Dep-Baw-Noi-2026-Air Sensor Grant-Announcement Only

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is offering a grant opportunity under solicitation number BD-26-1045-BAW00-BAW01-121839, aimed at tribal organizations, non-profit entities, community-based organizations, and municipalities within Massachusetts. Selected grantees will receive up to five PurpleAir Flex air quality sensors at no cost, with availability of between five to ten sensors per applicant to monitor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in outdoor air. The sensors must be deployed in outdoor locations within the Commonwealth, remain operational for at least one continuous year, and be registered on the PurpleAir platform in “Public” mode to ensure data transparency and accessibility. Grantees are responsible for site selection, installation, continuous sensor operation, and reporting outcomes as requested by MassDEP. The program’s total funding allocation is approximately $128,567, covering procurement, distribution, and sensor replacements if units fail during the operational period. The formal grant agreement outlines specific obligations and restrictions for both MassDEP and the grantees. MassDEP is responsible for shipping the sensors and providing replacements when necessary, while the grantee must inspect, deploy, register, operate, and maintain the sensors, ensuring uninterrupted data collection except for brief maintenance or outages. Restrictions include prohibitions on transferring or altering sensor ownership during the one-year term without authorization. Grantees must publicly acknowledge MassDEP in all communications concerning the grant, and report any defects or issues with sensors promptly. The sensors must be installed at outdoor sites with access to electricity and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and placed between 7 and 30 feet above ground with unobstructed airflow. Compliance with environmental regulations remains the grantee’s responsibility, and indemnification provisions protect MassDEP and the Commonwealth against liabilities arising from sensor use. The application deadline is June 30, 2026, with submissions accepted electronically via the COMMBUYS platform, and primary contact support provided by Shaun Santos at MassDEP. This initiative reflects MassDEP’s commitment to enhancing community-based environmental monitoring and data-driven air quality awareness throughout Massachusetts.