Electric Landscaping Equipment Pilot Program

The Electric Landscaping Equipment Pilot Program is administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a state agency dedicated to protecting and improving Minnesota’s environment and public health. The program is funded through the Legislative Environmental Fund and seeks to advance environmental sustainability by reducing emissions and noise pollution associated with gas-powered lawn and snow removal equipment. Through this initiative, the agency aims to support the transition to cleaner technologies while promoting environmental justice and improving air quality in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. The purpose of this pilot program is to develop and implement a financial assistance initiative that enables Minnesota residents to purchase electric or battery-powered landscaping and snow removal equipment. The selected contractor will design, administer, and oversee the program, ensuring that it effectively reaches and serves communities located in Environmental Justice areas. Priority will be given to the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area, including Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties, as well as the cities of Duluth and Rochester. By encouraging the adoption of zero-emission equipment, the program supports broader climate and sustainability goals across the state. Approximately $995,000 in funding has been allocated to establish and operate this pilot initiative. The awarded applicant will be responsible for developing program infrastructure, conducting outreach and community awareness efforts, administering financial assistance to residents, and ensuring compliance with state requirements. Funds may be used for program development, implementation, and the distribution of incentives to eligible participants. The pilot project must be completed by May 31, 2027, within the established period of performance. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, and for-profit entities such as utility companies or equipment manufacturers. Partnerships and collaborative applications are permitted; however, one organization must serve as the lead applicant and assume primary responsibility for the project. This inclusive eligibility structure ensures that a wide range of organizations with relevant expertise can contribute to the program’s success and maximize its impact. Applications must be submitted electronically through the State of Minnesota’s SWIFT Supplier Portal, where the Request for Proposals is listed as an event. Applicants may view the bid package without logging in by navigating to the Bidding Opportunities section and searching for the Electric Landscaping Equipment Pilot Program or its designated event identification number. To submit an application, organizations must register as bidders within the portal. The application process requires adherence to the instructions outlined in the RFP and compliance with all submission requirements. The deadline to submit proposals is May 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency hosted a virtual informational meeting on April 14, 2026, to provide an overview of the opportunity and answer questions. Applicants are required to submit inquiries via email by April 24, 2026, with responses posted in the SWIFT Supplier Portal. Agency personnel were prohibited from discussing the RFP outside of the official question-and-answer process to ensure fairness and transparency. Through this competitive solicitation, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency seeks to support innovative solutions that promote clean technology adoption and environmental equity across Minnesota.

Ensure proposals demonstrate strong program administration capacity, community outreach strategies, and alignment with environmental justice goals.