(TRACE - Ga) - Technology for Recovery and Advanced Critical-material Extraction – Gallium

The Technology for Recovery and Advanced Critical-material Extraction – Gallium (TRACE - Ga) initiative launched on September 15, 2025. Please click here for the announcement article for more information.

The Objective Strategic Session (OSS) Webinar was held on September 30, 2025.‍

• Review all resources from the webinar under Webinar Resources.

ENWX will be employing the CAPTCHA-enabled feature on our meetings, and webinar participants may receive a CAPTCHA challenge to join the Sessions.

For an optimal webinar experience, we recommend downloading the Microsoft Teams software to your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

The Office Hours (OH) Q&A Webinar will be held on October 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET and November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET.

• October 14, 2025 Q&A Webinar - CONSOLIDATED
• Click Here to Register for the November 6 Q&A Webinar

ENWX will be employing the CAPTCHA-enabled feature on our meetings, and webinar participants may receive a CAPTCHA challenge to join the Sessions.

For an optimal webinar experience, we recommend downloading the Microsoft Teams software to your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Submission Window: September 15, 2025 - November 20, 2025 (3:00 PM ET)

How to Apply

• Click Here to Start Your Application - Be sure to have all the appropriate project information and supporting documentation needed for the application.
• Submissions are due no later than Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET.

Applicant submits the following documents:

• A cover page outlining the approach to testing and validation, details on the intended testing campaign, and the expected outcomes of the project.
• A technical volume up to ten pages that clearly
  
  • Addresses the four key areas defined in the review criteria and project technical volume template.  
  • Provides previous testing or production data reports, meant to demonstrate the novelty and technical readiness in the strongest format and detail able.  
  • Provides proof (or credible plan) to be able to operate a prototype version of the proposed technology capable of recovering 50 kg of gallium from a metal processing stream in a single, successful 14-day campaign of continuous operations.

• A workplan up to five pages that clearly
  
  • Defines and describes the major tasks to be performed by the project team throughout the course of the project, including identifying milestones, during and budget for each task.
  • Provides monthly milestones that demonstrate a technical achievement (e.g., major outcome or deliverable).
    
    • One milestone per quarter (one every three months) should be identified as a major project milestone.
  • Demonstrates cost share.

• A letter of support from the industrial partner for the metal processing stream, and any other company, agency, or other party that has ownership/rights to any proposed feedstock materials or technology, where applicable. ‍
  
  • There is no limit on the total number of letters of support.
• Resumes for every key personnel
• Save all materials as pdfs following the following naming conventions:
  
  • Cover page (1 page): LeadOrganizationName_CP  
  • Technical Volume (max 10 pages): LeadOrganizationName_TV
  • Work Plan (max 5 pages): LeadOrganizationName_WP
  • Resume(s) of key personnel (Submitted as one file, only the first two pages of every resume will be reviewed, number of resumes should correspond with number of key personnel): LeadOrganizationName_Resume
  • Letter(s) of support (Submitted as one file, each letter 1 page, no limit on number of letters): LeadOrganizationName_LS

Submission Window: September 15, 2025 - November 20, 2025 (3:00 PM ET)

Click Here to Start Your Application

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• Evidence of success for recovering gallium from feedstock representative of the proposed metal industry process stream. 
• A letter of support from the industrial partner for the metal processing stream, and any other company, agency, or other party that has ownership/rights to any proposed feedstock materials or technology, where applicable.
• Description of the potential for scale-up at the initial metal industry processing stream and market adoption beyond the initial metal industry processing stream source.

FECM will determine whether the team has sufficiently:

1. Developed a project plan to achieve TRACE - Ga objectives,
2. Developed and de-risked novel Ga recovery technology,  
3. Developed a business plan that supports further scale-up and commercialization of the Ga recovery technology, and  
4. Acquired access to (or has a credible plan to access) the industrial partner, the metal industry processing stream, and proper facilities and equipment needed to validate the technology under operational conditions.

DOE reserves the right to require additional or clarifying information regarding the application submissions, the team, and any other matters related to the anticipated funding. If DOE contacts an applicant for additional or clarifying information, it does not signify that the applicant has been selected for negotiation of award or that the applicant is among the top ranked applications. Applicants selected for negotiation will be required to agree to standard DOE funding legal terms and conditions.

Project Approach and Workplan

Assess the details of the project approach and workplan, to define tasks, timeliness, dependencies, and progress; such as:

• The project approach and workplan are sufficiently detailed for a project of this size and scope.  
• The project approach and workplan are feasible and reasonable.  
• The project approach and workplan sufficiently account for preparedness for unforeseen events.  
• The team is prepared and has plans to meet the immediate permits, regulations, and approvals required for the project.  

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Technology Description, Innovation, and Readiness

Assess the novelty and maturity of the technology (already proven and validated in a lab environment); such as:

• The technology being developed is novel in concept or application.
• The technology being developed is at an appropriate readiness for operational validation at a prototype-scale.  
• The proposed metal processing stream(s) from the industrial partner has the potential to meet the Trace - Ga objective and allows for operational validation of the technology (e.g. can enable 50 kilograms of 4N Ga recovery from a single, successful 14-day campaign of continuous operation with the actual (non-simulated) metal industry process stream).
• The technology has the potential to achieve the Trace - Ga objective and allows for operational validation of the technology on the metal processing stream.
• The technology has the potential to be cost competitive in relation to current market offerings.  
• The technology has the capability to be scaled.  

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Technology Integration, Market Opportunity, and Commercialization Potential

Assess the target market(s), the ability of the technology to meet the functionality required by the market, and the ability of the technology to integrate into the ongoing operations of the industrial partner and access the metal processing stream; such as:

• The technology offers sufficient value potential as compared to competing offerings and to potential customers.
• The technology has the potential to be deployed in a typical market use case.  
• Market size estimates are informed and sufficiently accurate.  
• The technology presents mitigation pathways or research plans to reduce risk of environmental or worker hazards and a clear path towards permitting is considered.  
• The team has secured the necessary IP rights and coverage to build and test a  prototype system.
• The business model required for the commercialization of the technology is understood and reasonable to achieve.  
• The technology can offer compelling benefits and a competitive value to its target market segment.  
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Team Qualifications and Resource Availability

Assess the capabilities, expertise, and availability of the resources of the applicant and its partners to carry out the project as proposed; such as:  

• The team has personnel with proven experience for executing and completing the proposed project, including specific expertise related to project management and execution, technology scale-up, and design of experiment.  
• The team has experience designing, collecting, and analyzing data from an operational validation campaign.  
• The team has the experience to take the technology and business forward beyond this project to ensure the technology’s long-term success and viability.  
• The team has identified gaps that it plans to address through either hiring or contracting.  
• Level of participation by project participants as evidenced by letter(s) of support and how well they are integrated into the Workplan.
• Sufficiency of the facilities and resources to support the work.

Application Questions

How can National Laboratories and other Federal Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) participate in the project?

FFRDCs (e.g. DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration national laboratories) may participate as a sub-recipient; however, DOE will not directly fund National Labs/FFRDCs under this program. Selectees will receive full funding through one agreement with ENWX. Selectees are solely responsible for funding and executing necessary agreements with sub-recipients. ENERGYWERX and DOE will not be involved in nor assist in these activities. FFRDC effort, in aggregate, shall not exceed 10% of total federal share of the project.

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What constitutes a “metal processing stream”?

It must come from real industrial operations (not simulated), e.g., aluminum or zinc processing, Bayer liquor, etc.

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Do I need proof of industrial partner’s rights to feedstock?

Yes. Letters of support or evidence that the industrial partner has rights/ownership of the feedstock/processing stream are required.

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What is meant by “AACE International Class 3 Cost Estimate”?

It is a medium fidelity cost estimate per AACE standards. Applicants are not required to complete a AACE in Phase 2; however, they are expected to conduct activities so cost baselines, process flow diagrams, and cash flow projections can support a AACE class 3 Cost Estimate at the end of Phase 2. As described in the Technical Volume template under Key area 1 “Project Approach and Workplan,” the application should describe measures to ensure cost baselines, process flow diagrams, and cash flow projections align with an AACE International Class 3 estimate at the end of Phase 2.

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Is X feedstock from the industrial partner an eligible metal processing feedstock?

TRACE-Ga projects will activate domestic gallium production through recovering gallium as a byproduct from metal processing via novel technology. Therefore, the feedstock must clearly be a metal processing feedstock, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this is evident. In addition to evaluating the case made that the feedstock is a metal processing feedstock, FECM will determine whether applicants has sufficiently developed and de-risked Ga recovery technology for use on the metal processing feedstock and that the developed business plan supports further scale-up and commercialization.

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Can an industrial partner be a lead applicant?

Yes, they would need a letter of commitment from one (or more) technology developer(s).

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Can the technology developer and the industrial partner be the same entity for an application?

Yes.

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If there is a Gov. shutdown, would that affect the deadline for submitting proposals?

We encourage everyone to assume that our timelines are going to stay in place. DOE will adhere to any new guidance that it receives. ENERGYWERX, as an independent non-federal entity, will continue to engage and communicate updates to you.

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Funding Questions

How many awards will be made?

DOE anticipates awarding 1–3 projects, depending on merit. DOE may select alternates if the number of projects meritorious for funding is greater than funds currently obligated to TRACE - Ga.  

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If selected, how are payments made?

Awards are issued as fixed firm price (FFP) agreements, with payments -- in arrears and contingent upon the cost share being correctly and successfully invoiced for the appropriate amount -- tied to the successful completion of defined milestones. Once each milestone is achieved and invoiced per the prescribed timeline, payment follows a Net 30 schedule, starting from the date the DOE sponsoring office approves the invoice.

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Can you please clarify the amount of anticipated overall funding available, and the potential award amount per selected project? Would a selected award get up to $5M in federal funding, or would that $5M in federal funding be spread among 1-3 projects?

DOE is prepared to review and select multiple applications.

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How many applications does DOE plan to award? How many awards are expected for Phase 1 and Phase 2? What is a typical Period of Performance for a Phase 1 effort?

DOE is anticipating awarding 1-3 projects depending on merit. They may select alternates if there are more meritorious projects than funds currently obligated. Projects begin at the Phase 1 stage and then move into Phase 2. Phase 1 is anticipated to be nine months in duration. Projects should propose timetables appropriate for the technology development and validation (e.g. Phase 1 can be shorter if better suited for the project).

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Cost Share Questions

Are FFRDCs required to provide cost share?

Federally funded research and development centers (FFRDC) are public-private partnerships that conduct research and development for the United States Government. Costs incurred by FFRDCs are generally not allowable to meet the cost share requirement. FFRDCs may contribute cost share only if the contributions are paid directly from the contractor’s Management Fee or another non-federal source.

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Can you please define 20% Cost Share and what does not count?

• Cost share is the portion of the costs of the project(s) not borne by the Federal government. Cost sharing augments federal funding to increase the project or projects’ impact. It also ensures that recipients have a financial stake in the success of the project(s). In the case of the TRACE-Ga program, cost share is required for both phase 1 and phase 2. In the case of TRACE-Ga, the program will receive payments of up to $5,000,000. For example, if the project or projects in question cost $5,000,000, TRACE-Ga can provide $4,000,000, with awardees responsible for funding the remaining $1,000,000. If the project or projects cost $6,250,000, the TRACE-Ga grants can provide $5,000,000, with awardees responsible for funding the remaining $1,250,000. The full award amount is provided once all necessary milestones are satisfactorily completed.  
• Selectee’s cost share must come from non-federal sources, such as project participants, state or local governments, or other third-party financing. DOE Loan Guarantees cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or otherwise support the same scope that is proposed under a project. Cost share may be provided by the Selectees, or third parties (entities that do not have a role in performing the scope of work). Any partial donation of goods or services is considered a discount and is not allowable.  
• Cash contributions include but are not limited to personnel costs, fringe costs, supply and equipment costs, indirect costs, and other direct costs.  
• Examples of what is not allowable as cost share include funding from any other federal award, foregone fee or profits, or other costs incurred prior to signing of selection statement. For more information, please read 2 C.F.R. 200.306.

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What are eligible financing options for the required 20% Cost Share?

Examples of eligible financing options include internal capital, Small Business Administration guaranteed (SBA) loans, loans from private lenders (e.g., banks, VC firms, Community Development Funds), utility rebate programs, and state and local programs in which the funding does not originate from a federal source.  

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Will I be able to use tax credits as a form of cost share?

If the tax credit is paid out in cash, the tax credit can count towards cost share. However, if the tax credit is a cost avoidance, then it is considered a forgone cost and will not count as cost share. For more information, please consult the IRS and/or a tax lawyer.

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Regarding the required 20% Cost Share, at what point does an entity/applicant need to assure that cost share is securely in place?

The entity/applicant is required to provide written assurance of its proposed cost share contributions in its application. If selected for an award, applicants will be required to provide documentation showing that they will meet cost share requirements. If not, DOE retains the prerogative to rescind award selections. Note that awards are paid out as reimbursements for 80% of the eligible costs incurred to date, so appropriate cost share (e.g., invoices) will need to be documented and reported to ENERGYWERX.

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General Questions

Can FFRDCs serve as the industrial partner that provides the metal processing stream?

No. The metal processing stream must come from real industrial operations.

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How can we be made aware of other financial assistance opportunities to address gallium or other critical mineral supply chain challenges?

Thank you for your interest in the TRACE-Ga opportunity. We are unable to speculate about DOE's plans for future funding opportunities. However, we recommend subscribing to the DOE Critical Materials Collaborative listserv to receive updates on new critical mineral and material activities opportunities from DOE RD&D Offices. We also recommend joining our ENERGYWERX Partnership Intermediary Ecosystem if you haven't already, so you can be one of the first notified of our new opportunities.

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Is it a 14-day continuous or 50kg in a 14-day window?

For Phase 2, the performer tests and validates the Phase 2 prototype, with the industrial partner on their actual (non-simulated) metal industry process stream(s) for recovery of Ga. To validate production at 1 MT per year scale, the prototype must produce at least 50 kg of 4N Ga from a single, successful 14-day campaign of continuous operation with the actual (non-simulated) metal industry process stream. Phase 2 performers must produce 50kg within a single continuous campaign that is no more than 14 days in length.

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Does the funding opportunity exclusively target the recovery of elemental gallium, or would the production of high-purity gallium oxide (e.g. Ga2O3) also be considered eligible?

The recovery of high-purity gallium oxide or other gallium compounds qualifies. The requirement on each phase is to recover a specified mass of gallium. If a gallium compound is the end product, the mass of the gallium within that compound must meet the Phase 1 or Phase 2 minimums (≥100g Phase 1, ≥50kg Phase 2). As an example, a project does not meet phase 1 objectives if at the end of the phase it produces 100g of gallium oxide, as this would constitute about 74g of gallium.

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Do processing streams associated with the production of metal oxides qualify?

Applicants are encouraged to clearly describe how their proposed feedstock and process align within the definition of metal processing stream.

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Does the entire feedstock have to come from inside the US?

Successful TRACE-Ga projects will restart domestic primary gallium recovery for the first time in almost 40 years. To achieve this objective, the processing operations and processing stream for TRACE-Ga projects must come from inside the U.S. There are no eligibility requirements on the origin of the initial material entering the metal production process. The Phase 2 prototype for TRACE-Ga must be capable of processing 4N (99.99%) Ga at a minimum of 1 MT per year. Applications will be evaluated on the eligibility and review criteria. An eligibility requirement is a description of the potential for scale-up at the initial metal industry processing stream.

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Does the metal production stream have to be ongoing or can it be a historically accumulated pile?

TRACE - Ga projects will activate domestic gallium production through recovering gallium as a byproduct from metal processing via novel technology. Therefore, the feedstock must clearly be a metal processing feedstock, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this is evident. In addition to evaluating the case made that the feedstock is a metal processing feedstock, FECM will evaluate the ability of the technology to integrate into the ongoing operations of the industrial partner, as described in the review criteria. An eligibility requirement is a description of the potential for scale-up at the initial metal industry processing stream and market adoption beyond the initial metal industry processing stream source.

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Can we seek support from government owned/managed sites to use them as host sites?

Applications will be evaluated on the eligibility and review criteria. DOE has not defined eligibility requirements on whether entities are public or private. An eligibility requirement is “a letter of support from the industrial partner for the metal processing stream, and any other company, agency, or other party that has ownership/rights to any proposed feedstock materials or technology, where applicable.” Another eligibility requirement is a “description of the potential for scale-up at the initial metal industry processing stream and market adoption beyond the initial metal industry processing stream source.” As stated in the review criteria, DOE will determine whether the team has sufficiently “developed a business plan that supports further scale-up and commercialization of the Ga recovery technology.” Also per the review criteria, DOE will also evaluate “the ability of the technology to integrate into the ongoing operations of the industrial partner.”

For additional questions, please contact info@energywerx.org