Grants to improve air quality

The MPCA requests proposals from eligible applicants for projects that aim to reduce air emissions.

Every day, employees and citizens around the state breathe air pollution that results from facility operations. Exposure to these pollutants can affect everyone’s health, from employees to the members of the surrounding community. Certain priority pollutants have a higher impact on human health and the environment. By reducing or eliminating the use and release of priority pollutants and other pollutants of concern, air quality improves and more people have access to cleaner air.

Applications must be received electronically through the SWIFT Supplier Portal no later than 4 p.m. Central Time on Monday, April 10, 2023.

Questions and answers

Applicants who have any questions regarding this RFP must email questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us no later than Monday, April 3, 2023, using the subject line: “FY23 Improve air quality 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.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants. In order to be eligible, applicants must be one of the following:

  • for-profit business with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, including parent company,
  • governmental entity,
  • educational institution,
  • non-profit organization
  • tribal entity

Eligible projects. Refer to the request for proposals (RFP) posted in the online SWIFT portal for a list of eligible projects that reduce air emissions.

Available funds

Approximately $110,000 in funding is available.

  • Maximum award: The maximum grant award is $24,500 per applicant.
  • Match requirement: 25% of the total project cost (in cash). For example, if a project total is $30,000, an applicant could receive $22,500 in grant funding and will match $7,500.

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.

  1. Go to the online SWIFT portal.
  2. Click on "Bidding opportunities".
  3. Find the event name "MPCA-Improve Air Quality- Pollutant Reduction" or event number (2000013895).
  4. 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".

Applicants that are already registered in the SWIFT system as a supplier (previously known as a vendor) can use their supplier ID and do not need to register as a bidder. The Supplier Portal now requires Multi-factor Authentication to sign in, and registered suppliers may have to change passwords. We also suggest clearing your browser cache.

Visit the SWIFT Supplier 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.