Apply for a Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Electric Solicitation Grant

Next steps for Apply for a Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Electric Solicitation Grant

1. What to Know

   The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is accepting applications for approximately $1.88 million in funding for projects that will reduce diesel emissions from vehicles and equipment across the state.

   MassDEP is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and environmental justice (EJ) through its public investments. The agency seeks to prioritize the direction of these resources to benefit EJ communities and to address environmental inequities. To that end, MassDEP grant and funding programs include criteria and evaluation parameters that emphasize equity, diversity, and environmental justice, consistent with each program’s statutory authority and source of funding.

2. Review the Instructions & Determine Your Eligibility

   Please read the Guidance & Requirements document below for eligibility and selection criteria, as well as program procedures. 

   Open PDF file, 280.83 KB, for DERA Electric Solicitation Application Guidance & Grant Requirements (English, PDF 280.83 KB)

3. Apply Online

   The application period for these competitive awards closed on August 24, 2022.

   You will need to complete and upload a copy of the Eligibility Statement below as part of the online application process. The Word form can be filled out on a computer. The PDF version needs to be printed and completed by hand.

   If your project involves a marine vessel, you also will need to complete and upload the DERA Marine Engines Spreadsheet below when applying online.

   Please email cayla.paulding@mass.gov if you need assistance. Subscribe here to be placed on a mailing list for future funding opportunities.

   Open DOCX file, 37.25 KB, for DERA Electric Solicitation Grant Eligibility Form (English, DOCX 37.25 KB)

   Open PDF file, 71.33 KB, for DERA Electric Solicitation Grant Eligibility Form (English, PDF 71.33 KB)

   Open XLSX file, 10.74 KB, for DERA Marine Engines Spreadsheet (English, XLSX 10.74 KB)

4. MassDEP Reviews All Applications

   After verifying your eligibility and checking your application for completeness, MassDEP will then assess all applications based on DERA Electric Solicitation requirements and selection criteria, as described in the Grant Requirements.

   MassDEP will email all selected applicants approval letters and contract documents that specify the terms and conditions of their awards.

   Example Contract Documents 

5. Complete Your DERA Open Solicitation Project

   Once you have signed and returned your contract documents to MassDEP, you should complete your project by September 30, 2023. You must submit quarterly reports to MassDEP, detailing progress and explaining delays.

   If you are going to need more time, you may request an extension. You must do this at least one month before the above date, explain why you need an extension, and provide a plan and timeline for completing your project. Extensions are granted at the agency's discretion.

   MassDEP will generally make grant payments once you have installed and started operating all new equipment, and have scrapped the old equipment it has replaced. Please note, however: Because payments must be made within the same fiscal year that equipment is delivered or project work is executed, payments may need to be split. The Massachusetts fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. This means that if you receive a grant, you must request payments no later than July 15 for equipment delivered or project work executed on or before June 30.