Mobile Food Vendor Electrification Pilot Program

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) in Washington, DC is offering a grant through the Mobile Food Vendor Electrification Pilot Program. This funding opportunity supports the purchase and installation of battery generators for at least two mobile food vendors within the District. The goal is to transition vendors from using fossil fuel-powered generators, such as those using gas, diesel, or propane, to cleaner and quieter battery-powered alternatives. This aligns with the District’s broader environmental goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and mitigating noise pollution. These goals are supported by various plans and laws, such as the Clean Energy DC Plan, the Climate Commitment Act, and local environmental regulations. This is a competitive grant opportunity with a total of $60,000 available. DOEE expects to select one grantee. The selected grantee will identify and subgrant funds to at least two eligible mobile food vendors who hold a Class A Vending Business License and Public Space Permit. The grantee will also be responsible for managing the installation of battery generator systems, coordinating with vendors and suppliers, and gathering performance data. The funds may also cover maintenance and repair services, and applicants are expected to provide a work plan, timeline, and a detailed budget that distinguishes between administrative costs, equipment, and services. Matching funds are not required. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, government agencies, universities, educational institutions, and private enterprises. Applicants must be registered or have an office in the District of Columbia, and subgrantees must operate the substantial portion of their business time within DC. Applications will be scored based on a range of criteria, including technical feasibility, readiness of vendors, timeline achievability, applicant qualifications, relevant experience, and budget detail. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate the ability to execute the project within the short timeframe, which ends September 30, 2025. The application must be submitted electronically through DOEE’s Grants Management System no later than August 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM. DOEE will not accept late or incomplete applications unless exceptional circumstances are documented. The application package must include a narrative, numeric and narrative budgets, a work plan, proof of good standing with the District, a valid W-9, proof of nonprofit status (if applicable), and financial documents such as budgets and audits. Letters of support are required for any partners, including public or private landowners or vendors. Key personnel résumés and previous grant history with DC agencies must also be included if applicable. A pre-application information session is scheduled for July 16, 2025, at noon via WebEx. Questions may be submitted to the grant contact, and responses will be made publicly available. DOEE expects to notify applicants of award decisions within six to twelve weeks after the application deadline. The grantee will be required to submit quarterly progress reports and a final report summarizing activities, costs, and lessons learned. The funds will be provided primarily on a reimbursement basis, though limited advances may be approved under specific conditions. For more information, interested parties can contact Mel Hogg at 2025VendorElectrification.grants@dc.gov. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted through the Grants Application Portal found at doee.dc.gov.

DOEE encourages early registration in the GMS, use of a shared email address for the organization, and attending the pre-application session. Applicants are advised to avoid last-minute submissions due to possible technical issues.