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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["DE-FOA-0003585 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Section 40207 Battery Materials Processing & Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Programs"]
["Updated 4/23/2026"]
["Number","Question","Answer"]
[1,"Is a letter of intent submission required in order to submit an application?","Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a letter of intent by the specified due date and time. The submission should not contain any proprietary or sensitive business information. Letters of intent will not be used for down-selection purposes, and do not commit an applicant to apply. Applicants are not bound to the statements made in the letter of intent; it is reasonable for project partners, locations, or other factors to change during the application development process. DOE will not provide feedback on the Letters of Intent. "]
[2,"Is there any additional guidance on the preparation of the financial model requested in the NOFO?","Yes, there is a supplemental guide posted on the Infrastructure Exchange website posted with the NOFO at the following link: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIdde62ae78-ed5c-476c-bd42-d126d61175b9. The information is meant only to serve as assistance in preparing the financial model. Should any discrepancies be found, the NOFO is the governing document.  "]
[3,"Can an organization be a subrecipient on multiple proposals? ","Entities are eligible to apply as recipients or subrecipients. A subrecipient may be included in multiple prime recipient applications. Please refer to NOFO Part 1 II. Eligibility for additional information."]
[4,"Is a UEI number required to submit a Letter of Intent in Exchange?","Including the UEI on the Letter of Intent is optional, as there is no templated format for the Letter of Intent submission. Please note, to be considered eligible for this NOFO, you must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Please refer to NOFO Part 1 Section V.A. for information pertaining to Required Registrations."]
[5,"Is there a Letter of Intent template that can be utilized for this NOFO?","There is no template for the Letter of Intent submission as all requisite information is entered directly into Infrastructure Exchange. Please refer to NOFO Part 1 Section IV.C. Letter of Intent for information regarding the content of the Letter of Intent."]
[6,"Regarding Section II.D.1 \"Authorization for DOE FFRDCs,\" can Office of Science national labs be exempt from this requirement or submit this memo in place of the FFRDC Authorization Letter requirement? For DOE NOFOs, Office of Science national labs may provide an FFRDC Authorization Letter at the time of award, not at time of application in accordance with DOE OS memo dated June 3, 2025 titled \"Streamlining Strategic Partnership Projects and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements.\"","The cognizant Contracting Officer for the FFRDC must authorize in writing the use of the FFRDC on the proposed project and this authorization must be submitted with the application. (Office of Science National labs may provide a cognizant CO for the FFRDC authorization at time of award, not at time of application, in accordance with DOE OS memo dated June 3, 2025 titled \"Streamlining Strategic Partnership Projects and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements\".)"]
[7,"Will DOE be providing a list of critical minerals eligible under this program? For example, which rare earths are eligible? Or are other critical minerals such as tungsten eligible?","This NOFO supports the IIJA 40207 (b) Battery Materials Processing and (c) Battery Manufacturing & Recycling grant programs, 42 USC 18741.\n\nAs such, applications must support processing, manufacturing, or recycling that directly impact advanced battery manufacturing and supply chains. DOE will not be providing an exhaustive list of eligible critical minerals for this NOFO and encourages applicants to review the scope and focus of their potential project against Section II. Eligibility of this NOFO, and to review the definitions and program purpose found within 42 USC 18741."]
[8,"How should an applicant populate the requested information in the NOFO of key personnel, subrecipients/partners and associated key personnel, and project location for the letter of intent as there are not specified fields for those pieces of information?  Please clarify the distinction between the 200 words requested for the project description verses the 6000 characters specified on the Letter of Intent Form.","The lead organization information section requires the information on the Business Point of Contact and the Project Lead/Principle investigator section requires the Project Lead information.  Any additional Lead Organization Senior or Key Personnel can be listed within the abstract.  \n\nSubrecipients/Major Partners and any associated key personnel can be listed in the Other Organizations section.\n\nProject location can be listed within the abstract.\n\nThe Project Description should not exceed 200 words.  The Abstract section in the Letter of Intent Form allows for 6000 characters and can include the project description, Project location, and any additional Senior/Key Personnel to identify."]
[9,"Can the DOE provide further guidance on details to include in the project scope of the proposal of the project?","Applicants should refer to Part 1 Section IV. - Application Content and Form for specifics regarding the details to include within the application package. DOE cannot provide consultation on specifics to include on specific project proposals.  "]
[10,"Can DOE provide feedback to individual applicants on if their technology is applicable to this NOFO?","DOE will not provide individual feedback or make eligibility determinations for potential applicants to this NOFO. \n"]
[11,"Can DOE provide guidance to applicants on completing the application forms correctly?","Per Section VIII.C of NOFO Part 1, \"DOE personnel are prohibited from communicating (in writing or otherwise) with Applicants regarding the NOFO except through the established question and answer process. . .\"  As such, questions regarding the NOFO should be submitted to DE-FOA-0003585@netl.doe.gov."]
[12,"Why are there minimums of federal sizes for funding at $50 million and $100 million? Can companies submit for smaller sized grants?","The statutory minimum for federal funding for a new commercial scale facility is $100,000,000. For retrofit facilities, the statutory minimum for federal funding is $50,000,000. This is a statutory requirement and applications submitted that do not meet the requirements will be considered non-compliant."]
[13,"Are other battery chemistries aside from Li-ion battery systems eligible for this NOFO?","Per Section III. Program Description of the NOFO, this funding opportunity is focused on supporting the supply chains for advanced batteries. The definition for an advanced battery is found in the statute for this program under 42 U.S.C 187241; \"advanced battery\" means a battery that consists of a battery cell that can be integrated into a module, pack, or system to be used in energy storage applications, including electric vehicles and the electric grid. "]
[14,"Can non-domestic entities apply under this Notice of Funding Opportunity?","Per NOFO Part 1 Section II.A.2 - Foreign Entity Participation, \"In general, foreign entities are not eligible to apply as either a recipient or subrecipient.  In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a recipient or subrecipient.  A foreign entity may submit an application to this NOFO, but the application must be accompanied by an explicit written waiver request.\"  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to review NOFO Part 1 and Part 2 for requirements around submission of a foreign entity waiver request, if applicable. "]
[15,"Will other battery critical minerals be considered for Topic Area 1 beyond lithium, nickel, and cobalt? ","This NOFO seeks applications to address increasing domestic battery manufacturing and critical mineral processing used in advanced battery components. As stated in NOFO Part 1 Section III.E under Topic Area 1, \"Applicants should propose projects that focus on critical minerals and/or materials needed for advanced batteries.\"  Though lithium, nickel, and cobalt are identified as of high priority within the Topic Area, the list is not all inclusive of eligible produced materials. "]
[16,"Would a subsidiary based in the United States of a non-domestic entity quality as a domestic entity?","Per NOFO Part 1 Section II.A.1 - Domestic Entities, \"To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States or under the laws of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.\"  "]
[17,"Would the DOE be able to provide guidance on if the technology or methodology of the proposal is responsive to any Topic Area?","DOE will not provide individual feedback or make eligibility determinations for potential applicants  to this NOFO.\n\nApplicants are encouraged to carefully read NOFO Part 1 Section III.E - Topic Areas to determine the scope of work deemed eligible under this particular funding opportunity."]
[18,"How should an applicant determine which critical materials should be sourced from which respective regions?","Potential applicants should review the topic areas associated with this NOFO, found in NOFO Part 1. Section III. E. Topic areas. For AOI 1, the following is noted \"Applicants should propose projects that focus on critical minerals and/or materials needed for advanced batteries. Raw feedstocks may include domestic or international feedstocks, including but not limited to, primary and secondary ores, clays, tailings, and brines (geothermal and oilfield).\n\nApplicants should also review NOFO Part 1 Section II. A. 2 to review Foreign Entity eligibility and deprioritization of Foreign Entities of Concern. Applicants should also refer to NOFO Part 1  - Section VI for Merit Review Criteria and Other Selection Factors."]
[19,"Solid state fusion will assume some of the battery marketplace with transformative power systems. Is heavy water a critical mineral?","Applicants can refer to the USGS Critical Minerals list, which is most recently updated in 2025, as well as the DOE Critical Materials Assessment, most recently updated in 2023, for a list of U.S. critical minerals and critical materials. Please note that this NOFO is focused on battery supply chains. As such, applications must support processing, manufacturing, or recycling that directly impact advanced battery manufacturing and supply chains."]
[20,"The NOFO states that DOE is not interested in applications for new commercial-scale projects with less than $100 million in Federal share. DOE also indicates approximately $200 million in total funding and an expectation of 2–4 awards. Could DOE clarify how applicants should interpret the $100 million threshold in the context of the anticipated award portfolio? Specifically, is this intended as a strict minimum per project, or a general indication of preferred project scale?","This NOFO supports the IIJA 40207 (b) Battery Materials Processing and (c) Battery Manufacturing & Recycling grant programs, 42 USC 18741. Within that statutory language, there are mandated award federal minimums for new commercial projects, retrofit/retooling/expansion projects, and demonstration projects. Applicants should review NOFO document as well as  42 USC 18741 to understand minimum size requirements for different project scopes."]
[21,"Are mining or extraction activities permitted to be included in the project as part of the recipient's cost share commitments?","Per NOFO Part 1 Section III.G - Applications Specifically Not of Interest, the list of types of applications that will be deemed non-responsive and will not be reviewed or considered include: \"Applications that include mining operations (mining or extraction) or mining equipment, excavation, labor siting, etc. within project scope.\"  As the activities are outside of the allowable scope, mining and extraction activities would not be allowable activities to provide as project cost share. \n\nApplicants are encouraged to carefully read NOFO Part 1 Section III.E - Topic Areas to determine the scope of work deemed eligible under this particular funding opportunity. "]
[22,"Topic 1 mentions that \"applications proposing processing of any form of critical minerals from recycled sources would be considered applicable to Topic Area 2.  Do recycled sources eligible under Topic Area 2 include only raw recycled materials?","As noted in the Topic Area 2 portion of NOFO Part 1 Section III.E - Topic Areas, \"Recycled feedstocks can be sourced domestically or internationally, and can include end-of-life batteries, off-specification/recalled/rejected batteries, and/or battery manufacturing scrap.\"  \n\nDOE will not provide individual feedback or make eligibility determinations for potential applicants  to this NOFO. \n\nApplicants are encouraged to carefully read NOFO Part 1 Section III.E - Topic Areas to determine the scope of work deemed eligible under this particular funding opportunity."]
[23,"Can critical minerals or materials processing include productions from brines into battery grade material?","Section III. E. Topic areas. For AOI 1, the following is noted \"Applicants should propose projects that focus on critical minerals and/or materials needed for advanced batteries. Raw feedstocks may include domestic or international feedstocks, including but not limited to, primary and secondary ores, clays, tailings, and brines (geothermal and oilfield).\n\nDOE will not provide individual feedback or make eligibility determinations for potential applicants  to this NOFO. \n\nApplicants are encouraged to carefully read NOFO Part 1 Section III.E - Topic Areas to determine the scope of work deemed eligible under this particular funding opportunity."]
[24,"Would entities incorporated and located within the United States, but wholly owned by a non-domestic corporation be considered a domestic or non-domestic entity for inclusion as a recipient or sub-recipient? ","Per NOFO Part 1 Section II.A.1 - Domestic Entities, \"To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States or under the laws of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.\"  "]
[25,"I saw in your FAQs the following question:\n\n\"Regarding Section II.D.1 \"Authorization for DOE FFRDCs,\" can Office of Science national labs be exempt from this requirement or submit this memo in place of the FFRDC Authorization Letter requirement?”\n\nYour answer allowed SC Offices to submit the authorization at the time of award based on their memo. \n\nI am writing because NNSA FFRDCs have the same memo, but meant for us (see attached). Does this mean can submit the authorization letter at the time of award as well?","If updated guidance is that NNSA M&O Contracting Officer approval is no longer required at the time of application submittal, that will be honored.  As noted in the answer for Office of Science Laboratories, if selected for negotiations leading to award, Contracting Officer approval will be required at that time."]
[26,"For projects proposing to install a new production line within an existing facility, does DOE view this as an expansion of an existing facility (with a $50 million minimum federal share) or as a new commercial-scale project (with a $100 million minimum federal share)?","A new facility is groundbreaking and construction of a new facility (creation of a facility where one did not exist previously). Retrofit, retool, or expansion would be modifying an existing site or facility to accommodate your project."]
[27,"What is the definition of a demonstration facility (e.g., nameplate capacity, throughput, etc.)?","See 2 CFR 910.130(e) for a definition of Demonstration defining it as a project designed to determine the technical feasibility and economic potential of a technology on either a pilot or protype scale."]
[28,"Can federal loan financing (including those from EXIM or the DOE EDF program) be used as part of the applicant cost share for a DOE application to DE-FOA-0003585 when the financing supports the same scope of work as the proposed project?","Applicants should refer to Part 1 Section III. G. Applications Specifically Not of Interest, which states \" The following types of applications will be deemed non-responsive and will not be \nreviewed or considered… Applications that propose the use of Federal Financing such as DOE Loans or Loan Guarantees, to provide the required cost share or otherwise support the same scope that is proposed in response to this NOFO\"."]
[29,"Can a project team apply for funding across multiple Topic Areas within the NOFO under a \"joint application?\"","No. Per NOFO Part 1, Section II.B - Limitation on Number of Letters of Intent and Applications Eligible for Review \"An entity may submit more than one Letter of Intent and associated application to this NOFO provided that each describes a unique, scientifically distinct project concept.\"  As such, provided the aforementioned conditions are met, an entity may submit for than one Letter of Intent and Application to this NOFO. "]
[30,"Can you confirm the eligibility of the a method proposed by applicants and their applicability under this Funding Opportunity?","DOE will not provide individual feedback or make eligibility determinations for potential applicants to this NOFO."]
[31,"Topic Areas in this Funding Opportunity offer target reductions in import reliance and potential individual project scales. Can DOE clarify if there is interest in applications outside of the goal production ranges?","The Target Impacts provided in this Funding Opportunity are to demonstrate DOE's goals, prioritization, and considerations for the individual topic areas. These impacts are provided for scoping and informational purposes. Applications are not required to be within the ranges provided under the Target Impacts section."]
[32,"Would the DOE provide clarity on providing Letters of Commitment?  Specifically, from which parties are Letters of Commitment recommended?","Letters of Commitment can be provided as outlined in the NOFO.  Letters of Commitment are acceptable from entities that have a substantive role in the project (subrecipients, entities providing cost share, supply agreements, offtake arrangements, etc.)  \n\nPlease note, as stated in NOFO Part 2, \"Letters of support or endorsement for the project from entities that do not have substantive role in the project will not be accepted.\""]
[33,"What are the methodologies for evaluating applications?  ","Applicants are encouraged to review Section VI. Application Review Information carefully for information regarding the method and criteria with which eligible applications will be evaluated."]
[34,"Are there specific areas, technologies, or project types that are being prioritized within the Topic Areas?","Applicants are encouraged to carefully review both NOFO Part 1 Section III.E - Topic Areas and Section VI.D - Other Selection Factors for details around priority considerations under this Funding Opportunity. "]
[35,"For projects where investment has already been initiated or committed, would this create any limitations or disadvantages in the grant evaluation or award process?","Applicants are encouraged to carefully review both NOFO Part 1 Section III.E - Topic Areas, Section VI.C - Review Criteria and Section VI.D - Other Selection Factors for details around priority considerations under this Funding Opportunity. DOE will use the priority information detailed in these sections in order to review applications for the Funding Opportunity."]
[36,"Will the DOE provide clarification on if a particular methodology would be considered \"processing\" under this funding opportunity?","DOE will not provide individual feedback or make eligibility determinations for potential applicants to this NOFO."]
[37,"What actions must be taken to include a non-domestic contractor on the application? ","Per Section II.A.3 of NOFO Part 1, \"All work for the awards under this NOFO must be performed in the United States.  To request a waiver of this requirement the Applicant must submit an explicit waiver request in the Application.\"  Applicants are encouraged to carefully read Section II.A.3 of NOFO Part 1 as well as the NOFO Part 2, Application Content and Form, which lists requirements surrounding a foreign work waiver request."]
[38,"Is an applicant required to utilize the template for the Technical Volume provided for the NOFO? If not, should the submission be in Calibri 12 point font?","While use of the template is encouraged, it is not required.  All requested information should be included in the submission regardless of the format chosen.  In the event that the template is not utilized for the submission of the Technical Volume, the default font listed within NOFO Part 2 of Calibri typeface, black font color, and a font size of 12-point or larger would be applicable. "]
[39,"As the deadline has passed for the Letter of Intent submission, is a Letter of Intent still able to be submitted?  Would emailing to the \"Questions\" Inbox be appropriate?","The Letter of Intent deadline was March 27, 2026.  No further submissions of the Letter of Intent will be accepted at this time. \n\nPer NOFO Part 1 Section II.B, \"Applicants are requested to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent by the specified due date and time, but submissions are not mandatory to be eligible to submit an application.\" \n\nPer NOFO Part 1 Section V.C \"All required submissions must be submitted to the eXCHANGE site\" identified in the Key Facts section of NOFO Part 1 no later than 5 p.m. ET on the dates provided in the Key Facts section.  "]
[40,"Would this funding be available for a project which already receives funding from another Department of Energy grant?","DOE cannot provide funding advice nor make a determination of eligibility for theoretical Federal overlapping scenarios. Please reference NOFO Part 2 Section VII.B.9 - Current and Pending Support and NOFO Part 2 Section IV.B.13 - Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice which may provide guidance. In terms of Cost Share, per Section II.C of the NOFO Part 1, \"The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law.\""]
[41,"Can a proposal submitted to a different DOE NOFO be considered as a dual submission to be evaluated to this Funding Opportunity?","All applications to this Funding Opportunity must be submitted to this particular Funding Opportunity and have a unique scope of work, meeting the requirements of this particular Funding Opportunity. Applications submitted outside of the Exchange portal for this unique Funding Opportunity will not be reviewed under this Funding Opportunity."]
[42,"Could the applicant import processing equipment from outside the US?","Applicants should review NOFO Part 2. Section IV. D. 5 - Equipment and Supplies for information on the use of non-domestic equipment."]
[43,"Can DOE confirm if the specific technology, feedstock, and/or process of potential applicants are eligible under this Funding Opportunity?  ","See Section VIII.C. of the NOFO Part 1 for the email address to submit questions.  \n\nApplicants are encouraged to carefully read NOFO Part 1 Section III.E - Topic Areas to determine the scope of work deemed eligible under this particular funding opportunity.\n\nDOE will not provide individual feedback or make eligibility determinations for potential applicants to this NOFO."]
[44,"For the Transparency of Foreign Connections form, Question 12, please provide clarity what is meant by supporting the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) industry? ","For the Transparency of Foreign Connections document, Question 12 relates specifically to the project output for the application proposal and whether or not that project support the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) supply chain. \n\nModified 04/08/2026:  For Transparency of Foreign Connections document, Question 12 relates specifically to whether DOE funding will be used to buy Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) equipment for use in the project. "]
[45,"Are entities able to apply for each Topic Area 1, Topic Area 2, and Topic Area 3 ?","Per NOFO Part 1, Section II.B - Limitation on Number of Letters of Intent and Applications Eligible for Review \"An entity may submit more than one Letter of Intent and associated application to this NOFO provided that each describes a unique, scientifically distinct project concept.\"  As such, provided the aforementioned conditions are met, an entity may submit for than one Letter of Intent and Application to this NOFO. "]
[46,"Is there a way to receive guidance and assistance with issues with the eXCHANGE system?","Yes.  Questions related to the registration process and use of the eXCHANGE site should be submitted to InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[47,"DOE asks within Section 4 of the Technical Volume that we provide the following relevant data backed deliverables:\n• Assessment of price-competitiveness, including relativity to average selling prices.\n• Competitive landscape assessment, covering current and potential competitors.\n• Customer segmentation analysis and the associated strategy for marketing the product(s) to the relevant segments.\n\nAre these requests meant to be captured within the Technical Volume?","Yes.  Applicants are encouraged to review NOFO Part 1 Section IV.D.2 for a summary of applications required for this funding opportunity and Section IV.D.4 for details on the technical volume."]
[48,"What font should be utilized for the Technical Volume? ","Per NOFO Part 2, Section IV.A. in the Format Requirements table under Font:  \n\"Calibri typeface, a black font color, and a font size of 12-point or larger (except in figures or tables, which may be 10-point font). A symbol font may be used to insert Greek letters or special characters, but the font size requirement still applies. The use of Calibri does not apply to templates provided in Infrastructure Exchange.\"\n\nWhile use of the template is encouraged, it is not required.  All requested information must be included in the submission regardless of the format chosen.  In the event that the template is not utilized for the submission of the technical volume, the default font listed within NOFO Part 2 of Calibri typeface, black font color, and a font size of 12-point or larger is applicable."]
[49,"Where should the risk register appear in the application package?","Per NOFO Part 1  Section IV.D.4, \"The Applicant should provide a comprehensive Risk Management Plan (RMP) that is accompanied by a corresponding risk register that can be used for ongoing risk management.\"  This verbiage is contained within Section 7 of the Technical Volume - Risk Analysis and Mitigation. "]
[50,"Can a project team apply for funding if the state of the proposal is already advanced beyond the Phase 1 as outlined in the Funding Opportunity?","As noted in NOFO Part 1 Section III.D, \"Specific project structure details for each Recipient will be negotiated on a project-by-project basis to produce the best possible balance between project outcomes and DOE risk exposure.\"  Furthermore, as noted in the same Section of the NOFO, the timetables are representative only.  "]
[51,"Are the timing of the Budget Periods or Phases of the proposals required to be structured adhering to specific dates, in other words must BP1 initialize the first of the year and run the entire calendar year? ","As noted in NOFO Part 1 Section III.D, \"Specific project structure details for each Recipient will be negotiated on a project-by-project basis to produce the best possible balance between project outcomes and DOE risk exposure.\"  "]
[52,"Is DOE updating the Teaming Partner List?  If my entity does not appear should a resubmission be made? ","DOE is updating the Teaming Partners List on a regular basis, after internal review. Please check back in to see if your company has been added at this time. If not, please resubmit and allow a few days for updates to the Teaming Partners List. "]
[53,"Please provide clarity on the referenced manufacturing scrap noted as a feedstock for Topic Area 2.  Is the \"manufacturing scrap\" limited to those from advanced batteries?","This Funding Opportunity supports the IIJA 40207 (b) and (c) programs, which are authorized under 42 U.S. Code § 18741, and states the following: \"The term “recycling” means the recovery of materials from advanced batteries to be reused in similar applications, including the extracting, processing, and recoating of battery materials and advanced battery components.\" As such, the eligible feedstocks for application to Area of Interest 2 are limited to those \"from advanced batteries to be reused in similar applications\". This can include battery manufacturing scrap, but would not include manufacturing scrap from non-battery sectors."]
[54,"For the production ranges provided under Target Impacts in Topic Areas 1, 2, and 3 of the Funding Opportunity, can DOE clarify the units of these ranges?","Goal production per project are capacity numbers given in metric tons per year in the respective, relevant battery material forms (such as battery-grade lithium carbonate equivalent, battery-grade graphite, black mass, etc.). These ranges were not given in contained metal-content weights. "]
[55,"DOE provided Targeted Impacts in AOIS 1, 2, and 3 with a set of \"Goal Production per Project\" for different minerals, materials, manufacturing segments, etc. Were these goal for commercial-scale projects or for demonstration scale? ","The \"Goal Production per Project\" ranges were based on full commercial scale projects and were general ranges to demonstrate DOE's goals, prioritization, and considerations for the individual topic areas. These ranges were provided for scoping and informational purposes. "]
[56,"The NOFO states that one of your goals is to increase critical minerals production by up to 15% by 2030 for key critical materials used in batteries and other applications. How can applications best demonstrate their ability to help DOE achieve this goal?","Under this Funding Opportunity, DOE has provided an overall target impact of \"15% by 2030 for key critical materials used in batteries and other applications\" for scope and goal setting information. Applications will be reviewed based on the Merit Review Criteria (NOFO Part 1 Section VI. C. 2), which includes factors dedicated to technology and supply chain impact, as well as Other Selection Factors (NOFO Part 1 Section VI. D). Applicants should review these sections as well as the Application Content Requirements (NOFO Part 1 Section IV. D) to understand how to best demonstrate technical viability and supply chain impact to DOE."]
[57,"Within the Technical Volume section of the Application Content Requirements, within Section 4 there are references to submission of Term Sheets and within Section 5 there are references to EPC&O project documents.  Are these responses meant to be submitted within the technical volume or as a separately submitted document? ","For Term Sheets, as per Section IV.D.4 - Technical Volume, \"If available, the application should provide letters of commitment or term sheets for prospective or current feedstocks and other suppliers.\"  Please refer to the table in Section IV.D.2 - Summary of Application requirements for instructions on submitting Letters of Commitment.  \n\nFor Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (EPC&O) as detailed in Section IV.D.4 - Technical Volume, the detail would be included as part of Section 5 of the Technical Volume, Workplan, Management Plan, and Partners.  "]
[58,"Can the DOE provide detail on how specific aspects are weighted in the review (for example, innovation of project)?","Applications will be reviewed based on the Merit Review Criteria (NOFO Part 1 Section VI. C. 2), as well as Other Selection Factors (NOFO Part 1 Section VI. D).  Applicants are encouraged to read these sections carefully to better understand how the applications will be reviewed. "]
[59,"The NOFO states that via Cooperative Agreements, DOE will have “substantial involvement in the direction and redirection of the technical aspects of the project” and will share “responsibility with the Recipient for the management, control, direction, and performance of the project.” Can you explain in practice what this will look like?","Applicants are encouraged to review Section III.H - Statement of Substantial Involvement carefully in order to understand DOE's role with work performed under the awards resulting from this funding opportunity.  DOE's role will be further clarified through the award specific terms and conditions and Statement of Project Objectives."]
[60,"The NOFO states that “DOE may negotiate another transaction agreement when DOE determines that the use of a standard cooperative agreement, grant, or contract is not feasible or appropriate for a project.” Can you provide more information about when DOE might make such a determination?","As noted in NOFO Part 2 Section VII.A.4 - Applicants Selected for Award Negotiations, \"Successful applicants will receive written notification that they have been selected for award negotiations including estimated award negotiation dates.\"  Further stating, \"The award negotiation process can take a minimum of 60 days and may be longer depending on the complexity of the project and responsiveness of the selectee among other factors.\"  \n\nApplicants are encouraged to carefully review the section above to understand the process and timeline for negotiations. "]
[61,"If an applicant chooses to develop their own SOPO (which would address all the elements as outlined in the template), should the applicant use the Calibri 12 pt. font?","While use of the template is encouraged, it is not required.  All requested information should be included in the submission regardless of the format chosen.  In the event that the template is not utilized for the submission, the default font listed within NOFO Part 2 of Calibri typeface, black font color, and a font size of 12-point or larger would be applicable. "]
[62,"Can an entity apply as a prime recipient on more than one application?","Yes.  As stated in NOFO Part 1, Section II.B, \"An entity may submit more than one Letter of Intent and associated application to this NOFO provided that each describes a unique, scientifically distinct project concept.\"  "]
[63,"What are the actions, identifying codes, or systems that will be required to apply to this NOFO?","Applicants are encouraged to refer to NOFO Part 1, Section V. Submission Requirements and Deadlines and review it carefully.  The section contains details on the required registrations, application package, and submissions."]
[64,"Do the requirements of the Letter of Intent (i.e. character limits) apply to the full application?","No, requirements are specifically determined for each stage of the application process and detailed within the Notice of Funding Opportunity.  Applicants are encouraged to review NOFO Part 1, Section IV. - Application Content and Form carefully when preparing to apply to this funding opportunity. "]
[65,"In reference to \"the cost share required to be verifiable upon submission of the application,\" can this requirement be satisfied through documented commitments such as executed term sheets, letters of commitment, and so on?","NOFO Part 2, Section IV.B.2. - Letters of Commitment states: \"Submit letters of commitment from all subrecipients.  In addition, submit letters of commitment for all third-party cost share providers.\""]
[66,"For commercial arrangements requested as a separate attachment, how should these be uploaded into the eXCHANGE system? ","Commercial arrangements should be uploaded as Letters of Commitment.  \n\nApplicants are strongly encouraged to review NOFO Part 1, Section IV.D.2 - Summary of Application Requirements for instructions and restrictions around submissions of the documents. "]
[67,"How can an applicant assess the allowability of cost share sources?","Cost share must meet requirements set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.306 and 910.130, and cost principles set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.400-476 and 2 C.F.R. §§ 910.352. In addition, cost share must be verifiable upon submission of the application. Cost share may be provided in the form of cash or cash equivalents, or in-kind contributions. Please see NOFO Part 1, Section II.C. and NOFO Part 2, Section II A. for additional information. "]
[68,"The NOFO 1 states that DOE will prioritize proposals that have a higher likelihood of completion within the 36-month expected timeframe. Given that preference, is there an absolute cap on the number of months allowed by DOE for project performance?","DOE is not specifying a cap on number of months."]
[69,"If selected, does DOE expect the cost share to be contributed proportionally throughout each budget period / reimbursement period?","Per NOFO Part 1, Section VII.A.6 - Cost Share Payment (Billing Period), \"DOE requires Recipients to contribute the cost share amount incrementally over the life of the award.\"  The cost share requirement must be met for each billing period."]
[70,"Would an application be eligible for Topic Area 1 if procuring raw feedstocks domestically and processing for advanced battery materials? ","Applicants to Topic Area 1 should review the full details of the Topic Area description, found in NOFO Part 1, Section III.E. - Topic Areas for applicability to Topic Area 1."]
[71,"Should only the direct project costs on equipment be included in the budget for the project? ","Applicants are encouraged to carefully read  NOFO Part 2, Section IV.B.6. - Budget Justification Workbook for details on completing the Budget Justification Workbook.  "]
[72,"Are applicants required to include an EPC contractor or vendor as a partner or subrecipient in the application?","The NOFO does not outline specific requirements regarding the roles of an EPC as a vendor or subrecipient.  See 2 CFR 200.331 \"Subrecipient and contractor determination\" for additional information. "]
[73,"Are there restrictions stating the former use of a facility for purposes of a retrofit would need to have been for battery production purposes? ","There are no restrictions around the FORMER purpose or use of a facility being proposed for a retrofit under this funding opportunity. "]
[74,"Can the facility proposed under this funding opportunity be established in another country? ","Per Section II.A.3. of NOFO Part 1, \"All work for the awards under this NOFO must be performed in the United States.  To request a waiver of this requirement the Applicant must submit an explicit waiver request in the Application.\"  Applicants are encouraged to carefully read all of NOFO Part 1, Section II. - Eligibility for information on eligible projects under this funding opportunity."]
[75,"Is there an official Notice of Intent (NOI) or Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) currently open for Section 40207 grants?","There was a Notice of Intent for this Funding Opportunity, published 08/13/2025.  The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), DE-FOA-0003585 is the only solicitation method currently open for Section 40207(b)(c)."]
[76,"Is there a pre-application technical assistance program associated with this funding opportunity?","No.  There is no pre-application technical assistance program for this particular funding opportunity."]
[77,"Does this NOFO require a Transparency of Foreign Connection disclosure? ","Yes.  Applicants are encouraged to review NOFO Part 1, Section IV.D.2. - Summary of Application Requirements carefully prior to submitting applications for this funding opportunity. "]
[78,"If all work included in the proposal for this funding opportunity is done in the U.S., does the applicant still need to submit any kind of performance of work waiver or location of work document? ","No.  Per NOFO Part 2, Section IV.B.9., \"All work for the projects selected under this NOFO must be performed in the United States, absent a written waiver approved by DOE and prior approval by the Grants Officer.\""]
[79,"Are Letters of Commitment only necessary for third party cost share providers of any kind?","Per NOFO Part 2, Section IV.B.9. - Letters of Commitment, \"Submit Letters of Commitment from all subrecipients.  In addition, submit Letters of Commitment from all third-party cost share providers.\" \n\nApplicants are encouraged to read the NOFO carefully when considering which documents would be applicable to submit for Letters of Commitment."]
[80,"What is the timing required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for this solicitation?","As per 2 CFR Part 25 Subpart C, subrecipients must have a UEI in order to receive a subaward.  In this specific scenario, the entity should be entered as a subrecipient with the UEI field blank with the expectation that the UEI will be obtained before award.  As stated in NOFO Part 1, Section V.A.1., \"DOE may not make a federal award to an Applicant until the Applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an Applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DOE is ready to make a federal award, the DOE will determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.\" "]
[81,"What level of site detail is required at the application?","As detailed in NOFO Part 1, Section IV.D.4. - Technical Volume Section 1 states that it should include \"The project location, including the address of the project location.  In the event a project site is not yet identified, the schedule for securing a project site must be provided.\" "]
[82,"The NOFO Part 1 document does not mention a Project Management Plan as a requirement, but the NOFO Part 2 does mention, \"If required, applicants must submit a Project Management Plan\". It is unclear whether this document must be submitted—could you please clarify under what circumstances a Project Management Plan is required?","For the purposes of the application to this funding opportunity, a Project Management Plan is not a required submission for the application.  Applicants are encouraged to review NOFO Part 1, Section IV.D.2. - Summary of Application Requirements carefully prior to submitting applications for this funding opportunity."]
[83,"Under this NOFO will Brine DLE be considered processing and not “mining/extraction” operations like ore excavation or siting?","Applicants should review NOFO Part 1 Section III.E. Topic Areas. Topic Area 1 states \"Raw feedstocks may include domestic or international feedstocks, including but not limited to, primary and secondary ores, clays, tailings, and brines (geothermal and oilfield).\" DOE will not make determinations at this time regarding the suitability of a specific proposed project.  "]
[84,"Could you confirm that the PI can be a consultant to the company, and is not required to be directly employed by the applicant?","A consultant may participate as a Co-PI along with a PI from the prospective prime recipient of the award. Please note DOE designates the PI and Co-PI as covered individuals. See NOFO Part 1, Application Content and Form—Application Content Requirements—Covered Individual Definition, Designation, and Responsibility section."]
[85,"The NOFO states that institutions of higher education are eligible but that “Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a recipient.” An institution such as the United States Military Academy (USMA) is both a federal institution and an accredited institution of higher education. Research/projects for which faculty seek or receive grants are not funded by congressionally appropriated funds and therefore require external funding sources. ","For example, an institution like the United States Military Academy (USMA) is only eligible to participate as a subrecipient.  All participants in this NOFO cannot provide cost share that is from a Federal source.   "]
[86,"Does the “10,000–40,000 tons” requirement apply per individual product or in aggregate across all outputs?","The Target Impacts provided in this Funding Opportunity were given as \"Goal Production per Project (tons/year)\" and as such are on a per project-basis. These ranges are provided for scoping and informational purposes. Applications are not required to be within the ranges provided under the Target Impacts section."]
[87,"1. Upfront Recognition of Pre-Positioned Inventory Under Section II.C (Cost Sharing) and the requirements of 2 CFR 200.306, if a Recipient holds legal title to a pre-existing, characterized feedstock inventory essential for the project's execution, can the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the entire required volume be recognized as a \"Recipient Contribution\" at the commencement of the Period of Performance? Or is the recognition of this in-kind cost-share strictly limited to the volume of material physically consumed during the 36-month award period?\n\n2. Cumulative Cost-Share Reconciliation and Billing Period Ratios Section VIII.A.6 (Cost Share Payment) indicates that the cost-share ratio must be reflected incrementally in each billing period. For projects requiring extensive permitting and construction phases prior to operations (e.g., Phases 2 and 3), will the DOE permit a cumulative cost-share reconciliation? Specifically, can a project match early-stage federal expenditures using the pre-positioned value of a feedstock asset prior to its physical processing?\n\n3. Eligibility of Pre-Award Characterization and Assaying Costs Per Section IV.E (Funding Restrictions), can \"Pre-Award Costs\" include documented historical expenditures incurred by a Partner or Subrecipient for the technical characterization, assaying, and environmental securing of a critical mineral feedstock reserve, provided these activities are directly foundational to the current project’s technical objectives?","Specific project details such as cost share contributions and pre-positioned inventory will be determined on a case by case basis post award selection."]
[88,"The NOFO Part 1, page 54, states that \"other selection factors\" include, among other things, \"The degree to which the proposed project has broad public support from the communities most directly impacted by the project.\"  Can the applicant include community Letters of Support as part of their application in order to demonstrate the community support? If not, what are some approved ways for applicants to demonstrate and document community support for the project within the proposal?","Though Letters of Support are not requested at this time, applicants are welcome to summarize any support from the community within the bounds of their technical volume. "]
[89,"This NOFO is requesting applications for projects in response to Topic Area 1: Domestic Critical Materials Processing from Raw Feedstocks wherein Raw feedstocks may include domestic or international feedstocks, including, primary and secondary ores. But at the same time, Section G: Applications Specifically Not of Interest mentions Applications that include mining operations (mining or extraction) or mining equipment, excavation, labor siting, etc. within the project scope are not of interest. Can this be clarified? ","Per NOFO Part 1, Section III.G. - Applications Specifically Not of Interest, the list of types of applications that will be deemed non-responsive and will not be reviewed or considered include: \"Applications that include mining operations (mining or extraction) or mining equipment, excavation, labor siting, etc. within project scope.\"\n\nApplicants are encouraged to carefully read NOFO Part 1, Section III.E. - Topic Areas to determine the scope of work deemed eligible under this particular funding opportunity. "]
[90,"Do entities apply to this funding opportunity through Grants.gov? ","Per NOFO Part 1, Section V.C. \"All required submissions must be submitted to the eXCHANGE site\" identified in the Key Facts section of NOFO Part 1 no later than 5 p.m. ET on the dates provided in the Key Facts section.  "]
[91,"1. For fields that are not marked as required in eXCHANGE (e.g. “Impacting Indian Tribes Documentation”), should applicants upload a filler document (a simple document noting that that the document is not applicable to the project) or simply not upload a document at all in such fields?\n\n2. Confidentiality disclosure: For the bolded part of the following instructions (p.26 of NOFO Part 1), do applicants need to provide the full, capitalized phrase (“CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS…”) in double brackets or highlighting at the beginning of every relevant paragraph or line, or simply put double brackets or highlight the paragraphs or lines themselves?\n\n(1) the header and footer of every page that contains trade secrets or business-sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information must be marked as follows: “CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS, BUSINESS-SENSITIVE, PROPRIETARY, OR OTHERWISE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE,” and (2) every line or paragraph containing such information must be clearly marked with double brackets or highlighting.","Only application components marked as required will necessitate a document upload when submitting an application via Infrastructure eXCHANGE.  If an application component does not apply to your organization and is not marked as required, you do not have to upload a file in order to submit an application. \n\nThe phrase “CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS, BUSINESS-SENSITIVE, PROPRIETARY, OR OTHERWISE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE\"\" is only required to be in the header and footer of the page. Separately, every line or paragraph containing such information must be clearly marked with double brackets or highlighting."]
[92,"If a company is in the process of finalizing site selection but later changes its chosen location after selection by DOE, how would this impact the project scope, eligibility, or funding?","Should a project selected and awarded, changes to project scope will be reviewed on a case by case basis throughout oversight of the project."]
[93,"In the event that DOE determines that an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement is required, does the mentioned 12 months in the funding opportunity remain a reasonable estimate of time to complete early phase activities with NEPA review?","Should a project be selected and awarded, specific timeline estimates for NEPA will be determined in project negotiation and execution phases on a case by case basis.  DOE does not perform the NEPA assessments or make determinations at the application phase. "]
[94,"Could DOE please provide general guidance on whether specific scopes or actions can be generalized to provide a NEPA determination at this time?","Should a project be selected and awarded, specific NEPA requirements will be determined in project negotiation and execution phases on a case by case basis. DOE does not perform the NEPA assessments or make determinations at the application phase. "]
[95,"Can guidance be given to determine who should be identified as a covered individual beyond the NOFO designations?","Applicants are encouraged to review Section IV.D.1 - Covered Individual Definition, Designation, and Responsibility for assistance in identifying covered individuals for the scope of work on their proposed project.  As stated within the previously mentioned section, \"...The Applicant is responsible for identifying any such individual to DOE for designation as a covered individual...\""]
[96,"Should applicants submit more than one \"Current and Pending Support\" document if there are multiple covered individuals to report?","The Current and Pending Support requirement can be satisfied with a combined PDF document and submitted as described in NOFO Part 1, Section IV.D.2."]
[97,"Where can an applicant find the Transparency of Foreign Connections form?","Links are provided to the Transparency of Foreign Connections template in NOFO Part 2, Section IV.B.12. "]
[98,"Should the template for the Summary Slide requirement be filled completely as the instructions within NOFO Part 2 instruct to provide a \"single slide?\"","Applicants are encouraged to fill out the requisite information on the Summary Slide Template in its entirety and submit as described in NOFO Part 1, Section IV.D.2"]
[99,"Could project work take place at a foreign facility and what is the scope of a foreign work waiver?","Per Section II.A.3. of NOFO Part 1, \"All work for the awards under this NOFO must be performed in the United States.  To request a waiver of this requirement the Applicant must submit an explicit waiver request in the Application.\"  Applicants are encouraged to carefully read Section II.A.3. of NOFO Part 1 as well as the NOFO Part 2, Application Content and Form, which lists requirements surrounding a foreign work waiver request."]
[100,"Is there a template for the Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice?","There is no template for the Potential Duplicative Funding Notice submission.  Applicants are encouraged to review NOFO Part 2 Section IV.B.12 for the content requirements of the document and NOFO Part 1 Section IV.D.2 for specifics on submitting the Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice."]
[101,"In trying to apply to the funding opportunity, from the View Opportunity window in the Synopsis view, the \"Apply\" button is grayed out.  Is there a way to receive assistance?","Technical difficulties should be communicated to the Infrastructure Exchange Help Desk - InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[102,"Are all the documents requested due at the time of application?","Yes.  Applications for this funding opportunity are due at 5:00pm ET on Friday, April 24, 2026.  "]
[103,"While preparing a submission for the funding opportunity, the Infrastructure Exchange portal could not be accessed.  Is there a way to receive assistance?","Technical difficulties should be communicated to the Infrastructure Exchange Help Desk - InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]

{"sheet":"INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS","index":1,"n_rows":11,"n_cols":2,"rows_kept":11,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[[0,0,0,1],[7,0,7,1]]}
["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity should be emailed under the DE-FOA-0003585 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Section 40207 Battery Materials Processing & Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Programs submit questions link at DE-FOA-0003585@netl.doe.gov. "]
[2,"All questions pertaining to Clean Energy Infrastructure Exchange should be emailed to InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. Include NOFO name and number in subject line."]
[3,"All questions and answers pertaining to this NOFO will be posted on Clean Energy Infrastructure 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 no later than 3 business days prior to the application due date. Questions submitted after this date will not be answered."]
[]
["TIPS"]
[1,"Applicants may sort questions and answers in the question tabs of this spreadsheet 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."]
[3,"Applicants who are unable to open PDF documents are advised that it could be due to an error with the user's web browser or the user's Adobe software. We recommend closing your web browser and then opening a different web browser to navigate to the Exchange website to open/download the document. If that doesn't work, please contact the Exchange Help Desk at the web address provided on the NOFO in Exchange. "]

{"sheet":"Admin Pick List","index":2,"n_rows":17,"n_cols":1,"rows_kept":17,"cut":false,"hidden":true,"merged":[]}
["Pick List"]
[]
["Registration Requirements"]
["Webinar"]
["Concept Paper"]
["Eligibility"]
["Labs/FFRDCs"]
["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["Other"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]