Dep-Baw-Noi-Fy2025-Commercial Refrigeration Grant (CRG) Program-Round 2-Announcement Only

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a solicitation (BD-25-1045-BAW00-BAW01-110510) dated December 16, 2024, for the Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, Round 2, for Fiscal Year 2025. This grant program aims to incentivize the voluntary adoption of ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants—specifically refrigerants with a GWP less than 10—in commercial refrigeration equipment within Massachusetts. Targeted primarily at retail food establishments, food banks, and nonprofit institutions, the initiative seeks to replace hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, which are potent greenhouse gases, with environmentally preferable alternatives such as trans-critical CO₂, ammonia, propane, and certain HFOs. The program has an overall funding pool of approximately $1.9 million, with individual project funding capped at $75,000 for new facilities and $200,000 for existing ones, and up to $500,000 maximum per applicant. Financial incentives are higher for projects located in designated Environmental Justice (EJ) communities, underscoring the program’s focus on equity and environmental justice. Funding is distributed on a rolling basis until the budget is exhausted, with a three-year project completion timeline from contract execution. Applicants must own or operate qualifying facilities in Massachusetts and ensure that refrigeration systems use certified technicians for installation and maintenance, complying with relevant environmental regulations including refrigerant handling and disposal laws. Eligible costs include equipment purchase and installation; administrative or unrelated expenses are excluded. The program promotes workforce development and mandates submission of quarterly status reports and a final project report, which together with on-site inspections, form part of the grant agreement’s compliance and reimbursement process. Disbursements are milestone-based: 20% upon equipment order, 70% upon delivery, and the remaining 10% following final report acceptance. The grant agreement incorporates the Commonwealth Standard Contract Form and references detailed program requirements, including data submission for greenhouse gas emissions reduction calculations. The MassDEP retains rights to inspect project sites during the three-year contract term, enforce program compliance with remedies including denial of payment or rescission of awards, and requires public acknowledgment of grant support in all project communications. Applications are submitted electronically via COMMBUYS, with Carlos Marquez listed as the primary point of contact. Overall, this grant program constitutes a focused environmental initiative leveraging state funding to drive climate-friendly upgrades in commercial refrigeration, prioritizing emissions reduction, environmental justice, and local workforce enhancement.