Become a DER Priority Project

What you need

The Priority Project selection process begins with a pre-Request for Response (RFR). During this time, we encourage applicants to contact us to discuss project ideas. Once DER releases the formal Request for Response applicants typically have six weeks to respond. DER posts the pre-RFR and the RFR on the Commonwealth’s procurement website, COMMBUYS. Eligible applicants include private property owners, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions.

Evaluation criteria are released with the RFR. Typically, DER selects projects based on ecological and community benefits and local leadership. Selected projects are eligible for:

• technical services such as data collection, engineering, design work, and permitting;
• project management and fundraising help from DER staff; and
• small grants.

Each year, DER reviews projects and works with the project sponsor to determine the type of assistance that will be most useful. Once a project is on the Priority Project list, there is no need to reapply.

If a project has high ecological benefits but critical feasibility issues, DER may select the project as a Provisional Project. DER will review progress toward resolving feasibility issues one year after the project was selected. Projects that have resolved identified issues may receive full Priority Project status.