The Maximizing Algal System Yield (MASY) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focuses on advancing high-impact research and development (R&D) in algal systems to overcome technical challenges and improve the process economics of biofuels and bioproducts. The program supports the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Renewable Carbon Resources (RCR) subprogram goals of enhancing domestic bioenergy resource capacity, utilizing non-arable land, and contributing to a clean energy future. This funding opportunity addresses "pinch points" in algal cultivation and preprocessing systems, which are bottlenecks that, when resolved, can enable scaling towards commercialization.

The funding opportunity provides up to $10 million for fiscal year 2025, with individual awards ranging up to $3.5 million. Applicants are required to provide a minimum cost share of 20% of the total project costs, reduced to 10% for Tribes and Tribal Nations. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, state and local government entities, and Indian Tribes. DOE/NNSA Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may participate as subrecipients but are not eligible as prime recipients. Foreign entities may apply or participate as subrecipients but require explicit DOE approval through waiver requests.

Projects must target specific "pinch points" in algal systems, such as strain optimization, CO₂ utilization, nutrient uptake, or contamination resistance, and justify these areas through Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and/or Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Applicants must run a minimum of three cultivation or preprocessing campaigns under commercial-scale conditions to validate improvements and demonstrate replicable and deployable solutions. Additional requirements include defining performance metrics and delivering periodic progress updates, including participation in DOE peer reviews.

The application process involves three phases: concept paper submission (due February 21, 2025), full application submission (due May 15, 2025), and review. Key requirements include a technical volume, budget justification, community benefits plan, and data management plan. Concept papers should articulate the proposed technology, its potential impact, technical risks, and alignment with DOE objectives. Full applications must detail the project’s goals, innovation, technical qualifications, and expected outcomes while adhering to DOE formatting standards.

Evaluation criteria include the quality of the technical approach, potential impact, team expertise, and alignment with program goals such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Applications must also consider compliance with federal policies, including Buy America requirements, where applicable. Awards are expected to be announced by September 2025, with project periods running from January 2026 to December 2029.

This funding opportunity strongly emphasizes public and stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with disadvantaged communities as part of the Justice40 Initiative. Applicants are required to address community benefits, job creation, and environmental justice in their proposals. DOE will provide ongoing oversight through cooperative agreements, including Go/No-Go decision points and biennial peer reviews.

For more information, applicants should review both Part 1 and Part 2 of the NOFO, register through required systems like SAM.gov and eXCHANGE, and adhere to submission deadlines and technical requirements.