Request For Proposals: Grants for Enhancing MA Grid Resilience & Reliability

This RFP solicits applications for grants funded under Section 40101(d) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) administers approximately $13.5 million in DOE funding to support projects that enhance the resilience and reliability of the electric grid, prevent outages, and mitigate the impact of disruptive events. The program prioritizes projects located in Environmental Justice (EJ) communities and projects that generate the greatest community benefit in reducing the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events.

Eligible applicants include electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity generators, transmission owners or operators, distribution providers, fuel suppliers, and any other relevant entity as determined by the Secretary of DOE. Entities are categorized as either "small" (selling less than 4,000,000 MWh of electricity annually) or "large" (selling more than 4,000,000 MWh annually or not selling electricity). Large entities must provide cost match of 100-115% of the award; small entities must provide cost match of one-third to one-third plus 15% of the award.

Eligible project activities include various grid resilience and reliability improvements such as large-scale battery storage, virtual power plant networks, distribution and transmission improvements, and other projects that measurably improve grid resilience. The program requires a five-year period of performance, which can be extended to a maximum of ten years if necessary. MassCEC commits to reserving at least 40% of funding for projects in EJ communities.

Applications must be submitted to grid@masscec.com with "MA 40101(d) Subaward Application" in the subject line. The application process includes submission of the application form, project narrative, project workplan, budget justification workbook, proposed project metrics, commitment and support letters, and environmental questionnaire. Selected applicants may be required to participate in interviews with a review panel. Following proposal submission, top applicants will be interviewed 2-4 weeks later, recommended projects will be submitted to DOE 6-8 weeks after proposals are due, and award notification is expected 4-6 months following MassCEC submittal to DOE.