The MPCA is seeking a contractor to lead the effort and partner with tribal nations, hearth retailers, and/or other entities to identify and replace old, non-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified wood stoves in the state of Minnesota. This program is intended to offer deeply discounted or free heating systems for all tribal members (up to a certain dollar amount).
The program will replace old wood-burning equipment with one of the following:
- approved, EPA-certified wood heating device that has a catalyst or uses hybrid-catalyst technology.
- gas (natural gas or propane) furnace.
- air source heat pump (ASHP).
The MPCA will approve wood-heating devices that will qualify for reimbursement based on a subset of the list of EPA-certified equipment.
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.
Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. Central Time on Jan. 2, 2025.
Questions and answers
Submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “Tribal Wood Stove Changeouts for Tribes in Minnesota” no later than 4 p.m. Central Time on Dec. 12, 2024.
MPCA employees cannot answer questions about this grant opportunity, and direct contact regarding this RFP with any MPCA personnel may result in disqualification.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be one of the following:
- Tribal government
- For-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees
- Government entity, educational institution, or nonprofit organization with any number of employees
Available funds
Approximately $100,000 in funding is available, with the potential for additional funding.
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 (Wood Stove Changeouts for Tribes in Minnesota) or ID (2000016481).
- 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 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
The goal is to reduce emissions of fine particles and other pollutants as well as personal exposure to wood smoke pollution for all tribal members. Wood smoke accounts for over half of the fine particulate pollution caused by humans in the state of Minnesota. Fine particles can cause serious health impacts. Heating with old, non-EPA certified wood stoves and other wood heating appliances is a significant contributor to these fine particle emissions; the EPA has updated standards for wood heating devices.
Many tribal members in Minnesota heat with wood. All federally recognized Indian Country is defined in Minnesota law as Environmental Justice Areas. Investment in new heating devices for all tribal members can have an impact on air quality as well as the local economy in these Environmental Justice Areas, making the impacts of this project multi-faceted.