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

Background
The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) intends to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled 'Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility' under Section 40205 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This initiative aims to enhance domestic rare earth elements supply chains, building upon the foundation laid by President Trump's Executive Orders aimed at securing a reliable supply chain for critical minerals.

The program seeks to demonstrate America's energy dominance by reducing reliance on foreign sources of rare earth elements (REEs).

Grant Details
The anticipated NOFO aims to provide up to $135 million of federal funding for the design, construction, and operation of a Rare Earth Element Demonstration Facility. This facility will demonstrate the extraction, separation, and refinement of REEs from unconventional feedstock sources to produce high-purity rare earth metals.

The facility must source feedstock derived from acid mine drainage, mine waste, e-waste, or other harmful materials resulting from mining or industrial operations. All applicants must include an academic partner in their project. Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships early to ensure a 50% funding cost-share can be met. Funding will be awarded in the form of a cost-shared financial assistance agreement.

Eligibility Requirements
All prime recipients receiving funding must be incorporated under the laws of a state or territory of the United States and have a physical location for business operations in the U.S. If a foreign entity applies as a prime recipient, it must designate a subsidiary or affiliate incorporated under U.S. laws as the prime recipient.

Period of Performance
The specific period of performance has not been detailed in this notice; however, it is anticipated that the funding opportunity will be issued in the coming months.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is up to $135 million.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed within the United States.