RFP 202602015 questions M King.xlsx

This is a question and answer document related to the 2026 Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program Request for Proposals issued by the State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management. The RFP seeks proposals for programs, projects, initiatives, and activities designed to increase solid waste diversion across eligible categories including education, source reduction, upcycling, food donations, repair and reuse, recycling, composting, and anaerobic digestion. Eligible uses of grant funds include equipment purchases, facility improvements, training and education, pilot programs, and food diversion initiatives. The written question submission deadline was March 10, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. local time, with responses published at least seven calendar days before the proposal submission deadline of April 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. local time via the Vendor Self Service system. The anticipated contract period runs from June 15, 2026 to June 15, 2028.

The State of Maine anticipates making up to six awards ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 each based on proposal ranking and fund availability. Applicants must demonstrate a 25% project match requirement calculated as a portion of the total project cost rather than the amount requested from Maine DEP. Eligible applicants are Maine-based public or private entities, including Councils of Governments that may submit applications as co-applicants with municipalities. All waste diversion projects are eligible for funding consideration, including regional collection feasibility studies. Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale comprising 15 points for organizational qualifications and experience, 50 points for proposed services, and 35 points for cost proposals. Ineligible costs include administrative and indirect costs, full-time or part-time employee salaries, proposal preparation costs, and disposal-related expenses. No best and final offers will be accepted, and applicants must submit their best value pricing with initial proposals.