The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI), through the Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO), has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for a forthcoming funding opportunity titled “Accelerating Scale-up and Pre-piloting of Emerging Chemical Technologies (ASPECT)” (DE-FOA-0003646). DOE anticipates releasing the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on or about August 24, 2026, with approximately $58 million in total funding available through cooperative agreements, though all details remain subject to change until the NOFO is published.
This NOI signals a major upcoming opportunity for innovators working on chemicals from alternative and waste feedstocks.
Program Objectives
ASPECT is designed to support the research, development, and scale-up of novel technologies that produce chemicals from alternative and waste feedstocks. AFFO is particularly focused on chemicals that enhance U.S. supply chain resiliency, reduce reliance on imports, lower production costs, improve environmental performance, or strengthen national security. Both conventional and bio advantaged chemicals are in scope, as long as they deliver clear advantages such as improved durability, higher production efficiency, reduced toxicity, or strong market growth potential.
If DOE issues the NOFO, its stated goals include fostering industry partnerships for chemicals from alternative feedstocks, prototyping and piloting technologies proven at the bench scale, validating novel manufacturing technologies that address U.S. supply chain gaps, and accelerating adoption of innovative chemical production pathways with improved properties and economics.
Topic Areas
ASPECT will implement a staged scale‑up approach across two topic areas: Bench ASPECT and Pre‑Pilot ASPECT.
- Topic Area 1 Bench ASPECT: Supports the development and adoption of new technologies for producing chemicals from alternative feedstocks, moving beyond proof‑of‑concept to bench and pre‑pilot scale. Within Topic Area 1, applicants can apply to:
Topic 1a – Bench Only: For technologies beyond proof‑of‑concept that are ready for additional bench‑scale R&D and process optimization.
Topic 1b – Bench + Unit‑Operation Pre‑Piloting: Covers the bench‑scale work in 1a and adds pre‑piloting of one or more unit operations at the successful completion of the initial R&D phase.
Topic Area 2 Pre-Pilot ASPECT: Aims to accelerate the development and market entry of strategically valuable, domestically produced chemicals by supporting pre‑pilot facilities that convert alternative feedstocks into chemicals. Applicants can apply to:
Topic 2a – Unit‑Operation Pre‑Piloting And Pre‑Pilot System Integration: For technologies that need one or two unit operations tested at scale before an integrated pre‑pilot facility can be designed. Projects then move on to design, construct, and operate an integrated pre‑pilot system.
Topic 2b – Pre‑Pilot System Integration Only: For technologies with prior scale data that are ready to move directly into pre‑pilot system design, construction, and operation.
Anticipated Funding and Period of Performance
DOE expects to make up to $58 million available under the ASPECT NOFO, subject to appropriations and final program design. Topic Area 1 awards are anticipated to span approximately two to four years, while Topic Area 2 awards are expected to run for roughly two to five years, reflecting the design, construction, and operation of pre‑pilot facilities. Specific award sizes, cost share requirements, and deadlines will be provided in the NOFO if and when it is released.
Eligible And Required Applicants
Eligible prime applicants and subrecipients include U.S. institutions of higher education, for‑profit entities, nonprofit entities, state and local government entities, and Indian Tribes that meet DOE’s domestic entity requirements. Institutions of higher education may apply as prime recipients and subrecipients under Topic Area 1, but are limited to subrecipient roles in Topic Area 2. DOE and non‑DOE federally funded research and development centers, as well as federal research agencies, are eligible only as subrecipients. Each project team must include at least one for‑profit industry partner, underscoring the program’s emphasis on commercialization and eventual market entry.
Why ASPECT Matters for Emerging Chemical Technologies
ASPECT is a key upcoming vehicle for advancing bench‑scale and pre‑pilot chemical manufacturing technologies that use alternative feedstocks and strengthen supply chains. It offers a structured pathway to partner with industry, de‑risk scale‑up through staged unit‑operation and pre‑pilot testing, and prepare new chemical products and processes for future commercial deployment.
EverGlade is a national advisory firm helping innovators navigate the federal funding ecosystem. We support companies across the funding lifecycle, from early-stage strategy through proposal development, negotiations, and post-award execution, ensuring you win the award and deliver the program.
For additional information on where your capabilities could plug into this opportunity, schedule a conversation with our team.
