The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requested proposals from eligible applicants to fund electric school buses in the state of Minnesota. The grant reduces diesel emissions and improves air quality and public health by removing older diesel buses and replacing them with new, cleaner electric buses. The primary goals of this project are to improve the health and wellbeing of children and communities by reducing diesel and greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota and promote the use of technology that utilizes clean, renewable energy sources.
Closed: Proposals were due no later than 4:30 p.m. Central Time on August 29, 2023.
Questions and answers
Applicants who have any questions regarding this RFP must email questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us, subject line: “ESB Grant 2023”, no later than 2:30 p.m. Central Time on August 1, 2023. Answers to questions will be posted frequently on the online SWIFT portal.
MPCA personnel not listed are not authorized to discuss this RFP with applicants outside of the question and answer forum. Contact regarding this RFP with any MPCA personnel may result in disqualification.
Informational meeting
Recording: MPCA held an informational meeting about this grant opportunity on June 28 (31 min.)
Eligibility
Open to for-profit, non-profit, and public entities (including state, local, and tribal governments) that own 1998 through 2009 engine model year diesel school buses in Minnesota.
While multi-organizational collaboration is allowed, no single entity may be a part of multiple applications.
Available funds
Approximately $2.9 million is available.
The maximum award per school bus project (bus + charger):
- Government owned and privately owned school buses under contract with a public school district is $375,000 or up to 85% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.
- Privately owned buses not under contract with a public school district is $375,000 or up to 75% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.
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 "MPCA-Electric School Bus RFP" or Event ID: 2000014427.
- 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
