AUGUSTA, MAINE, September 18, 2023 ??The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting grant proposals to support the development, implementation or improvement of programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal.? This past Spring, during our first round of 2023, the DEP awarded a total of $111,364 to fund three waste diversion projects across Maine.? These grants are supporting efforts to increase food scrap recovery and composting activities in the Central Aroostook area, allow a small Maine business to develop technologies to refurbish outdated personal computer and laptop operation systems and to improve operational efficiencies at a small Western Maine communities transfer station.
All interested municipalities, regional associations and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply.? The DEP will provide awards for accepted proposals ranging from $1,000 - $40,000 ($125,000 total) as a result of this RFP process and prefers proposals that:
- take advantage of regional economies of scale,
- Specify reuse and repair infrastructure and program development
- increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
- promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives,
- address a statewide need, and/or
- expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.
In addition, in accordance with 38 MRSA ?2201-B. Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, the Department shall give highest priority in the awarding of funds under this section to programs, projects, initiatives, or activities proposed by municipal or regional association applicants.
Application details on the RFP # 202309192 ? ?Waste Diversion Grants Program? are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP.?Written questions on the RFP must be submitted by October 2, 2023 (using the form included in the RFP), and proposals must be submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. October 18, 2023.
A copy of the RFP, as well as the Question & Answer Summary and all amendments related to this RFP, can be obtained at the following website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants.
An online video entitled "Introduction to Maine's Waste Diversion Grant Program: Online Meeting" is available on DEP's website at: https://www.maine.gov/dep/sustainability/compost/grant.html.
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