full proposal for one or more of the subtopics (specifically, A and B) which was our intent.","Only one full application submission is allowed per LOI.  You can submit a full application for either 3A or 3B."]
[181,"2026-05-20","Cost Sharing","Two other people and I would be contractors to my company for the project. We would work below market rates to meet the cost share requirement.  Can contractors contribute to the cost share in this way? Or would they need to be employees?","Contractors are not permitted to provide cost share. Additionally, paying below market rates is considered a discount, which is also not permitted as cost share. For a detailed list, please reference the \"Cost Share\" sheet in Excel Budget Justification template."]
[182,"2026-05-20","Application Content/Format","We are a U.S.-incorporated entity headquartered in the U.S. However, the company is wholly owned by a foreign parent company.\nAll proposed project work would be performed in the United States using U.S.-based personnel and facilities.\nBased on the NOFO language regarding “majority domestic ownership and control,” we would appreciate guidance regarding: a) whether we would be considered a foreign entity under this NOFO; and b) if so, whether DOE recommends pursuing a foreign entity waiver request in connection with a full application.","Based on the info provided below you would NOT need to request a foreign entity waiver as part of your application because you stated you are a US incorporated entity, and the work would be performed in the US, by US based personnel and facilities. \nConversely, if it was the foreign parent company applying, a foreign entity waiver request would be needed and most likely a foreign work waiver to conduct work outside of the US too. \nAdditionally, foreign travel is not allowed for awards made under this NOFO. "]
[183,"2026-05-20","Application Content/Format","I would like to find out if the Milestone Summary Table for the SOPO is included in the 10 page limit or can we attach it as a separate document?","The Milestone Summary Table is included in the 10-page limit.  Please do not include a separate document."]
[184,"2026-05-21","Eligibility","1.\tWhether a foreign non-profit research institute may act as a prime recipient under Topic Area 1 through an approved foreign entity waiver;\n2.\tWhether pilot-scale activities conducted using existing specialized infrastructure outside the United States could be considered eligible under a foreign work waiver request;\n3.\tWhether DOE would recommend that international collaborators participate preferentially as subrecipients under a U.S.-based prime recipient structure for Topic Area 1 applications.","In general, foreign entities are not eligible to apply as either a recipient or subrecipient. In limited circumstances, we may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a recipient or subrecipient.\n\nA foreign entity may apply to this NOFO, but the application must be accompanied by an explicit written waiver request. Likewise, if you want to include a foreign entity as a subrecipient, you must submit a separate explicit written waiver request in your application for each proposed foreign subrecipient. NOFO Part 2, Application Content Requirements, explains the requirements for submitting a foreign entity waiver request. DOE’s determination of a waiver request is final and you cannot appeal an adverse decision on a waiver request.\n\nAll work for the awards under this NOFO must be performed in the United States. To request a waiver of this requirement, you must submit an explicit waiver request in the application. Without an approved waiver, such costs will not be allowed under the award. NOFO Part 2, Application Content Requirements, lists the requirements for submitting a foreign work waiver request.\n\nPlease refer to NOFO Part 1 Section II.A."]
[185,"2026-05-21","Application Content/Format","As an FFRDC, it is our understanding that the FFRDC Authorization is required as follows.  Is this correct.\nTopic Areas 1, 2,  3A      FFRDC Authorization only required prior to award, not with submission of application.\nTopic Areas 3B & 3C      FFRDC Authorization is required for application submission.","FFRDC Authorization is not required for applications to any topic area or subtopic area. It will be required prior to award if the application is selected."]
[186,"2026-05-21","Application Content/Format","Could you please clarify whether applicants are expected to include both the full narrative task/milestone descriptions and the complete milestone summary table within the 10-page SOPO limit? Or may applicants provide concise narrative task descriptions in the SOPO and include a streamlined milestone table, as long as all required milestones and Go/No-Go decision points are clearly identified?","It is recommened to use the format provided in the SOPO template.  The template can be downloaded from eXCHANGE (Section titled  \"Application Forms and Templates)"]
[187,"2026-05-22","Other","The Team Partner List is not accessible and I was logged in to access it but I kept getting the error of not being logged in to access it.","See question 27 in this document."]
[188,"2026-05-22","Application Content/Format","Reference to question 185.  Does that also mean that you do not require the Work proposal for FFRDC until selected for award?","An FFRDC work proposal is required as part of the full application."]
[189,"2026-05-22","Labs/FFRDCs","If the FFRDC/national lab that is our subrecipient will also perform additional technical assistance via a voucher (i.e., TEA and LCA), should the voucher budget be included in the same budget as the FFRDC? Should there be two separate budgets or one consolidated budget? For example, if the FFRDC project budget is $700,000 and the additional technical assistance is $150,000, should the FFRDC budget be for $700,000 or $850,000? ","Include FFRDC subrecipient work in your budget justification.  Do NOT include voucher costs in your budget justification.  See question 117 in this document for additional information."]
[190,"2026-05-22","Application Content/Format","On page 8 of the FOA, it states that the budget period may be up to 24 months. However, our university has different fringe benefit rates for each fiscal year. Could you please advise on how we should incorporate fringe benefit rates into a single budget period that spans two fiscal years?","There are a couple of options.  For preliminary budgetary purposes, it is permissible to use the average rate over those two years.  If the personnel hours are broken down by year (same budget period), the fringe rate can also be broken down by year.  It is recommended to add a note to the bottom of sheet explaining the situation."]
[191,"2026-05-22","Registration Requirements","We are currently trying to open a Workspace on Grants.gov for Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0003589 to submit our Application but is unable to do so as there is no opportunity package opened to do so or an APPLY button to start the application","Full Applications can only be submitted through the eXCHANGE website (see links in questions 24-26 above).  To be eligible, an LOI must have been submitted by the deadline."]
[192,"2026-05-22","Other","We are trying to figure out if your office will be sending encourage / discourage emails to faculty that submitted the required letter of intent?\n\nIf not, is it possible to confirm who submitted an LOI for Topic Area 1, 2, and 3 ? I believe we have multiple faculty that have submitted for Topic 3 but wanted to see if we have multiple in the other categories and sub categories as well. ","See question 129 in this document.  We are unable to confirm specific LOI's that were submitted."]
[193,"2026-05-22","Technical Topics","Topic Area 2 Candidate Metrics and Targets. Is it expected that a project can prove the targeted production of 1-5 kg/metal per day at the end of Phase I or is that what should be targeted at the end of Phase II? ","The table is referring to targets for Phase I. "]
[194,"2026-05-26","Application Content/Format","We are working on finalizing our documentation but I am confused on the \"work plan\"   I cannot find the necessary documents that lay out the components of the workplan, however you reference it in the SOPO where certain summaries are to be consistent with the section of \"the work plan\" . This is seen in the milestones, project objectives etc..  In addition you say the technical scope summary of the SOPO should be consistent with the project work plan, however in the presentation you gave, technical description is broken out from the work plan in the technical volume content document. The SOPO also states \"tasks to be performed must be consistent with the work breakdown structure and task description summary of the work plan\"   ","Technical Volume: The Workplan should include a summary of the Project Objectives, Technical Scope, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Project Tasks, Milestones, Go/No-Go decision points, and project schedule. A detailed statement of project objectives (SOPO) is separately requested as part of the application. The Workplan should not include detailed lists of tasks and milestones, as those are already contained in the SOPO. The workplan can reference the SOPO where necessary. Additional information is located on Page 62 of NOFO Part 1.\n"]
[195,"2026-05-27","Eligibility","We submitted a letter of intent for this NOFO and due to limited submission requirements, we need to change the prime to be one of the industrial collaborators instead of the University.  Is this possible for us to submit with a different person as technical POC from our initial letter of intent.","The lead organization for the full application must be the same organization listed on the LOI.  "]
[196,"2026-05-27","Intellectual Property","Intellectual property: If we participate, provide in kind support, develop a novel, non obvious carbon on our own, how do we secure patent rights?  Should I refer them to 1. Government Rights in Data on pages 76 and 77.","Yes.  This information can be found in Part 1 of the NOFO on pages 76-77.  In addition, there is a link in NOFO Part 2, page 46, related to Intellectual Property with additional information."]
[197,"2026-05-27","Intellectual Property","Business pathway: If we develop a product on our own for this application, how do we secure rights to market and sell, whether for this application or a related application?  Should I refer them to 1. Government Rights in Data on pages 76 and 77.","Please reference pages 76 and 77 in NOFO Part 1 and pages 46 and 47 in NOFO Part 2 for additional information."]
[198,"2026-05-27","Eligibility","If an application is missing key documents like the Tech Volume, Transparency of Foreign Connections,  Budget Justification, Current and Pending support, SF424, or Statement of Project Objectives, will it still be eligible?","Applications that are missing key documents will be deemed ineligible."]
[198,"2026-05-27","Eligibility","If required parts of key application documents are missing (like digital or wet signatures where required), will the application still be eligible?","Applications with key documents that are not completed correctly will be deemed ineligible."]
[199,"2026-05-27","Application Content/Format","Could you please clarify the current regulations pertaining to the use of the de minimis indirect rate for for-profit entities? 2 CFR 910 seems to exclude for-profit entities from using the de minimis rate, but other documentation from the DoE (attached document from OCED) directly states that DoE may include for-profit entities under the code that allows for a de minimis rate. ","The appropriate regulation containing information on the use of De minimis is 2CFR200.414(f)"]
[200,"2026-05-28","Other","We are trying to submit the application today. We get an error when clicking on my submissions in the exchange portal. Please advise if there is an issue or how we can resolve.","Please contact the eXCHANGE support desk at EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov if this problem persists."]
[201,"2026-05-28","Application Content/Format","Can companies charge profit on this cost submission?","Charging profit is unallowable.  This applies to the prime recipient as well as any subrecipients."]
[202,"2026-05-28","Application Content/Format","In addition, it appears the Data Management and Sharing Plan is required on the EERE website but listed as not required in the NOFO Part 1 on Page 76. Please advise if this is a required document. Section B.13 of Part 2 references page 76 where it clearly states, “Does not apply to awards made under this NOFO”.","A DMSP is required as part of the full application.  The table on page 76 is referring to \"Post Award Requirements and Administration\""]
[203,"2026-05-28","Labs/FFRDCs","There is some confusion about how to present costs for extra services provided by an FFRDC funded by voucher (in our case, the FFRDC is both subrecipient and provider of extra services). On the “Funds and Costs” tab of the online application, should the Federal Share (DOE) be presented as the funds requested for the project excluding or including the value of the voucher work? For example, if the proposed federal portion is $1.5 million and the extra services are $150,000, would the Federal Share (DOE) be $1.5 million or $1.65 million?","Funds provided to the FFRDC as a subrecipient should be included in your budget justification.  FFRDC voucher funds should NOT be included in your budget."]
[204,"2026-05-28","Application Content/Format","A faculty member is interested in applying to Topic 3 C Exploration and Characterization of Critical Materials and Rare Earth Elements from Volcanically Hosted Geothermal Systems. The PI's proposed work involves sole exploration and characterization.\n\nThey seek clarification on the Technology Plan and the Pilot Scale Preparedness sections and have carefully reviewed the Q&A page.\nQ/A 171 specifically says the Technology Plan and the Pilot Scale Preparedness sections, have to be included for Topic areas 3C\n\nShould they indicate that e.g., Pilot Scale Preparedness is not applicable to their proposal, or do they need to broaden the scope to be eligible for this funding opportunity? ","Projects under Topic Area 3C must develop a plan for how the results will reduce risk for future exploration and/or developers to conduct next stages in characterization and development.  "]
[205,"2026-05-28","Application Content/Format","Could you please confirm whether subrecipients need to have a UEI at the time of proposal submission? It does not appear so from the NOFO Part 1 or Part 2 but would like definitive confirmation prior to the 5pm deadline tomorrow. ","A UEI is required for all subrecipients at the time of submission. All subrecipients are required to submit a Transparency of Foreign Connections (TFC), and the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a required field in the TFC"]
[206,"2026-05-28","Other","When viewing our Letter of Intent submission in the eXCHANGE portal, the leftmost column that should normally display the Full Application submission access/link appears blank on our account. As a result, we are unable to access or create the Full Application submission workspace to upload the required application materials."," In eXCHANGE, please scroll down to the Full Applications table on the “My Submissions” page."]
[207,"2026-06-02","Other","Would it be possible to access the Teaming Partner List, or to be included in it as a potential supporting partner?","The website for the teaming partner list is: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=0525cb6a-abae-4e85-bc6d-de9208d3fe7a"]
[208,"2026-06-02","Technical Topics","1.\tCan the research location proposed in the LOI for Topic 3C be changed in the Full Proposal?\n2.\tShould a letter from a collaborator for land access who is not a subrecipient nor committing cost share be included? If so, should it take the form of a Letter of Commitment?\n3.\tSince the Topic Area 3C deliverables are discovery and full characterization of of underutilized geothermal resources and a dataset, how should the proposal address the elements of the Market Transformation Plan such as target market, competitors, and distribution channels ?\n4.\tSince the Topic Area 3C deliverables are discovery and full characterization of of underutilized geothermal resources and a dataset, how should the proposal address the elements of the Pilot-Scale Preparedness section. ","1.\tYes, project teams may change the location of their project areas originally proposed in their LOI. \n2.\tAn official Letter of Commitment is not needed for a partner who is not a subrecipient or a cost share contributor.  However, a letter of support would be beneficial. \n3.\tThis is what I put to the last question like this: Projects under Topic Area 3C must develop a plan for how the results will reduce risk for future exploration and/or developers to conduct next stages in characterization and development.  \n4.\tSame response as No. 3. "]
[209,"2026-06-03","Eligibility","We encountered unexpected technical difficulties beyond our control while attempting to submit the application through the EERE eXCHANGE system. These issues prevented us from submitting before the posted deadline.","If you did not contact us about the technical difficulties until after the submission deadline, we are not able to make an exception. "]
[210,"2026-06-03","Eligibility","We have come to realize that the SF424 included in our application package was submitted without the Authorized Organizational Representative signature, which was an oversight on our part. The proposal itself was submitted on time with all other components complete. I have attached a copy of the signed SF424 for your records and am providing further institutional concurrence for this submission by way of this email.","We are unable to accept revised documents after the submission deadline, your application will be reviewed as submitted.  If your application is selected, you will have an opportunity to revise documents during the negotiation phase"]
[211,"2026-06-04","Application Content/Format","What is required to demonstrate “Investor Engagement: Evidence of preliminary engagement with potential investors or strategic partners to support a pilot-scale demonstration.”? Should this be a full letter of commitment or is discussing interest sufficient?","Discussions with potential investors or strategic partners is sufficient; however, providing a  letter of commitment (LOC) will create a stronger and more competitive overall application, and is the recommended approach."]
[212,"2026-06-05","Eligibility","We submitted an LOI for TA3 but would also like to submit a full application for TA2.","Unfortunately, you are only allowed to submit full applications for the topics you submitted an LOI's to."]
[213,"2026-06-08","Application Content/Format","I understand that ORCID ID is a PID. I am not sure what other ID can be used as a PID especially for my non academic collaborators. \nIs the voucher system a financial assistance out of the project budget? I need a lab support to define the purity of product and conduct long term cycleability tests in other laboratories, not national labs but standard labs of other universities. Is this allowed by your voucher system? Should I get a letter of commitment or letter of support from those labs? ","An ORCID ID can be requested by any individuals.  They do not need to be academic collaborators.\nThere is a voucher system - this work must be performed by one of the national labs - more information can be found here https://netl.doe.gov/metallic."]
[214,"2026-06-09","Technical Topics","Given that the objective of Topic Area 3A does not focus on the method but focuses on the feedstock and the competitiveness of the approach, can we conclude that hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes are eligible methods under Topic Area 3A","No, hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes are not classified as a DLE technologies. "]
[215,"2026-06-09","Technical Topics"," Since DOE is interested in accessing domestically abundant clay sources, can we conclude that mining and crushing as pre-processing steps are allowable parts of a proposed flowsheet as long as they are not the focus of the project?","This is correct. In general Clay based Lithium deposits require minimal mining, crushing (lump-breaking) or sometimes no crushing. Therefore, pre-processing steps are allowed if they are not the focus of the project"]
[216,"2026-06-11","Eligibility","I submitted a NOI for control number and in the eXchange there is no button for submit. The NOI was submitted prior to the deadline and shows that it was submitted on time. Why is there not submission button?"," In eXCHANGE, please scroll down to the Full Applications table on the “My Submissions” page.  If the issue persists, please contact Exchange support (eere-exchangesupport@hq.doe.gov)"]
[217,"2026-06-12","Eligibility","1. Can the proposal submission be switched from topic area 2 to topic area 3?\n2. If not, can the PI be changed to one of the subrecipients?","Unfortunately, full applications can only be submitted to the same topic area as the LOI.\nThe prime recipient on the LOI must be the same as the full application."]
[218,"2026-06-16","Application Content/Format","For the voucher support, should I get a letter of support from the lab that will provide testing and analyses?","A letter of support is not required for voucher work; however, if you chose to get one, you can include it in your application."]
[219,"2026-06-16","Application Content/Format","For us working in universities, PID can be  ORCID. But, what can be acceptable PID for co-PIs from industries? ","An ORCID ID can be requested by any individual.  They do not need to be academia."]
[220,"2026-06-17","Labs/FFRDCs","1.\tIs this work proposal a part of the technical volume or a separate document?\n2.\tDoes the work proposal have to include budget information and justification?\n3.\tWhat template or format should we use for the work proposal?","1.  The FFRDC work proposal is a separate document.\n2.  The FFRDC work proposal should include budget information and description of work.\n3.  The FFRDC will provide the work proposal using their standard template."]
[221,"2026-06-24","Other","I need to edit the Budget Justification Workbook but requested to enter a password to unlock the document.  Can you please provide the solution.","For the application, it is not necessary to make changes to the budget template.  Those details can be completed if your project is selected."]
[222,"2026-06-24","Eligibility","The NOFO states that the technical volume maximum number of pages is 25, including cover and references. However, on the submission page, it states that there is a 30-page limit. Which is correct?","The technical volume is limited to 25 pages."]
[223,"2026-06-25","Eligibility","I put my letter of intent in the wrong topic area. I had submitted a letter to refine gallium intended for topic area 2, but I placed it in TA1.  I just noticed it this morning. ","See question 217 in this document."]
[224,"2026-06-26","Eligibility","Is Vanadium a critical mineral that is eligible to apply for DE-TA3-0003589?","Topic Area 3 seeks to develop cost-competitive methods to extract, separate, and process lithium from brine and clay sources. Topic Areas 3A applications of particular interest include, but are not limited to, direct lithium extraction technologies that can be designed to co-produce multiple critical elements uncovering their commercial value."]
[225,"2026-06-29","Eligibility","1. Could you confirm whether any Letter of Intent for Subtopic 3C is on file under our organization\n\n2. If no LOI is on file, is it still permissible for our organization to participate in this round as a subrecipient or partner on another applicant's 3C full application (which would not require us to have filed our own LOI)? If so, I would appreciate any guidance on connecting with prospective lead applicants, including through the Teaming Partner List (TPL-0000069).","1.  This information can be found by logging into your eXCHANGE account.  If an LOI was submitted, you will have the ability to submit a full application.\n\n2.  The teamining partner list is a great way to connect with potential partners.  While we cannot connect you directly, we advise that you reach out potential partners that might be a good fit."]
[226,"2026-06-29","Application Content/Format","May I ask whether \"Approximate dollar amount of individual awards:\" means \"federal share\" in NOFO part 1 page 8? ","Correct.  This is referring to federal dollars."]
[227,"2026-06-29","Eligibility","My firm submitted one LOI for Topic Area 3 under the expectation that submission for 3A would be sufficient to have the rights to submit a full proposal for one or more of the subtopics (specifically, A and B) which was our intent.\n\nWe made this assumption because the presentation says \"Under Topic Area 3 only, applicants are permitted to submit one application under each subtopic area.\"\nWe did not note an explicit requirement to submit multiple LOIs for distinct sub-topics in order to be eligible for submission. ","Unfortunately, because you only submitted one LOI, Exchange only allows you to submit one Topic Area 3 full application.  You can decide whether to submit to 3A , 3B or 3C  "]

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["Concept Paper"]
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["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["Other"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]