Funding was available for projects that that aim to reduce emissions of high global warming potential (HGWP) refrigerants in retail settings in Minnesota.
Closed: Applications were due January 29, 2024.
Questions and answers
Applicants who have any questions regarding this RFP must email questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us no later than Monday, January 22, 2024, using the subject line: “Refrigerant emission reduction grant 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 must operate a refrigeration unit in a retail setting (for example, grocery store, convenience store, liquor store, restaurant, or cafeteria) in Minnesota and must be:
- A for-profit business with no more than 250 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (including parent companies and all business operations).
- A governmental entity, nonprofit organization, tribe, or educational institution with any number of employees.
Eligible projects include the replacement or retrofit of remote-condensing or supermarket refrigeration systems to use a refrigerant with a lower global warming potential.
Lists of alternative refrigerants and their GWP can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency website: https://www.epa.gov/snap/retail-food-refrigeration
Available funds
Approximately $111,000 in funding is available.
- Maximum award: The maximum grant award is $20,000 per applicant (all locations combined).
- Match requirement: 25%, meaning the grant recipient must match at least 25% of the total project cost. Matching funds must be cash and may be obtained through loans or other non-state grants if the applicant chooses.
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 on "Bidding opportunities".
- Find the event by name (MPCA-Refrigerant Emission Reduction Grants) or ID (2000015128).
- 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.
- Register as a bidder in the SWIFT Supplier Portal, (Bidding = "applying")
- Choose "Register for an Account" and then "Register as a Bidder".
If you are already registered in the SWIFT system as a supplier (previously known as a vendor), use your supplier ID. 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.
More information
Developed as substitutes for ozone-depleting refrigerants, HFCs are climate-damaging greenhouse gases (GHG) with global warming potentials hundreds to thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide. One 30-pound tank of R-404a has a greater global warming impact than driving eleven cars for a year.
Substitutes are available to HGWP refrigerants. Upgrading to new refrigerant systems and environmentally friendly refrigerants can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.