The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (“EGLE”) has issued a request for proposals (“RFP”) offering matching grants through its Retooling Program for small manufacturers to implement energy efficiency upgrades. A total of $250,000 in funding is expected to be available, with the maximum individual grant award amount of $50,000.

Eligible entities include any small manufacturing business (less than 500 employees worldwide) physically located in Michigan. Eligible projects must involve or address the following program objectives:

1. Achieve meaningful energy and cost savings by enhancing the process energy efficiency of Michigan small manufacturing facilities.
2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Improve the resiliency of Michigan small manufacturing facilities through process improvements that reduce energy input per unit produced.
4. Disseminate project successes to accelerate the adoption of process efficiency technologies and best practices by Michigan’s manufacturing sector.

Eligible projects must also involve or address one or more of the following program priorities:

1. Showcasing energy waste reduction as an affordable, reliable, adaptable, and environmentally protective solution for Michigan’s energy future. Energy waste reduction, as defined in Public Act 342 of 2016 (MCL 1001 et seq.), includes energy efficiency, load management, and energy conservation.
2. Use of energy audit/assessment results, from a recognized provider such as the RESTART program, to guide energy efficiency investments.
3. Increasing accessibility to energy waste reduction and the associated benefits for a broad range of end-users.
4. Strategic deployment of energy waste reduction across the state that leverages regional strengths and opportunities.
5. Cultivating public-private partnerships and knowledge-sharing to expand the impact of energy waste reduction projects and related best practices.
6. Increasing opportunities for business investment, talent enhancement, state branding, and community vitality.
7. Showcasing electrification, clean fuel, or other energy efficiency projects intended to achieve significant reduction in net onsite GHG emissions.
8. Manufacturing process energy efficiency-focused projects with significant material, water, labor, or other cost savings.
9. Projects from economically challenged industrial sectors or Michigan manufacturing facilities likely to significantly further the climate, environmental justice, equity, or Michigan Upper Peninsula energy priorities of EGLE.
10. Support the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

Proposals will be evaluated and scored for selection in accordance with the following criteria (total maximum points are 100):

• Project Scope & Objectives (20 Points)

Proposals will be evaluated based on the scope of work, its merit, and the quality of information submitted. The proposal problem statement, goals and objectives, and timeline are of special interest.

• Project Feasibility (15 Points)

Proposals will be evaluated on their likelihood of success and feasibility to achieve the purpose, outcomes, and tasks required by this RFP within the established timeframe.

• Project Impact (15 Points)

Proposals will be evaluated on their anticipated short and long-term impacts.

• Experience of Organization/Project Team (10 Points)

Proposals will be evaluated on the experience and qualifications of the organization and project team in carrying out related projects.

• Program Priorities (20 Points)

Proposals will be evaluated on the incorporation of the Retooling Program priorities.

• Diversity Equity and Inclusion (10 Points)

Proposals will be evaluated on whether the applicant participates in a program certification such as minority-owned businesses, Veteran-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, and/or businesses owned by economically disadvantaged populations as defined by federal or state government.

• Environmental Justice (10 Points)

Proposals will be evaluated on whether the proposed program takes place in or benefits an Environmental Justice Community based on the EGLE MiEJScreen and Environmental Protection Agency’s EJScreen tools.

As this is a reimbursement-based opportunity, costs must first be incurred and paid for. All applicants must provide a minimum 100 percent match of the total requested grant funds. Proposals must be submitted by March 3, 2024.