The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invited applications from public, private, and nonprofit delivery and commercial service providers to fund cleaner transportation vehicles. By encouraging the use of delivery and commercial services, this grant aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles while also decreasing traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Total funding was approximately $272,000.
For the purposes of this RFP, "vehicle" means any on-road mode of transportation that can be used to convey property or goods from one location to another.
Closed: Applications were due March 14, 2025.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be:
- a for-profit business with 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees or less (including parent companies and all business operations)
- a governmental entity, Tribe, nonprofit, or educational institution with any number of employees
Eligible projects must include a non-passenger vehicle used for delivery or commercial services operated in Minnesota, including within the boundaries of any federally recognized Tribe in Minnesota. Delivery vehicles must be used for the transportation of property or goods in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 221.012 (private carrier). Commercial service vehicles must be used for transportation of equipment, supplies, or tools for the purpose of providing installation, repair, or maintenance services.
For delivery or commercial services, eligible projects must include the purchase of one of the following:
- low-power and unconventional vehicles (pedal bicycles, electric-assisted bicycles, electric motor scooters, or electric motorized bicycles) and accessories (helmets, lights, locks, luggage racks, baskets, cargo trailers, or bags/backpacks)
- an all-electric Class 1, 2, or 3 non-passenger vehicle that replaces an existing fuel-fired Class 1, 2, or 3 non-passenger vehicle.
Available funds
The MPCA anticipates awarding approximately $272,000 in grants for clean delivery and commercial service vehicles. The maximum grant award is $24,500 per applicant; the minimum grant award is $3,000 per applicant.
Proposed projects will be evaluated and awarded within their respective categories, with 60% of the funds dedicated to low-power and unconventional vehicles and 40% of the funds dedicated to Class 1, 2, or 3 non-passenger vehicles.
Each project type has a different match requirement:
- The match requirement for low-power and unconventional vehicle applicants is 25%, meaning the grant recipient will cover 25% of the total project cost and the grant award will cover 75% of the total project cost, up to the maximum grant award of $24,500. For example, if the total project cost is $4,000, the grant recipient will cover $1,000 and the grant award will cover $3,000.
- The match requirement for Class 1, 2, or 3 non-passenger vehicle applicants is 50%, meaning the grant recipient will cover 50% of the total project cost and the grant award will cover 50% of the total project cost, up to the maximum grant award of $24,500. For example, if the total project cost is $49,000, the grant recipient will cover $24,500 and the grant award will cover $24,500.
How to apply
The request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can only be viewed through the online SWIFT portal.
The RFP is termed an “Event” within the SWIFT system.
- Go to the online SWIFT portal.
- Click "Bidding opportunities."
- Find and view the event name "FY25 Clean transportation for delivery and commercial services RFP Question" or event number (2000016681).
- Click "View Bid Package" to see the RFP and forms. (There’s no need to log in to see the documents.)
Grant applications are only accepted through the SWIFT portal. Applicants interested in applying will need to register as a bidder in the system by clicking on the SWIFT Supplier Portal, then "Register for an Account and Register as a Bidder." Note: If an applicant is already registered in the SWIFT system as a supplier (previously known as a vendor), they do not need to register as a bidder. They will need their supplier ID.
Visit the online SWIFT portal under "Informational Tips" and "Supplier Portal Help" for more information. For questions about applying through SWIFT, please contact the vendor assistance help desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.
More information
Applicants who have any questions regarding this RFP must email questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us no later than Monday, March 10, 2025, using the subject line: “FY25 Clean transportation for delivery and commercial services RFP Question.” Answers to questions will be posted frequently in the SWIFT Supplier Portal.
MPCA personnel are not authorized to discuss this RFP with applicants and contact regarding this RFP with any MPCA personnel may result in disqualification.