Green Chemistry and Design Formaldehyde in Building Products Project

The intent of this project is to demonstrate the extent to which state grant support can stimulate green chemistry and design projects in the private sector.

This web page will serve as a clearinghouse for updates on the implementation of this project and for other information supporting or generated by this project.

MPCA staff thanks the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Pollution Prevention Program for its grant that supported this project.

Notices

Request for Proposals open: Use of Formaldehyde in Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is requesting proposals from qualified responders to work with the MPCA to assess the presence and use of formaldehyde and other priority chemicals in Minnesota’s composite and fabricated wood building and furnishing products by manufacturers, architects, engineers and contractors (the value chain).

The MPCA has approximately $10,000 for a contract with the Responder selected as best meeting the evaluation criteria stated in the RFP. Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on December 3, 2012.

• RFP — Use of Formaldehyde in Minnesota (PDF Version) (mm-rfp1-06a)
  • Response Cover Page/Checklist — Use of Formaldehyde in Minnesota (PDF Version) (mm-rfp1-06b)
  • Affidavit of Noncollusion (PDF Version) (mm-rfp1-06c)
  • Veteran-owned Preference Form (PDF Version) (mm-rfp1-06d)
  • Certification Regarding Lobbying (PDF Version) (mm-rfp1-06e)
  • Cost Proposal Form (PDF Version) (mm-rfp1-06f)
  • Professional and Technical Services Contract — sample (PDF Version) (mm-rfp1-06g)

Questions and Answers

Question:  The level of funding allocated for this project appears low for the amount of information sought in the RFP. How much flexibility is there with the amount of funding or the project requirements?

Answer:  The RFP states that the “MPCA has approximately $10,000 for a contract with the selected Responder” and that the “MPCA has estimated that the cost of this contract should not exceed $10,000.” However, neither statement restricts the amount of the Responder’s proposal.  The budget ceiling for this project is basically set; the work plan is not. An awarded contract will ultimately be the result of a negotiated work plan and budget.  

The intent of this RFP is to identify a Responder “to work with the MPCA to assess the presence and use of formaldehyde and other priority chemicals in Minnesota’s composite and fabricated wood building and furnishing products by manufacturers, architects, engineers, and contractors (the value chain).”  The RFP specifies four Tasks that must be included in the response. Each Task has a bulleted listing of suggested activities to accomplish the Task. The Responder should prepare a work plan (and budget) showing how they propose to accomplish the identified four Tasks. Also, the Cost Proposal Form is a “sample” to demonstrate the format for the cost proposal submittal and should be modified to reflect the Responder’s work plan. Responders are also encouraged to propose additional tasks or activities if they will substantially improve the results of the project.

All proposals submitted by the specified deadline (2:00 p.m., December 3, 2012), regardless of the amount of their cost proposal, will be accepted for  consideration.  However, the MPCA does reserve the right to reject any and all proposals and to negotiate the terms of the contract and cost proposal with the selected Responder. The MPCA also reserves the right to seek best and final offers from one or more Responders.

Background

Formaldehyde is monitored and regulated by a number of local, state, national and international agencies and organizations.  It is pervasive, causes eye and respiratory effects including asthma, and is carcinogenic. 

Using criteria established in the 2009 Minnesota Toxic Free Kids Act, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) listed formaldehyde as a Priority Chemical not because of its direct use or presence in children’s products but because of children’s exposure (especially indoors) through other products, primarily building materials.

MPCA will conduct a project on formaldehyde and its use in Minnesota building products and other manufacturing. The agency will approach this project in phases.

Phase 1 of this project will consist of outreach to survey use. Minnesota sites producing composite products and reporting formaldehyde releases could be early partners for assessing current conditions and opportunities.  This phase will also focus on Minnesota companies purchasing composite wood products from out-of-state for incorporation into fabricated wood products.  With these types of companies, there will also be significant research needed to inventory possible formaldehyde presence in glues, finishes and fabrics.

A focus on building materials would bridge to other plastics and elastomers (e.g., wire sheathing, piping, wall coverings and fabrics) possibly involving formaldehyde, but also bringing in the co-benefit of investigating the presence and alternatives for other MDH-listed Priority Chemicals.

Minnesota has a significant number of companies using or manufacturing plastics, elastomers and resins, as well as a large number of companies producing various types of packaging which incorporate coatings and laminations using various plastics-related materials containing or produced with formaldehyde and many of the other Minnesota Priority Chemicals. 

If findings deem further action appropriate, consideration will be made for:

Phase 2: Outreach and assistance
Phase 3: Support and evaluation

MPCA contact: Mark Snyder, 651-215-0222