Rare Earth Alternatives in Critical Technologies (REACT) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Rare Earth Alternatives in Critical Technologies (REACT) - FOA DE-FOA-0000472

1) What is the REACT funding opportunity (FOA DE-FOA-0000472)?

Rare Earth Alternatives in Critical Technologies (REACT), FOA DE-FOA-0000472, is an ARPA-E competitive grant program focused on accelerating early-stage research and development that reduces or eliminates the need for rare earth materials in critical clean-energy hardware.

2) What technical problem is REACT trying to solve?

The program targets dependence on rare earth materials used in high-performance components for clean-energy technologies. The goal is to identify practical substitute pathways that reduce supply-chain risk and reliance on constrained or geopolitically sensitive materials while still meeting demanding cost and performance needs.

3) Which clean-energy hardware areas are specifically emphasized?

The core technical focus highlighted is on substitutes for rare-earth-dependent components used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators, where rare earth magnets and related materials have historically played an important performance role.

4) Is this notice a new FOA or a modification of an existing FOA?

This notice is a modification to the original FOA. It mainly updates administrative and disclosure requirements and does not change the fundamental technical purpose of the REACT program as described.

5) What is the main change described in this FOA modification?

The key update is that the "Other Sources of Funding" reporting requirement is narrowed to focus specifically on the individuals involved in the proposed work: Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), and other Key Participants.

6) What does the narrowed "Other Sources of Funding" disclosure requirement mean in practice?

Based on the description provided, the disclosure emphasis is on funding support connected to the people who will execute the project (PIs, Co-PIs, and other Key Participants), rather than an across-the-board reporting requirement applied indiscriminately to an entire organization.

7) When does ARPA-E require these disclosures from applicants?

The modification clarifies what awardees must disclose once they are selected to enter award negotiations. This is the stage when ARPA-E begins final due diligence, budget review, and negotiating cooperative agreement terms.

8) What application process does REACT use?

REACT uses a two-step process that begins with a Concept Paper phase. This phase is intended to screen ideas before teams invest substantial time and cost into developing full proposals.

9) What does it mean if ARPA-E "encourages" or "discourages" a submission after the Concept Paper?

ARPA-E may encourage some teams to submit Full Applications and discourage others based on programmatic fit. The purpose is to indicate program interest and help applicants avoid unnecessary proposal-development effort when the likelihood of selection is low.

10) Can a team submit a Full Application if it is discouraged?

Yes. A discouragement notice does not prohibit submission. Applicants are still allowed to submit a Full Application even if they receive a discouragement notice.

11) Does a discouragement notice reflect a judgment on scientific merit?

ARPA-E indicates that discouragement is intended to communicate limited program interest rather than serve as a definitive judgment on scientific merit.

12) What type of award instrument is ARPA-E expecting to use?

Awards are expected to be made as cooperative agreements.

13) What is a cooperative agreement in this context?

As described, a cooperative agreement typically involves substantial federal involvement compared with a standard grant, such as active project management, milestone tracking, and negotiated technical and budget deliverables.

14) How is this opportunity categorized?

The opportunity is categorized under "Science and Technology and other Research and Development."

15) How much total funding is available under REACT?

The estimated total program funding level is $30,000,000.

16) About how many awards does ARPA-E expect to make?

ARPA-E expects around 16 awards.

17) What is the expected size range for individual awards?

Individual awards are anticipated to range from a minimum (floor) of $250,000 up to a maximum (ceiling) of $10,000,000.

18) Is cost sharing required?

Yes. A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning recipients must contribute a portion of project costs from non-federal sources consistent with the FOA's terms.

19) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, effectively open to any type of entity, subject to any clarifications contained in the full FOA text.

20) What are the key deadlines mentioned?

The original closing date was May 19, 2011. The current closing date for Full Applications is Monday, July 18, 2011 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

21) Is there any submission timing guidance to avoid last-minute issues?

Yes. ARPA-E strongly recommends submitting Full Applications and any Replies to Reviewer Comments at least 24 hours before the deadline to reduce last-minute submission issues.

22) Where do applicants find the official attachments and instructions?

Applicants are directed to ARPA-E's exchange/FOA website for official attachments and instructions.

23) How do applicants submit questions about the FOA?

Questions must be submitted to ARPA-E at ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov. Answers are posted publicly through the agency's FAQ page.

24) When does ARPA-E stop accepting questions?

ARPA-E stops accepting questions 96 hours before the applicable deadline.

25) Who should be contacted for technical issues accessing the announcement?

For technical issues accessing the announcement, the listed contracting officer contact is John T. Harris at 202-287-1055 or john.harris@hq.doe.gov.