Each institution may submit one proposal for each of the
following, Topic Area 1, Topic Area 2, Topic Area 3A, Topic Area 3B, Topic Area
3C. Note that this limitation does not apply to the letter of intent
submissions that are due on 4/21/2026. Applicants should submit their LOI to
the DOE and can then apply to the UCR limited submissions. The proposed topic and focus area for the proposal must be
clearly stated in the limited submission packet
Application Deadlines:
- TA1 – 5/26/2026
TA2 – 6/22/2026
TA3 – 7/20/2026
The goals of this NOFO are to:
- Foster industry partnerships to prototype and pilot
technologies and processes proven at the bench scale to accelerate adoption of
innovative solutions to address critical material challenges in high impact
areas;
Validate the materials and manufacturing technologies that
reduce demand of critical materials;
Enable informed decisions, optimize processes, and build
confidence in technology scale up through Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and
Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA);
Address the urgency to meet critical material demand with
secure and sustainable critical material manufacturing technologies.
Topic Area 1: Production and material efficiency for
critical materials including rare earth elements. Inclusive of the following
sub-topics:
- 1A: Recovery and production from postindustrial
manufacturing scrap
1B: Recovery and production from postconsumer scrap (with an
emphasis on electronic waste and drivetrains)
1C: Recovery and production from combinations of feedstocks
including mine tailings, postindustrial scrap, and postconsumer scrap
Topic Area 2: Processes to refine and alloy gallium,
gallium nitride, germanium, and silicon carbide for use in semiconductor
applications. Topic Area 3: Cost-competitive direct lithium extraction,
separation, and processing. Inclusive of the following sub-topics:
- 3A: Cost-competitive direct lithium extraction
3B: Advancing pre- and post- treatment and disposal
technologies for direct lithium extraction and from geothermal brines
3C: Exploration and Characterization of Critical Materials
and Rare Earth Elements from Volcanically Hosted Geothermal Systems
Topic Area 1 Funding and performance period:
- Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: Up to
$2,000,000
Minimum cost share required: 20%
Approximate award project period: Up to 36 months
Anticipated length of budget periods: Up to 24 months
Topic Area 2 Funding and performance period:
- Approximate dollar amount of individual awards:
Up to $2,000,000 Minimum cost share required: 20%
Approximate award project period: Up to 36 months
Anticipated length of budget periods: Up to 24 months
Topic Area 3A Funding and performance period:
- Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: Up to
$2,000,000
Minimum cost share required: 20%
Approximate award project period: Up to 24 months
Anticipated length of budget periods: Up to 24 months
Topic Area 3B Funding and performance period:
- Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: $1,000,000 -
$3,000,000
Minimum cost share required: 20%
Approximate award project period: Up to 24 months
Anticipated length of budget periods: Up to 12 months
Topic Area 3C Funding and performance period:
- Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: $1,000,000 -
$3,000,000
Minimum cost share required: 20%
Approximate award project period: Up to 36 months
Anticipated length of budget periods: Up to 12 months
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