DE-TA1-0003589: Critical Minerals & Materials Accelerator (CMMA)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator Notice of Funding Opportunity (DE-FOA-0003589) offers up to $69,000,000 to fund prototype- and pilot-scale technologies that strengthen U.S. critical mineral supply chains.
This is a time-sensitive, multi-deadline opportunity:
Letter of Intent Due: 04/21/2026 5pm ET
Application due: Topic Area 1: 05/26/2026 5pm ET; Topic Area 2: 06/22/2026 5pm ET; Topic Area 3: 07/20/2026 5pm ET
DOE is targeting companies that can move technologies from bench scale (TRL 3–4) to prototype (TRL 6) and ultimately to commercialization within 3–7 years.
If you are building technologies in critical minerals processing, recycling, semiconductor materials, or lithium extraction, this is a high-priority funding opportunity with follow-on capital pathways (Phase 2).
How much funding would I receive?
Funding varies by topic area and phase:
Total program funding:
$69,000,000 total available funding
Phase 1 (Prototype Scale):
Topic Area 1: Up to $2,000,000 per award (10–14 awards)
Topic Area 2: Up to $2,000,000 per award (1–5 awards)
Topic Area 3A: Up to $2,000,000 per award (4–6 awards)
Topic Area 3B/3C: $1,000,000 – $3,000,000 per award
Phase 2 (Pilot Scale, competitive down-select):
Up to $8,000,000 per project
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports prototype and pilot-scale development of critical mineral technologies, including:
Prototyping and piloting technologies proven at bench scale
Scaling materials processing and manufacturing technologies
Validation, benchmarking, and testing in industry-relevant environments
Techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA)
Collaboration with national labs and testbeds
Development of domestic supply chain capabilities
Topic areas include:
Recovery and production of critical materials (including rare earths)
Semiconductor materials processing (gallium, germanium, silicon carbide)
Lithium extraction, separation, and processing
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Yes. Key non-dilutive and strategic benefits include:
Access to DOE national labs and testbeds
Voucher-supported technical assistance (no cost share required for certain lab work)
Participation in the Critical Materials Collaborative (CMC)
Potential pathway to Phase 2 pilot funding (up to $8M)
Opportunity to attract follow-on private capital
Potential equity participation discussions with DOE during negotiations
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key deadlines:
Letter of Intent Due: 04/21/2026 5pm ET
Application due: Topic Area 1: 05/26/2026 5pm ET; Topic Area 2: 06/22/2026 5pm ET; Topic Area 3: 07/20/2026 5pm ET
Other timeline milestones:
Anticipated selection: July 2026 – August 2026
Anticipated awards: September 2026 – December 2026
Project period: September 2026 – December 2029
Where does this funding come from?
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Offices:
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)
Office of Geothermal (OG)
Authorized under multiple federal statutes including the Energy Act of 2020 and Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants:
Domestic entities, including:
For-profit companies
Nonprofits
Universities
State/local governments
Indian Tribes
Additional eligibility notes:
Foreign entities are generally not eligible (waiver required)
Work must be performed in the U.S. unless a waiver is approved
FFRDC participation is allowed under specific conditions
What companies and projects are likely to win?
DOE is prioritizing projects that:
Advance technologies from TRL 3–4 to TRL 6
Demonstrate a clear path to commercialization within 3–7 years
Address critical supply chain gaps in U.S. mineral production
Include strong industry partnerships
Show scalability, cost competitiveness, and supply chain integration
Incorporate TEA, LCA, and adoption readiness (ARL) considerations
High-priority solutions include:
Recycling and recovery of critical materials
Semiconductor material processing
Lithium extraction technologies
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions include:
Minimum cost share:
Phase 1: 20%
Phase 2: 50%
Cost share must come from non-federal sources
All work must be performed in the United States (unless waived)
Entities of Concern are prohibited from participation
Applications must:
Be submitted to the correct topic area
Include a prior Letter of Intent
Meet strict formatting and submission requirements
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Not explicitly specified in the solicitation.
However, based on required components, applications include:
Technical Volume
Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO)
Project Management Plan
Budget and cost share documentation
Letters of commitment
Environmental and compliance documentation
Given the complexity, preparation time is not specified in the solicitation, but the scope suggests a substantial effort.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support you by:
Positioning your technology against DOE evaluation criteria
Building a clear commercialization and scale-up narrative (TRL → market)
Structuring strong industry partnerships and teaming strategy
Developing TEA/LCA-aligned messaging
Preparing compliant and competitive application materials
Managing submission strategy across topic areas
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.
