NOI to Issue Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Funding Opportunity Announcement No. DE-FOA-0003587 titled “Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility”.

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for funding opportunity DE-FOA-0003586, "Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility." This NOI, while for informational purposes and subject to change, signals a planned investment of up to $135 million to establish a facility for extracting, separating, and refining rare earth elements (REEs) from unconventional domestic waste streams like acid mine drainage, e-waste, or other harmful materials. The initiative aligns with prior executive orders to enhance U.S. energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign REE sources. The anticipated NOFO encourages collaborations between academia and industry, requiring an academic partner and a 50% cost-share. Prime recipients must be U.S.-incorporated entities with domestic physical operations. Applicants are advised to register on Infrastructure Exchange, SAM, and FedConnect to prepare for the official NOFO release, as applications will only be accepted via Infrastructure Exchange.