The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requests proposals from eligible applicants from private, public, and nonprofit sectors to partially fund new diesel, propane and natural gas school bus replacements in the Minnesota. The grant aims to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality and public health by removing older diesel buses from operation and replacing them with new, cleaner buses. Projects will reduce diesel emissions in Minnesota and help fund new school buses with a mixture of fuel technologies across Minnesota.
Application deadline: 4 p.m. on May 14, 2025
Questions and answers
Submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “School Bus Grant 2025” no later than 4 p.m. on April 24, 2025.
MPCA employees cannot answer questions about this grant opportunity, and direct contact regarding this RFP with any MPCA personnel may result in disqualification.
Informational meeting
The MPCA held an informational webinar about this grant opportunity. (38 min.)
Eligibility
For-profit, nonprofit, and public entities, including state, local, and Tribal governments that own or operate 1998 through 2009 model year diesel school buses in Minnesota are eligible applicants. Applicants must be based in Minnesota, have a branch office in Minnesota, or be located in Indian Country within Minnesota.
Available funds
The MPCA anticipates awarding approximately $630,000 in grants to replace old diesel school buses with new diesel, propane, or natural gas models.
The funding is divided into two categories based on the location of vehicle operation. Proposed vehicle projects will be evaluated and awarded within their respective location category.
- 40% of the funds (approximately $252,000) are dedicated to replacing school buses that operate in Greater Minnesota
- 60% of the funds (approximately $378,000) are dedicated to replacing school buses that operate in the Twin Cities seven-county Metropolitan Area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties)
If the amount listed for either category is not fully awarded, remaining funds will be awarded in the other category.
The maximum award per school bus is $15,000, or $20,000 for school districts where 40% or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch. To see if a school district qualifies for a $20,000 grant, visit this webpage: Free and Reduced Price Lunch Eligibility.
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 by event name (MPCA-School Bus Replacement) or ID (2000016822).
- 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 online SWIFT 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.