MiCorps Program Administration

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is seeking a contractor to administer the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) Program through a Request for Proposal (RFP 250000002293). The contract, spanning five years from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2030, requires comprehensive administration of volunteer water quality monitoring programs, including the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP), Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program (VSMP), and Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program (VSCP). Key deliverables include maintaining the MiCorps website, managing grant programs ranging from $500 to $5,000, restructuring the web-based database, organizing an annual conference, providing professional development opportunities, and promoting volunteer water quality monitoring. The evaluation process will assess technical capabilities, with proposals receiving 80 or more points eligible for pricing evaluation. Proposals are due by July 2, 2025, with an anticipated contract start date of October 1, 2025. Contractors must demonstrate expertise in data management, volunteer training, technical assistance, and communication strategies related to water quality monitoring.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for specific types of organizations. The contract requires a 25% local match for grants and will be funded through proceeds from Water Quality Protection license plates and state appropriations. The state reserves the right to award multiple contracts and will consider factors such as economic impact, job creation, and total cost of ownership in the final selection. An existing Memorandum of Understanding with Michigan Lake & Stream Associations (ML&SA) provides historical context for cooperative lake monitoring efforts. While specific budget maximums are not defined, the contract includes minimum annual funding allocations of $75,000 for VSMP grants and $25,000 for VSCP grants, subject to yearly departmental budget adjustments. The pricing model allows for a 20% indirect cost allocation based on salary and fringe expenses, with the overall contract value expected to be substantial given the comprehensive nature of the program administration requirements.