2026 Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program - RFP Document

The State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management is issuing a Request for Proposals for the 2026 Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, Round I. This procurement seeks proposals for the development, implementation, or improvement of programs, projects, initiatives, or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal in eligible categories including solid waste diversion 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, while ineligible costs include administrative and indirect costs, full-time or part-time employee salaries (except short-term students or interns), proposal preparation costs, and any disposal-related expenses. Projects referencing landfilling or waste-to-energy incineration are ineligible. Proposals will be 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. Applicants must submit written questions by 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 (VSS) system. The anticipated contract period runs from June 15, 2026 to June 15, 2028.

Eligible applicants are Maine-based public or private entities that can demonstrate a 25% project match requirement and must disclose their environmental compliance history and any current or recent litigation. The State of Maine anticipates making up to six awards, each ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, based on proposal ranking and fund availability. No best and final offers will be accepted; all bidders are expected to submit their best value pricing with initial proposals. No set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are specified in this solicitation. Applicants seeking additional information or clarification should contact the RFP Coordinator, Lindsay Caron, Office Specialist II, at Lindsay.er.caron@maine.gov.