Grant Announcement MA Clean Vessel Act Grant

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is soliciting grant applications under the Clean Vessel Act program to fund recreational boating facilities that prevent waste discharge into marine waterways and enhance boating access. Funding, sourced from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, totals up to $1,500,000 available across multiple awardees, with awards made on a competitive basis. Applicants must propose projects involving the construction, renovation, operation, or maintenance of pump-out stations, floating restrooms, or sewage transfer systems located exclusively in Massachusetts coastal waters, excluding upland restrooms, freshwater systems, or municipal treatment plants. The contract period runs from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, with all project work and documentation required to be completed by the end date. Grantees are required to cover 100% of project costs upfront and are eligible for reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible expenses, contingent on submission of detailed reports, affidavits, pump-out logs, and supporting financial documentation. A 25% non-federal match, provided through cash or in-kind contributions, is mandatory and cannot include federal funds. Equipment valued above $10,000 with a useful life of five years or more must remain in service for its full lifespan and be used solely for its intended purpose. All public communications must acknowledge both state and federal funding sources. Proposals are limited to ten pages and must be submitted via email to the designated contact by September 15, 2026, noon. Applications must include standardized state forms, a W-9, and an electronic funds transfer authorization. No contract line items or pricing schedules are established; awards are determined through evaluation of proposal quality, alignment with program goals, and the needs of Massachusetts recreational boaters, with no defined scoring weights or evaluation categories. The contract is not subject to traditional FAR clauses, operates as a state grant, and may be terminated if federal funding is withdrawn, with no compensation for work performed during suspension. Amendments may be issued through COMMBUYS, and all modifications to the grant terms are prohibited.