RFP_HLTH_Youth_Climate_Action_Projects_FINAL.pdf

Request for Proposals

Green Careers Exploration Program

Youth Climate Action Projects August 12, 2026

Proposals Due by: 4:00 p.m. CT, September 16, 2026

Minneapolis Health Department 505 4th Avenue South, Room 520

Minneapolis, MN 55415

TEL 612.673.2301

www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/health

If you need this material in an alternative format, please call the Health Department at 612-673-2301 or email health@minneapolismn.gov. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons may use a relay service to call 311 agents at 612-673-3000. TTY users may call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

Attention: If you have any questions regarding this material please call Minneapolis Health Department 612-673-2301. Para asistencia 612-673-2700 - Rau kev pab 612-673-2800 - Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

August 12, 2026

To prospective proposers, Attached is a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Minneapolis youth and young adults 15 to 24 years old having the desire and capacity to support The City of Minneapolis (City) climate and environmental strategies to combat climate change, delivering solutions aligned with citywide climate priorities. The Health Department invites young people’s ideas, selecting the strongest proposals, and funding them with up to $4,950 and technical assistance from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The Health Department will assign staff to support implementation from start to finish, helping young residents lead in carrying their plans through to completion—creating public space, strengthening infrastructure, mitigating disasters, and building resilience.

The Health Department will award no more than $4,950 as general funding for organizations working with youth to design and deliver climate solutions aligned with city priorities in Minneapolis. This reimbursement can be used for any costs or services relating to a youth-led project concerning climate research and data collection, education, governance, resilience and adaptation, Green Infrastructure, advancement of a circular economy, or sustainable waste management, transportation, and/or agriculture. Through this proposal process, the Minneapolis Health Department’s Green Careers Exploration Program will award $40,000 across multiple contracts for Minneapolis youth through fiscal sponsor entities.

A pre-proposal virtual information session (via Microsoft Teams) will be held on Wednesday, August 19th, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CT. This session is not required but will be your only chance to talk directly to City staff about the RFP.

Please review the RFP for details and consider applying if you or your organization meet the qualifications and would like to be considered. Questions about the RFP can be submitted to health.contracts@minneapolismn.gov until 4:00p.m. CT on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026.

The completed proposal is due no later than 4:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 239 000 138 486 540 Passcode: G3UU9Gx6 Download Teams| Join on the web Or call in (audio only) +1 612-276-6670,,196025207# United States, Minneapolis Phone conference ID: 196 025 207# mailto:health.contracts@minneapolismn.gov https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/239000138486540?p=vkh80eiuzyvsmyIjMn https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting tel:+16122766670,,196025207

Heidi Ritchie Interim Commissioner of Health

Table of Contents

RFP General Information Page

I. Invitation

II. Eligibility

III. Schedule

IV. Pre-Proposal Virtual Information Session

V. Proposal Submission Instructions

VI. Department Contact/Requests for Clarification

VII. Proposal Format/Proposal Instructions

VIII. Proposal Review Process

IX. Contract

X. Rejection of Proposals

XI. Addendum to the RFP

XII. Data Practices

Attachment A – Scope of Services

Attachment B – Proposal Cover Sheet ...........................................................Included as a separate attachment

Attachment C – Project Narrative Questions ..............................................Included as a separate attachment

Attachment D – Anticipated Project Budget ...............................................Included as a separate attachment

Attachment E – Evaluation Rubric

Attachment F – Intake Form ............................................................................Included as a separate attachment

Attachment G – Tennessen Warning .............................................................Included as a separate attachment

Attachment H – Photo Release Form ........................................................................ Included as a separate attachment

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

Youth Climate Action Projects

I. INVITATION

Qualified organizations are invited to support youth in the creation and submission of a proposal.

This proposal should share the intended climate action project and an explanation of how that will provide participants with relevant experience, confidence, and abilities in advancing local climate priorities.

The City of Minneapolis (hereinafter referred to as the City) makes this Request for Proposals (hereinafter referred to as the RFP) in order to select qualified organizations (hereinafter referred to as the Organization) to receive Green Careers Exploration Program – Youth Climate Action Projects funding (hereinafter called the Project). The Project is generally described in the “Scope of Services” (Attachment A), contained within this RFP.

II. ELIGIBILITY

Projects are led by young people, but funds must be disbursed to organizations.

Eligible recipients include:

• Youth-led organizations (e.g. youth clubs or groups).

• Youth-serving organizations (adult-led organizations supporting young people).

• Sponsor organizations, such as city agencies, schools or other educational institutions, museums, or community organizations.

Private companies, individuals or political parties or party-affiliated organizations are not eligible.

All organizations must:

• Be legally registered entities.

• Be recognized as a non-profit or charitable organization under local laws (unless a public entity).

• Have a bank account in the organization’s name – fiscal agent associated with this bank account must be clearly defined in the proposal.

A single organization may receive funding for up to three separate projects, however if a single organization receives more than $5,000, the City’s insurance requirements must be met. This may include Worker’s Compensation insurance and auto insurance (if applicable). Additionally, for projects over $5,000, proof of Commercial General Liability insurance is required at the time of contracting.

Organizations will be compensated by the City of Minneapolis through a reimbursement process.

The program offers reimbursement of up to $4,950 for organizational capacity costs relating to your program.

For compliance purposes:

• The City unit managing the program cannot act as a sponsor for a project.

• Sponsors cannot be partisan organizations or political parties.

• Funded recipients cannot be the subject of any applicable sanctions regime.

All organizations must provide participant responses to documentation forms. At RFP submission, please include these forms:

• Attachment F – Intake Form

• Attachment G – Tennessen Warning (pre-training data privacy notice)

• Attachment H – Photo Release Form

Upon Project completion:

• Who was paid and how much?

III. SCHEDULE

The following is a listing of key Proposal and Project milestones and duration:

RFP Release August 12, 2026 Pre-Proposal Information Session 10:00 AM CT on August 19, 2026 Questions on RFP Due by 4:00 PM CT on August 26, 2026 Estimated Responses to Questions posted by 2:00 PM CT on September 2, 2026 Proposals due by 4:00 PM CT on September 16, 2026 Estimated services start date November 13, 2026 Estimated services end date May 14, 2027

IV. PRE-PROPOSAL VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION

A pre-proposal virtual information session (via Microsoft Teams) will be held on August 19th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CT. To join the meeting on your phone or computer, please use the link or dial-in information listed below.

Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 239 000 138 486 540 Passcode: G3UU9Gx6 Download Teams| Join on the web

Or call in (audio only) +1 612-276-6670,,196025207# United States, Minneapolis Phone conference ID: 196 025 207#

We encourage you to call a few minutes early to ensure you are connected on time. While participation in the pre-proposal virtual information session is not required, it is encouraged for all applicants considering responding to this RFP. It will be the only opportunity to ask staff questions about the RFP directly. A summary of the questions and answers from the meeting will be posted as an addendum to the RFP in the E-supplier Portal:

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/get-started/ https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/239000138486540?p=vkh80eiuzyvsmyIjMn https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting tel:+16122766670,,196025207 https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/get-started/

V. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Completed proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. (Central time) on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

All proposals must be submitted electronically through the City’s eSupplier Portal. Paper and mailed proposals will not be accepted. Please submit all documents as one PDF when uploading to the eSupplier system.

Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.

1. To access the eSupplier Portal, visit:

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/get-started/

2. If you are not already a city supplier, you will need to first register as a bidder. You can do this by following the “Use the Portal” link described above and then clicking on the “Bidder Registration” tile to register:

3. Click Register Now

4. If you are already a City Supplier, you should have received an email containing your eSupplier User ID and Password. If you do not remember your password, click on the “Forgot Password” tile to enter your User ID and a new password will be emailed to you.

5. If you need help with registering to use the eSupplier portal, you can find written instructions in the eSupplier Bidder and Payee Registration Guide at: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/registration-guide/

If you need further assistance with eSupplier;

• EMAIL (subject line: eSupplier help) - eProcurement@minneapolismn.gov

• PHONE: 612-673-2311

VI. DEPARTMENT CONTACT/REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

Prospective responders shall direct inquiries/questions in writing only to:

Health Contracts Email: health.contracts@minneapolismn.gov Subject Line: RFP Youth Climate Action Projects

Responses to the Questions will be posted as an addendum to the RFP package on the eSupplier portal – Contracting Opportunities at:

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/bids-rfps

The Health Contracts email is the only contact for questions regarding the Project before your proposal is submitted. The terms of the RFP cannot vary.

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/registration-guide/ https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/registration-guide/ https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/esupplier-instructions/registration-guide/ mailto:eProcurement@minneapolismn.gov mailto:health.contracts@minneapolismn.gov https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/doing-business-with-the-city/bids-rfps/

VII. PROPOSAL FORMAT/PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

The Organization shall provide the appropriate information in sufficient detail to demonstrate that the evaluation criteria has been satisfied as specified in Section VIII: Proposal Review Process.

Proposals should contain the following sections and appendices and be arranged in consecutive order.

A. Proposal Cover Sheet Complete the Proposal Cover Sheet (Attachment B), including contact information.

B. Project Narrative The project narrative should be no more than five (5) pages in 12-point font, single spaced, with one-inch margins. The Proposal Cover Sheet and Anticipated Project Budget (Attachment D) will not be counted toward the page limit.

The Project Narrative Questions that should be answered in your five-page project narrative are included as Attachment C.

C. Budget Spreadsheet and Narrative A budget template is included as Attachment D. Use of the provided budget template is optional. If you choose to use your own format, please ensure it includes sufficient detail, including individual line items for each type of expense, calculations for requested amounts, and separate line items for each personnel cost.

You should include a budget narrative to ensure that your budget includes the necessary amount of detail. A budget narrative template is included in Attachment D.

D. Company Financial Information Proof of financial responsibility, any bankruptcy filings by the consultant, its principles and officers during the previous seven years. Provide this proof in one of the following formats:

most recent high level audit report, a current 990, or board approved financial statements.

E. Intake Questions Organizations should assist youth in completing the Intake Form (Attachment F). We are asking for this information to evaluate our program and make sure we are meeting the needs of our students. Only staff from the Minneapolis Health Department will have access to individual-level data.

F. Tennessen Warning This is a required data privacy notice to be filled out by youth participating in the program.

G. Photo Release Form This form allows the City of Minneapolis to use any photos shared with us by the organization in promotional materials.

VIII. PROPOSAL REVIEW PROCESS

Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation team made up of City staff. The evaluation panel will objectively review and score each proposal submitted based on established criteria (Attachment E) that allows them to rank the applicants based on their scores. Evaluation of proposals will be based on the information requested, including:

1. Eligibility to meet Scope of Service objectives (Attachment A).

2. Responses to Project Narrative Questions (Attachment C), showing that:

a. The agency has clearly identified experience, expertise, and knowledge to successfully complete the scope of work.

b. The organization clearly communicates a convincing plan to carry out the scope of work and ensure Project success.

3. Financial responsibility and capacity of company to ensure Project success.

Evaluation may also incorporate:

1. Quality, thoroughness, and clarity of proposal.

2. How well the experience/expertise of the agency meets the Project needs.

At any time during the process, the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) may elect to contact applicant agencies with requests for clarification, an interview with agency personnel, or a presentation on the proposed project to aid in the selection process, or other items or information.

IX. CONTRACT:

The contracting parties will be the City of Minneapolis, and the Organization/Organizations selected to provide the services as described herein. The selected proposal(s), along with the RFP and any counter proposal(s) will be incorporated into a formal agreement(s) after negotiations. It is the intent of the City to award a contract(s) for a term ending May 14, 2027.

X. REJECTION OF PROPOSALS:

The City does not promise to accept the lowest cost proposal and specifically reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any formal proposal requirements, to investigate the qualifications and experience of any Organization to reject any provisions in any proposal, to obtain new proposals, to negotiate the requested services and contract terms with any Organization, or to proceed to do the work otherwise. Incomplete proposals and proposals not sufficiently detailed or not in acceptable form may be rejected by the City. Responding to this RFP does not guarantee that your agency will qualify to receive reimbursement for organizational capacity.

XI. ADDENDUM TO THE RFP:

If any addendum is issued for the RFP, it will be posted as an attachment to the RFP package in the eSupplier portal. The City reserves the right to cancel or amend the RFP at any time.

XII. DATA PRACTICES:

Data you provide in response to this RFP will be subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and may be available to the public. Minn. Stat. 13.591 classifies Business Data and subdivision 3specifically addresses data submitted in response to an RFP. If you are submitting specific data which you believe meets the definition of trade secret data as defined in Minn. Stat.

13.37, please indicate this on the documents containing the data. The City may ask you to establish that the data meets all of the conditions set forth in Minn. Stat. 13.37, subdivision 1(b).

ATTACHMENT A

SCOPE OF SERVICES

It is the intent of this document to outline a general description of the Project, the extent of services required, and the relationship of this Project to other work, and the agencies or other parties that will interact with the Consultant. The contents of this document are considered representative of the Project as a whole but are by no means conclusive.

The Youth Climate Action Fund aims to:

• Equip cities to partner with youth in developing and implementing solutions to local climate challenges.

• Create pathways for youth ideas to move from input to implementation, aligned with city priorities.

• Build lasting city capacity and structures to engage with youth.

• Increase trust between cities and young residents through visible collaboration and results.

Scope of Service Support youth in the process of creating and executing programming in-line with climate goals set in the City of Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan. Organizations assisting young residents as fiscal sponsors should support them in carrying their plans out from RFP submission to Project completion. Potential projects could include creating public space, strengthening infrastructure, mitigating disasters, or building resilience.

Organizations will be compensated by the City of Minneapolis through a reimbursement process. The program offers reimbursement of up to $4,950 for organizational capacity costs relating to your program.

Eligible projects include:

• Climate education and awareness, like courses, experiences, or the arts

• Research and data collection, like mapping environmental health.

• Resilience and adaptation, such as addressing water quality or heatwaves.

• Green Infrastructure, reforestation, and environmental protection, like creating community gardens, or green roofs for community buildings.

• Sustainable agriculture and food systems, like urban farms that would enrich community access to fresh food.

• Promotion and advancement of circular economy, like sustainable fashion or rethinking the use of discarded materials.

• Sustainable waste management, like sorting, collection, or cleaning.

• Sustainable transportation, like encouraging walking, cycling, and using public transportation.

• Climate governance, like youth councils or consultation of youth for public decisions.

Projects must:

• Be proposed, designed, and led by at least two young people aged 15–24.

• Align with Minneapolis’ climate priorities.

• Be completed by Thursday, April 15, 2027.

• Operate within a budget of US$4,950 using eligible expenses (see below).

• Focus on youth leadership and action; equipment and infrastructure costs should not exceed 50% of the Project budget.

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/health/sustainability-homes-environment/sustainability/climate-equity/climate-equity-plan/climate-equity-document/ https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/health/sustainability-homes-environment/sustainability/climate-equity/climate-equity-plan/climate-equity-document/

Main Requirements:

1. Offer meaningful support and guidance to youth in the creation and completion of a climate-focused project, ensuring educational value and hands-on experience gained.

2. Support youth and young adults in exploring green career opportunities during their project.

3. Complete a post‐program feedback evaluation for youth and young adults (Provided by the City) and provide participant demographics data to the City.

Preferred Requirements:

• Willingness/ability to meet City’s climate equity goals, Project goals, and participant needs to perform duties.

• Recruit youth and young adults from Minneapolis Green Zones, neighborhoods the City has identified as environmental justice priorities.

• Education and training sites in Minneapolis and/or within access to public transportation.

Applicant Eligibility To ensure that participants receive the best possible experience in a short period of time, the City will evaluate proposals based on the requirements above. Organizations that are chosen will have agreed to comply with the main requirements at a minimum.

Eligible recipients include:

• Youth-led organizations (e.g. youth clubs or groups).

• Youth-serving organizations (adult-led organizations supporting young people).

• Sponsor organizations, such as city agencies, schools or other educational institutions, museums, or community organizations.

Private companies, individuals or political parties or party-affiliated organizations are not eligible.

All organizations must:

• Be legally registered entities.

• Be recognized as a non-profit or charitable organization under local laws (unless a public entity).

• Have a bank account in the organization’s name.

A single organization may receive funding for up to three separate projects.

Invoicing and Reporting After programming is complete, organizations will be required to submit for reimbursement through an invoice that will be made available at the time of contracting. Required documentation includes:

1. Submitted Project budget and proof of payment for any materials, wages, etc., that is included in the scope of the RFP.

2. A post evaluation and demographics form will be required no later than thirty (30) days after Project completion. The contracts manager will provide the evaluation form at contracting.

Eligible Funded Project Expenses

• Project supplies and materials, including rental and purchase of items directly needed to carry out the Project, such as equipment, tools, art supplies, or technology.

• Costs for organizing community events, workshops, or educational sessions, including venue rental, printing of materials for participants, and basic refreshments.

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/health/sustainability-homes-environment/sustainability/green-zones/

• Costs for any necessary permits to implement the Project in accordance with local regulations.

• Reasonable ground travel expenses (such as public transit, ride shares, or taxis) for youth participants or team members directly involved in Project implementation.

• Promotional materials to raise awareness about the Project, encourage engagement from stakeholders and the greater community, and share Project results, including photography, editorial support, and videography.

• Reasonable fees for training and mentorship offered in workshops with youth participants.

• Administrative costs that local NGOs, civic groups, neighborhood clubs, schools, or other organizations may charge for administering a grant on behalf of youth Project leads. The costs should be no more than 15% of the grant value.

• Small amounts to enable youth participation such as per diems for food or gift cards/wages if these expenses are reasonable in proportion to the activities. In no event may these expenses make up the majority of the grant.

Ineligible Funded Project Expenses

• Services/expenses covered by existing City initiatives.

• Rent or utilities, unless specified above.

• Nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees.

• Speaker honorariums and speaker fees.

• Scholarships.

• Direct support to individuals or families.

• Partisan political contributions or expenses.

• Expenses related to political campaigns, fundraisers, or projects.

• Expenses related to lobbying (attempting to influence legislation) or voter registration.

• Expenses related to commercial activities.

• Capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs.

• Payments to government officials.

• Events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action.

• Regranting or sub-granting to other organizations or individuals.

ATTACHMENT E

EVALUATION RUBRIC

CRITERIA POINTS SCORING GUIDANCE

Organization Information (10 points) Organization meets eligibility requirements – 5 pts.

Fiscal agent is clearly defined in proposal – 5pts.

of 10

Reflected in part 1 of Project narrative

Informational Responsibilities (5 points) Organization defines clear and feasible plan to provide the City with all participant intake, demographic, and post-Project data – 5 pts.

of 5

Reflected in part 2c of Project narrative

Project Alignment (35 points)

Project is clearly aligned with Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan– 15 pts.

Project addresses a clearly identified community need – 5 pts.

Demonstrated youth engagement in Project planning or development –

10 pts.

Detailed personnel listing with demonstrated applicable experience –

5pts.

of 35

Reflected in part 2a and 2b of Project narrative

Personnel listing reflected in part 4 of Project narrative

Project Outcomes and Feasibility (15 points) Desired outcomes and deliverables of youth-led project are clearly described – 10 pts.

Work plan is realistic, feasible, and includes timeline & deliverables – 5 pts.

of 15

Reflected in part 2a and 2b of Project narrative

Organizational Capacity (15 points) Organization demonstrates capacity to supervise youth engagement through full completion of proposed project – 5 pts.

Organization demonstrates capacity to deliver meaningful environmental programmatic support – 5 pts.

Organization demonstrates capacity to manage grant funds, invoicing, and recordkeeping – 5 pts.

of 15

Reflected in part 3a and 3b of Project narrative

Budget (20 Points) Level of Detail & Completeness – 5 pts.

Alignment with Project Activities – 10 pts.

Eligibility of Expenses and documentation of Other Funding Sources

– 5 pts.

of 20

Reflected in part 3c of Project narrative Line items are clear; calculations are included, budget table is complete.

Expenses directly support Project activities.

Expenses meet eligibility requirements.

Other funding sources/amounts are clearly identified.