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

Next steps

1. What to Know

   The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is accepting applications for approximately $3.66 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, 303.95 KB,  DERA Electric Solicitation Application Guidance & Grant Requirements (English, PDF 303.95 KB)

   Open PDF file, 198.85 KB,  DERA Electric Solicitation - Response to Questions (English, PDF 198.85 KB)

3. Apply Online

   The application period for these competitive awards closes on April 7, 2025.

   You will need to complete and upload copies of the Eligibility Statement and DERA Project Information Form below as part of the online application process.

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

   If you have questions about this application, email them to Cayla Paulding at cayla.paulding@mass.gov no later than 5 p.m. on March 17, 2025. MassDEP will post written responses to substantive questions at least 10 days before the application deadline.

   Subscribe here to be placed on a mailing list for future funding opportunities.

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

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

   Open XLSX file, 960.74 KB,  DERA Project Information Form (English, XLSX 960.74 KB)

   Open XLSX file, 10.74 KB,  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 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, 2026.

   If you are going to need more time, you may request an extension, but an extension is not guaranteed. 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 MassDEP'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.