is today ...the big day?, page-107

Is it possible that as part of the application process they're not allowed to say that they've been selected?

Material or not, government funding often has non-disclosure clauses involved to avoid bias.
there was something like this recently in Melbourne with the Fed Square extension.

Perhaps 'no' news is 'good' news...

Might point out also, that I don't think small shareholders(aka non board members) should be ringing the government and pestering them. If management's done their job, they'll get shortlisted.
At the very least if you have to do it, call as someone interested in exergen, so that if/when you annoy them they won't get angry at ESI and jeopardize potential funding.
Yes we're all frustrated, but don't frustrate someone who directly makes the decision on the funding.
all in my own opinion of course.