The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its High-Emitting Vehicle Repair Grant, designed to address vehicle emissions contributing to air pollution and near noncompliance with federal ozone standards. This grant seeks a contractor to coordinate with auto repair shops, dealerships, technical colleges, and other stakeholders to identify and repair high-emitting vehicles, particularly in environmental justice areas of Minnesota where such vehicles are more prevalent. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on November 25, 2024, with a strict protocol requiring all inquiries to be submitted by November 18, 2024, via email to grants.pca@state.mn.us.

Eligible applicants include small for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees, government entities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. A single applicant will be awarded funding, though multiple organizations may collaborate, with one designated as the lead applicant. The grant offers up to $100,000 in funding, with a matching requirement of one dollar for every dollar awarded. Matching funds can be in the form of cash, in-kind contributions, or additional grants. This initiative intends to provide free or low-cost emissions repairs for qualifying vehicles, addressing pollutants from mobile sources that contribute significantly to ozone pollution in the state.

This RFP supports statewide environmental health, as the Twin Cities and other areas in Minnesota face high risks of surpassing EPA ozone limits. Studies have shown that roughly 10% of vehicles, especially older ones with malfunctioning emissions systems, account for a significant portion of vehicular pollution. This program specifically targets these vehicles in regions with historically underserved or environmentally impacted communities, aiming to reduce overall emissions and lower ground-level pollution exposure for local residents.

The RFP and application materials are available through Minnesota’s SWIFT Supplier Portal, categorized as an “Event” within the system. Applicants can view documents by navigating to "Bidding Opportunities," searching for the event title “MPCA-High-Emitting Vehicle Repair Grant” or event ID “2000016403,” and selecting "View Bid Package." The application process is fully digital, with submissions accepted only through SWIFT, and requires prospective applicants to register as a bidder if they are not already set up in the system.

To facilitate the application process, MPCA has resources available on the SWIFT portal, including informational guides under “Supplier Portal Help.” Applicants requiring assistance with SWIFT registration or the application submission process can contact the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100 (option 1).

This program’s broader goal is to reduce pollution from high-emitting vehicles, thereby supporting the state’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality and ensure compliance with national environmental standards. Grant decisions will be based on eligibility and application completeness, as per the criteria outlined in the SWIFT application portal, and award announcements will follow the application deadline.