Circular supply chains improve security and reduce
environmental impacts, maximizing the lifetime of materials and products in the
economy to support a robust and competitive manufacturing sector while
providing economy-wide environmental benefits. Research and development
(R&D) of new technologies to increase reuse, repair, recycling,
remanufacturing, and repurposing of products and materials will be essential to
realize these economic and environmental benefits. To maximize effectiveness,
R&D must be informed by analysis of non-technical factors, including market
forces, business models, and the policy landscape. Such analysis can provide a
systems-level view--identifying promising technologies and deployment pathways
as well as what roadblocks remain--especially when it leverages input from a
wide set of connected stakeholders. Those stakeholders can also amplify the
impact of DOE investments in technologies that advance circular supply chains.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks to
assemble a team that will conduct analysis, connect broad groups of
stakeholders within multiple application spaces, and socialize EERE-developed
innovations across a variety of industries to advance those innovations. The
Accelerator’s role will include advancing the entire circularity field’s
understanding of emerging technologies, thereby enabling the identification of
potential roadblocks to deployment and opportunities to reduce the risks of
technology commercialization.

Approximate total available funding: $7.5 – 12.5M

Approximate number of awards: 1

Approximate award project period: 3-5 Years

Anticipated length of budget periods: 1-2 Years

Cost sharing: at least 10% of the total project costs5
for applications submitted under this NOFO.