The MPCA sought applications from contractors to partner with auto repair shops, dealerships, tech colleges or other entities to identify and fix high-emitting vehicles.
Closed: Applications were due Nov. 25, 2024.
Questions and answers
Applicants with questions regarding this RFP must email questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us no later than Nov. 18, 2024, using the subject line: “FY25 High-emitting Vehicle Repair Grant 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 include for-profit businesses with under 500 employees; governmental entity, educational institution, or nonprofit organization with any number of employees.
The intent of this RFP is to award funding to one applicant (single organization or team). Multiple organizations may work together, but one organization will need to submit as the lead applicant.
Available funds
Approximately $100,000 in funding is available.
- The maximum grant award is $100,000.
- Applicant must match grant funding dollar for dollar (cash, in-kind, or other grants).
More information
The Twin Cities and various areas in Minnesota have consistently been very close to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ambient air quality standards for ozone, meaning that there is a continued risk of exceedance throughout the state. Strong actions to further lower ambient ozone concentrations are needed to both protect human health and avoid an exceedance of the federal ozone standards. Early actions are needed to help maintain compliance. Mobile sources (all of the cars and trucks operating on the streets and highways of Minnesota) are significant contributors of ozone pollution. National studies indicate that approximately 10% of cars and light trucks create nearly 50% of the overall vehicle pollution; these are considered "high-emitting vehicles."
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking a contractor that will lead the effort and partner with auto repair shops, dealerships, tech colleges or other entities to identify and fix these high-emitting vehicles that have faulty emissions systems. This program is intended to offer free emission repairs (up to a certain dollar amount) on older vehicles in environmental justice areas where a higher proportion of these high-emitting, older vehicles are expected to exist. The goal is to reduce emissions and ground-level exposure to vehicle pollution in these areas.