Competitive Grants and Contracts

Postings include all outgoing grants and open-ended PT services. Each solicitation includes a brief description of work and a link to its Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Applications (RFA). More grants and contracts can be found on the State of Minnesota’s Supplier Portal.

Competitive Contracts

Medical Consultants - Ongoing Solicitation for FY23-FY27 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2027)
Medical Consultants

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minnesota Disability Determination Services (DDS) requests applications to work as a medical contractor reviewing the disability claims of Minnesotans who have applied for Social Security Disability benefits. All work must occur on the secured Social Security Administration Network. The State anticipates issuing multiple contracts for this work. This is an ongoing solicitation.

Request for Proposals
- Medical Consultants Request for Proposals (final amended 3/30/22)
- Sample Contract
- Questions and Answers Received during RFP Process
Deadline

All requirements and information, as well as proposal delivery instructions are contained in the RFP. Inquiries regarding the RFP may be directed by email to Milla Kokotovich, Disability Determination Services at Milla.Kokotovich@ssa.gov. Deadline for initial inquiries is Monday, March 28, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Other department personnel are NOT allowed to discuss the Request for Proposal with anyone, including responders, before the proposal submission deadline.

Proposals must be emailed to: Milla Kokotovich, Disability Determination Services, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development at Milla.Kokotovich@ssa.gov or sent via mail to Milla Kokotovich, Project Coordinator, MN Disability Determination Services, 121 7th Place East; Suite 300, St. Paul, MN 55101. Proposals for initial evaluation must be received by 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2022. Following the initial selection process, applications will remain open on the DEED and Department of Administration, Office of State Procurement (OSP) website and selected on an as needed basis. Applications are still welcome beyond April 11, 2022.

All costs incurred in responding to the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be borne by the responder. The Department of Employment and Economic Development reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any irregularities or informalities, and to cancel the solicitation if it is considered to be its own best interest. This Request for Proposals does not obligate DEED to award a contract.

For an alternative version of this document, please reach out to Milla.Kokotovich@ssa.gov.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) Technical Assistance Service Providers (August 10, 2026 – June 30, 2027)
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) Technical Assistance Service Providers

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) through its Economic Development and Research Division, is seeking proposals from qualified Responders to participate in the SSBCI 2.0 TA Program (Program). Eligible Responders must be attorneys or accountants licensed by the State of Minnesota who are qualified to provide one-on-one services to small businesses in Minnesota owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) and/or Very Small Businesses (VSB) as defined by the Program.

Request for Proposals
Deadline

Submit your response via email to: Julie Corcoran, Solicitation Administrator at julie.corcoran@state.mn.us

Proposals must be received by email and the application via the web-based form. This is an ongoing solicitation through June 30, 2027. Proposals for the initial evaluation period (21-day publication) must be received by 4:30 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2026. Late responses will not be considered after 4:30 p.m. June 30, 2027, the close date of the Request for Proposal.

By submitting a response, responder is making a binding legal offer for the period of time set forth in Section 6, Conditions of Offer. The technical proposal must be submitted separately from the cost proposal.

For alternative versions of these documents, please reach out to julie.corcoran@state.mn.us.
Vend DIF Grant Program Services to State Services for the Blind - Ongoing Solicitation (October 26, 2026 – April 19, 2027)
Vend DIF Grant Program Services to State Services for the Blind

The Department of Employment and Economic Development ("DEED"), State Services for the Blind ("SSB") requests applications to provide Adjustment To Blindness ("ATB") and other rehabilitation training, and employment-related services including Workplace Activities to Applicants and eligible blind, low vision and DeafBlind Customers ("Applications") through the Disability Innovation Fund ("DIF") Grant Program.

This Request for Proposals ("RFP") will result in multiple contracts awarded to qualified responders in order to meet the State's needs.
- Request for Proposals (posted October 26, 2026)
  - RFP Addendum 1 - Questions and Answers (posted November 6, 2026)
- Online Application
- RFP Attachments
- RFP Sample Master Contract
Deadline

After completing the Online Application as outlined in the RFP Attachments, specifically Attachment A: Application and Forms, please send an email to Jennifer.Beilke@state.mn.us with the subject line: "DIF RFP Response [Name of Organization]." Follow the instructions in the RFP, Section 1, Step 3.

Proposals for the initial evaluation period (21-day publication) must be received by 4:30 p.m., Central Time (CT), Monday, November 16, 2026. Proposals are welcomed beyond November 16, 2026 until Monday, April 19, 2027 ("Close Date").

By submitting a response, Responder is making a binding legal offer for the period of time set forth as outlined in the RFP, Section 6, #10 Conditions of Offer.

All costs incurred in responding to this RFP will be borne by the Responder.

Technical Assistance
- The contact person for questions is Jennifer Beilke, State Program Administrator ("Solicitation Administrator") Jennifer.Beilke@state.mn.us
- Please use the email subject line "Question(s) re: Vend DIF Grant Program Services to SSB."
- Questions should be emailed to the Solicitation Administrator no later than 12:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 ("Question Period").
- The questions and answers will be posted via Addendum to this site for this Request for Proposal to Vend DIF Grant Program Services to State Services for the Blind.
- Other personnel are not authorized to answer questions regarding this Solicitation.
Vend Services to State Services for the Blind - Ongoing Solicitation (June 8, 2026 – November 30, 2026)
Vend Services to State Services for the Blind

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (“DEED”), State Services for the Blind (“SSB”) requests applications to provide Adjustment To Blindness (“ATB”) and other rehabilitation training, employment-related services, and pre-employment transition services (“Pre-ETS”) to Applicants and eligible blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers (“Applications”). “Applicants” refers to individuals who have applied for services through the Vocational Rehabilitation (“VR”) program and have not yet been determined eligible.

It is the goal of this project that SSB customers have available to them community resources that DEED will purchase on their behalf so that they may achieve vocational and personal independence. An important aspect of this project is that the pool of resources is sufficient to offer customers a breadth of choices from which to make their informed selection.

This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) will result in multiple contracts awarded to qualified responders in order to meet the State’s needs.
Deadline

After completing the Online Application as outlined in the RFP Attachments, specifically Attachment A: Application and Forms, please send an email to Jennifer.Beilke@state.mn.us with the subject line: “RFP Response [Name of Organization].” Follow the instructions in the RFP, Section 1, Step 3.

Proposals for the initial evaluation period (21-day publication) must be received by 4:30 p.m., Central Time (CT), Monday, June 29, 2026. Proposals are welcomed beyond June 29, 2026 until November 30, 2026 ("Close Date").

By submitting a response, Responder is making a binding legal offer for the period of time set forth as outlined in the RFP, Section 6, #10 Conditions of Offer.

All costs incurred in responding to this RFP will be borne by the Responder.

Technical Assistance
- The contact person for questions is Jennifer Beilke, State Program Administrator (“Solicitation Administrator”) Jennifer.Beilke@state.mn.us
- Please use the email subject line “Question(s) re: Vend Services to SSB.”
- Questions should be emailed to the Solicitation Administrator no later than 12:00 p.m. CT on Monday, June 15, 2026 (“Question Period”).
- The questions and answers will be posted via Addendum to this site for this Request for Proposal to Vend Services to State Services for the Blind.
- Other personnel are not authorized to answer questions regarding this Solicitation.

Competitive Grants

Cannabis Industry Startup Financing (CanStartup)
Cannabis Industry Startup Financing (CanStartup)

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is requesting proposals from qualified Responders that seek grant funding for the purpose of originating and servicing loans to new cannabis microbusinesses. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit corporations to fund loans to new cannabis microbusinesses and to support job creation in communities where long-term residents are eligible to be Social Equity Applicants. This is a competitive funding opportunity offered through the Department of Employment and Economic Development and its Office of Business Finance.

Request for Proposals
Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. Central Time, on July 27, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications shall be submitted via web-based platform link through Formstack. Please respond in full to each prompt and submit all required attachments as instructed. To avoid any loss of work, be sure to save work as you go.

Incomplete applications will be rejected and not evaluated. Applications must include all required application materials, including attachments. Do not provide any materials that are not requested in this RFP, as such materials will not be considered nor evaluated.

DEED reserves the right to reject any application that does not meet these requirements.

By submitting an application, each applicant warrants that the information provided is true, correct, and reliable for purposes of evaluation for potential grant award. The submission of inaccurate or misleading information may be grounds for disqualification from the award, as well as subject the applicant to suspension or debarment proceedings and other remedies available by law.

All costs incurred in responding to this RFP will be borne by the applicant.

Technical Assistance

All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by email to Canstartup.deed@state.mn.us. Questions and answers will be posted within five days of receipt on the solicitation page.

To obtain this information in a different format, call: 651-259-7578.
Childcare Economic Development Grant
Childcare Economic Development Grant

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Office of Childcare and Community Services, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to receive grants to be used to implement solutions to reduce the childcare shortage in the state. This includes but is not limited to funding for childcare business start-ups or expansion, retention and long-term sustainability of current child care programs, training, facility modifications, direct subsidies or incentives to retain employees, or improvements required for licensing, and assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements.

Request for Proposals
- Request for Proposals (DOCX)
- Request for Proposals (Accessible PDF)
- Application (DOCX)
- Questions and Answers (DOCX) (2/25/2026)
Visit the Child Care Economic Development webpage.

Visit the Child Care Access Equity Area map. This is a correction to the link found in the RFP.

Deadline

RFP posted on the Department of Employment and Economic Development web site: February 5, 2026
Questions due no later than: March 5, 2026 4:00 p.m. Central Time
Applications due no later than: March 17, 2026 4:00 p.m. Central Time
Committee begins review of applications: March 26, 2026
Selected applicants undergo pre-award risk assessment: April 2026
Selected grantees announced; grant contract agreement negotiations begin: May 2026
Work plans approved and grant begins: May/June 2026

Technical Assistance

Individuals with disabilities who need alternative formats can contact DEED at 651-259-7553 for assistance.

All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by email to CCED.DEED@state.mn.us. Questions and answers will be posted within 10 days of receipt at https://mn.gov/deed/about/contracts/open-rfp.jsp

All prospective applicants are encouraged to review the information session recording:
- February 19, 2026
  - Recording
  - Presentation
Contamination Cleanup and Investigation and RAP Development Grant Program
Contamination Cleanup and Investigation and RAP Development Grant Program

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit, is accepting grant applications through the Contamination Cleanup and Investigation and RAP Development Grant Program.

This grant program assists local communities with the investigation and cleanup of soil, soil vapor, and groundwater contamination at previously or currently developed sites. Sites where significant barriers exist to redevelop contaminated properties into a different and/or more productive use are complex and more costly to redevelop than undeveloped parcels. This program is not intended for parties that have operated on the site long-term, but rather to assist new parties with site redevelopment. Grants are awarded based on statewide, statutory criteria.

Call for Applications
- Call for Applications
Three complete sets of applications (application form and required attachments) are required for each site. One paper copy and two electronic copies (two separate flash drives) are required. All three copies must be complete and submitted by the deadline to be considered for funding. Applications may be sent by mail or courier to the following address but must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026. Alternatively, applications may be delivered in person on November 2, 2026. If delivering in person, please take the 5th Street elevators (by the guard’s desk) to the 12th floor and leave the applications on the cart located in the DEED elevator lobby. Applications will be retrieved promptly.

Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit
Great Northern Building
180 East Fifth Street, Suite 1200
St. Paul, MN 55101

Applications submitted by email will NOT be accepted. Applications should be in a binder with all attachments labeled and tabbed.

Technical Assistance

For questions regarding the application process or to seek clarification on application instructions/questions, please contact the Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit at 651-259-7451.

Application Information Sessions

To learn more about the DEED's Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant Programs, along with other local funding programs, and to have the opportunity to discuss potential projects and/or questions, please attend the information sessions below.

Hosted by DEED and Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation.

Chisholm

Hosted by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation
Thursday, September 17, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Information Session

Mineland Reclamation Building
1003 Discovery Dr
Chisholm, MN 55719

*Registration Needed — Event filled; waitlist available
Go MN! Service Provider Grant
Go MN! Service Provider Grant

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED-VRS) is requesting proposals from VRS Community Partners with a VRS Professional and Technical (P/T) contract to partner on VRS’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant model demonstration project titled Go MN! and provide Progressive Employment services to individuals currently working in subminimum wage employment or who may be contemplating subminimum wage employment in our Apple Valley, Faribault/Owatonna, Rochester, Winona and Woodbury locations. This grant will provide funding to qualified responders to attend “Jobsville” team meetings twice per month as part of implementing the Progressive Employment model, as well as to attend Progressive Employment training and other related meetings and trainings. These funds will be provided to qualified responders to supplement the provision of work-based learning activities and employment services to participants of the Go MN! program.

Request for Proposals
Deadline

All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. Central Time, on Friday, January 30, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. The applicant will incur all costs incurred in applying to this RFP.

Technical Assistance

All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by email to tyler.sadek@state.mn.us. All answers will be posted within three business days. Please submit questions no later than 4:30 p.m. Central time, on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Minnesota Job Skills Partnership - Partnership and Pathways Programs
Minnesota Job Skills Partnership - Partnership and Pathways Programs

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Board, through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is soliciting grant applications for grant funding for new and incumbent worker training programs. MJSP will accept applications for the Partnership and Pathways Programs. In addition, applications for Pre-Development grants for the Partnership Program will be considered. DEED is committed to empowering the growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone. DEED facilitates an economic environment to produce jobs and improve the quality of the state's workforce.

Request for Proposals
- Request for Proposals
Deadline

The deadline for the submission of regular grant applications is 4:30 p.m., Central Time, on Monday, September 14, 2026. Short Form and Pre-Development applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m., Central Time, on Monday, October 5, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. The applicant will incur all costs incurred in applying to this RFP.

Applications must be submitted via email to the Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota Job Skills Partnership office at deed.mjsp@state.mn.us as one file, including attachments, in a PDF format.

Technical Assistance

Questions may be submitted by email or phone to Fun Fun Cheng at funfun.cheng@state.mn.us, 651-259-7514.
Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program - Ongoing Solicitation
Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program

The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO), an office within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is soliciting applications for funding for eligible Minnesota-based small businesses to participate in export development activities that will assist the company to begin exporting or increase their exports from Minnesota. Proposals are accepted until all funds are committed.

Request for Proposals
- Download the RFP (Fillable PDF)
Applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis as they are received. Proposals must be submitted electronically to Jackie Geiger.

For complete information on the STEP Program, see the Export Financing Programs webpage.

For an alternative version of this document, please reach out to Jackie Geiger.
Paid Leave Small Employer Assistance Grants

Paid Leave Small Employer Assistance Grants

Minnesota Paid Leave, a division of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is accepting grant applications from small employers to help cover costs when an employee has taken leave. If you qualify as a small employer under Paid Leave, you can apply for a Small Employer Assistance Grant (SEAG). These funds help manage the cost of hiring temporary workers, increasing hours or wages, or training staff when an employee takes Paid Leave.

Grants offer up to $3,000 per leave, with a maximum of $6,000 per employer each calendar year. This is a reimbursement program, so employers must first pay costs and show proof of payment to receive grant funds.

Deadline

Employers must apply within 12 months of the date that their employee's leave ends. They can also apply during an employee's leave if all requirements are met.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but the program is funded at $5,000,000 annually. Once those funds are fully used, no additional applications will be accepted that calendar year. Expenses incurred before January 1, 2026, are not eligible.

Applications

Employers can request a SEAG application packet within their Paid Leave Administrator Account. Once they have requested the packet, they will receive information by email, including the application form.

Learn More

To learn more about the SEAG program, including who qualifies and how grant funds may be used, visit Small employers | Minnesota Paid Leave.

Get Help

For questions or support with the application process, email PaidLeave.seag.DEED@state.mn.us or reach out to the Paid Leave Contact Center by calling 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444 (toll-free).
Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs
Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs

The Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit, is accepting grant applications through the Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs.
- Call for Applications
Deadline

All applications and required attachments must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on August 3, 2026. Three complete sets of applications (application form and required attachments) are required for each site. One paper copy and two electronic copies on separate flash drives are required. All three copies must be complete and submitted by the deadline to be considered for funding.

Applications sent by mail or courier must be delivered to the following address on or before the application deadline.

Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit
Great Northern Building
180 East Fifth Street, Suite 1200
St. Paul, MN 55101

On August 3, 2026, applications may be submitted in person at the above address. Please take the 5th Street elevators (by the guard’s desk) to the 12th floor and leave applications on the cart located in the DEED elevator lobby. Applications will be retrieved promptly.

Applications submitted by email will NOT be accepted. Applications should be in a binder, spiral-bound, or, at a minimum, binder clipped with all attachments marked and tabbed.

Technical Assistance

For questions regarding the application process or to seek clarification on application instructions/questions, please contact the Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit at 651-259-7451.

Application Information Sessions

Join our Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs Workshop. The workshops are scheduled during typical lunch hours. While DEED will not be providing lunch, participants are welcome to bring their own meal to enjoy during the presentation.

Tuesday June 23, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
CareerForce in Blaine
1201 89th Ave NE (Room 2014)
Blaine, MN 55434

Wednesday June 24, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
CareerForce in Rochester
2070 College View Rd E – Door H8
Rochester, MN 55904

Tuesday June 30, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
CareerForce in Brainerd
204 Laurel St, Ste 21
Brainerd, MN 56401
Small Cities Development Program Call for Applications
Small Cities Development Program Call for Applications

The Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) Unit is accepting Preliminary Proposals, the first stage in the grant application process, for eligible activities addressing community needs for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation, rental rehabilitation and/or commercial building rehabilitation or public facility improvements through SCDP.

Call for Applications
- Call for Applications
Deadline

The application process for SCDP funding consists of a Preliminary Proposal and a Full Application phase.

Eligible applicants must submit one original and one copy of the Preliminary Proposal to the address listed below. The original and copy must be printed in color. SCDP staff will review and evaluate all Preliminary Proposals submitted to determine which projects are eligible and how competitive eligible projects would be in the application phase.

For courier or U.S. Mail delivery prior to the due date of November 25, 2026, proposals must be sent to:

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Great Northern Building
180 E 5th Street, Suite 1200
St. Paul, MN 55101
Attn: Natasha Kukowski, Community Finance Division - Small Cities Development Program Unit

Preliminary Proposal Due Date Note: Proposals may be dropped off at the 5th Street entrance of the Great Northern Building on November 25, 2026 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 180 East Fifth Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. There will be a cart at the 12th floor elevator lobby on November 25, 2026. Preliminary Proposals must be received by DEED on or before 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. Faxed or e-mailed proposals will NOT be accepted.

Please e-mail Natasha Kukowski at Natasha.Kukowski@state.mn.us to confirm your Preliminary Proposal has been received.

Application Information and Office Hour Sessions

The Small Cities Development Program Preliminary Proposals, Full Application, SCDP Application Training, SCDP Application Training and Q&A Office Hour Sessions will be posted to the Small Cities Development Program page. Please refer to the Apply and Webinar tabs.