Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to conduct two critical assessments related to the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, an extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for packaging and paper products. The first is a preliminary assessment, and the second is a comprehensive needs assessment, both aimed at gathering essential information on the lifecycle, management, and reuse of packaging and paper products within Minnesota. These assessments will culminate in two reports that summarize findings and will inform the development of a statewide EPR program. The project must adhere to specific deadlines, with the preliminary assessment report due by December 31, 2025, and the needs assessment report by December 31, 2026, allowing time for review and public comment by the Packaging EPR Advisory Board, producer responsibility organizations, and other stakeholders. The contract, valued between $500,000 and $2,000,000, is open to contractors who are not producers, producer responsibility organizations, or members of the advisory board to avoid conflicts of interest. Respondents are required to submit their proposals by April 8, 2025. The solicitation emphasizes transparency and compliance, providing a form for bidders to list any exceptions to the state's terms and conditions, which must be signed and justified if applicable. The project is managed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, and interested parties can find additional information and submit proposals through the designated online portal.