RFP for Pollution Prevention & Food Waste Reduction TAP

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is requesting proposals for a Pollution Prevention and Food Waste Reduction Technical Assistance Program (RFP 260000002460), with proposals due September 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. The contract is funded by an EPA Pollution Prevention grant and carries mandatory federal compliance requirements, including debarment verification through SAM, Clean Air Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act compliance for contracts exceeding $150,000, Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment certification for bids exceeding $100,000, and domestic preferences for U.S.-produced goods where applicable.

The scope requires the contractor to deliver technical assistance to 8–12 food and beverage manufacturing facilities in Michigan over one year, including pre-assessment meetings, in-person site visits, and follow-up consultations at 8, 16, and 32 weeks post-visit. Key deliverables include at least two listening sessions and one roundtable with industry stakeholders; development of webpage content and a comprehensive toolbox with outreach materials; four case studies highlighting best practices; and a minimum of three educational webinars or workshops with recorded presentations. The contractor must employ at least two key personnel with a minimum of 10 years of industrial process and facility audit experience and expertise across industrial processes, food waste, organics, energy use, water use, and waste reduction. All digital deliverables must be ADA compliant. Out-of-state contractors are permitted as prime contractors, though in-state key personnel are preferred.

The contract term is one year, effective October 15, 2026, with an optional renewal of up to one additional year contingent on EPA grant extension. Pricing must be firm for the entire contract period, submitted in modifiable Excel format with lump-sum and hourly rates by role. The contractor is responsible for recruiting facility participation with EGLE support.

Evaluation criteria total 100 points: General Requirements (15 points), Project Plan (25 points), Reporting (10 points), Key Personnel (25 points), and Vendor Questions Worksheet responses (25 points). Proposals scoring 80 or more points advance to price evaluation. The State reserves the right to negotiate terms and conducts reference checks. Contracts valued $250,000 or more require State Administrative Board approval. Questions were due August 27, 2026. Lisa VanOstran, Solicitation Manager, may be reached at 517-599-7680 or vanostranl@michigan.gov. Proposals are binding for 180 days from submission.