Having trouble viewing this message? View it as a webpage.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) seeks responses to its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in order to identify providers of waste and pollution prevention technical assistance who are interested in working collaboratively with the MPCA. Work may include providing waste and pollution prevention technical assistance in Minnesota and developing proposals to secure related grant funding. Issuance of this RFQ does not obligate the MPCA to partner with any responder. No state funding or other financial assistance is associated with this RFQ.

The RFQ and response form can be found at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/pollutionprevention.

Responses will be considered for use upon receipt. Responses must be submitted to Phyllis Strong at phyllis.strong@state.mn.us or 651/757-2763 by 2:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, April 16, 2012.

Mobile source pollution emissions, including those from internal combustions engines (cars and trucks), contribute to over one-third of all toxic air pollutants in Minnesota. In contrast, electric vehicles (EVs) emit zero emission from the tail-pipe. Promoting the use of EVs will aid in the prevention of air pollution emissions.

 

This project will fulfill a current lack of information about how to initiate and implement workplace charging infrastructure for EVs. The goal of this project is to develop a printable, electronic guidance resource and to provide presentations for employers and employees who would like to install EV stations at their workplace. The printable, electronic guidance resource will provide comprehensive information on process steps, equipment options, site selection, use expectations, budget/cost, and related information for planning and implementing workplace EV charging. This resource piece will be coupled with a complementary series of presentations to help employers and employees further understand the planning process along with installation options and considerations.

 

Why is this project important? Charging stations, located at places of employment, are key to preventing an obstacle for early adoption of EVs. Frequent charging opportunities, including at the workplace, to charge batteries prevents the ‘range anxiety’ which can accompany driving an EV. As EVs begin to penetrate the market, owners need to know that there will be adequate charging opportunities for their vehicles, including the option to charge their vehicle while they are at work.

 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has approximately $5,000 available for this project. The MPCA reserves the right to reduce the amount of the contract or refrain from making a contract. The due date for response is April 9, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Responses must be electronically submitted to contracts.pca@state.mn.us (subject line: “EV Charging”). All work must be completed by November 30, 2012.       

Use Reusables Grants are available for businesses and other organizations that are planning to incorporate reusable packaging into their transport and distribution. Eligible projects include those that replace single- or limited-use transport packaging with durable pallets or bins, reusable pallet-wrap, expanded use of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and other projects that significantly reduce expendable packaging.

 

Who Is Eligible?

•    Incorporated private companies, non-profit organizations, public agencies and institutions;

•    In compliance with all federal, state and local land use, regulatory and permit requirements

Projects Should:

•    Focus on waste prevention, and specifically reusable transportation packaging;

•    Be implemented within six months of application, or have been implemented in the six months prior to application.

How Does It Work?

Award requests of up to $30,000 will be considered. Projects involving all types of packaging materials are eligible. Grant monies can be used to fund equipment costs, labor costs, and other costs that are essential to the implementation of the project, such as educational materials for employees or customers. Projects of all sizes are encouraged.

 

How Do I Apply?

Electronic submission is required. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2012. Click here to download the application packet.

Minnesota GreenCorps is now accepting applications from organizations interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member for the 2012-2013 program year!  MPCA may place up to 27 full time members with various host sites for the 2012-2013 year. Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for 11 months beginning in mid to late September 2012 through August 2013. Members will be placed either individually or in teams of two at selected host sites.

Eligible organizations include public entities (local, regional, state, tribal), school districts, not for profit institutions of higher education, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Organizations may apply for Minnesota GreenCorps members who will serve on projects in the areas of:

Applications from eligible organizations interested in hosting Minnesota GreenCorps members are due by 5:00pm on April 19, 2012.

Host site application packets (including an application and guidance document) are only available by e-mailing your request to mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Please direct all questions to this email.

Operation of the Minnesota GreenCorps program is dependent on funding. Visit the MPCA Greencorps website for more information.

The Environmental Assistance Loan Program is accepting applications starting February 6, 2012 until June 30, 2013.  Applications should be submitted electronically to Grants-Loans.pca@state.mn.us. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as an e-mail attachment. Faxed applications or applications received after the June 30, 2013 deadline will not accepted for consideration under this RFP.

Who can apply?

Priority eligible applicants: Minnesota-based small to medium-sized businesses and political subdivisions of Minnesota

Eligible projects and costs?

Priority eligible projects: green chemistry, pollution prevention, source reduction, recycling, and source-separated composting

Eligible loan costs: limited to the capital costs of implementing waste or pollution prevention technologies in Minnesota. Capital costs are limited to the costs of acquisition of machinery and equipment, including freight and installation, and related improvements.

The EA Loan Program is offering two types of loans: Participatory and Direct. Participatory Loans provide for awards up to a maximum loan of $100,000 at zero percent interest. Participatory Loan funds must be matched by a minimum dollar-for-dollar match by loans from a participating financial institution. In addition to the competitive interest rate charged by the participating financial institution on its matching funds, an administrative fee may be added to the Participatory Loan to defray costs associated with the servicing of the EA Loan by the financial institution.

Direct Loans are limited to businesses/entities and provide for awards up to a maximum loan of $50,000 at four percent interest or one half the prime rate, whichever is greater. Direct Loans must be matched by a minimum one dollar for every two dollars received of funds from the applicant. Start-up businesses are not eligible for direct loans.

Visit the MPCA Environmental Assistance Loan Program website for more information.