Your conclusion that they looked and decided the status quo was good enough. They haven't even finished their DD on the NioStar project so no conclusion can be drawn until that DD is completed.
We don't know if the SOE even actually uses Niobium and whether they do or don't have a supplier.
Perhaps they are realizing they need to use Niobium and don't have access to CBMM as others who directly own CBMM have tied up all the supply.
Scott has received financing continuously, it's just not large amounts relative to the present needs.
I give you the fact that disclosure isn't plentiful here but that doesn't mean your conclusions are the correct ones.