The Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) is in the process of constructing a biochar production facility (Facility) which will be completed and operational by March 2026. The facility will utilize a pyrolysis unit with the capacity to produce 500+ tons of biochar derived from woody biomass. The Facility’s operation, including feedstock type and acquisition (wood debris), production of biochar, and end-use of the char, may qualify for registry of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) credits. The purpose of the RFP is for MHD to select a consultant that will provide professional services necessary to advise on and facilitate necessary requirements from a carbon credit registry to register Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) credits for the Facility’s biochar production. MHD is seeking a consultant versed in requirements of national and international carbon credit registries with the ability to provide guidance and support for the full life cycle of the carbon credit registry process. The selected Consultant will work to analyze MHD’s biochar production operation and assist with the selection of a carbon credit registry that fits its operation and facilitate the CDR accreditation process. It is expected that the Consultant will provide support for the Project in the following ways: - Provide initial assessment criteria to understand MHD’s biochar production facility and operation - Input assessment data into a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Model to determine eligibility and amount of potential carbon credits through multiple registries, including Puro.earth, Verra, and Climate Action Reserve. - Provide guidance on which registry may be appropriate for MHD’s operation based on cost to register credits, maintain project eligibility, and sell credits. - Prepare and submit registry-specific eligibility assessments to confirm ability to pursue a chosen carbon credit registry. - Schedule and manage meetings between MHD and chosen registry (and other vendors) as necessary. - Draft and compile a Project Design Document or other necessary documentation to submit to registries for review. - Act as a liaison, or applicant representative, when submitting applications and supporting documentation to registries, and third-party auditors, including interfacing/ coordinating with registries and auditors to facilitate the approval or accreditation process from initial assessment to final approvals. - Schedule and facilitate third party auditor assessments, including site visits, as necessary. - Provide MHD with a reporting software or other tool for digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) to ensure carbon credit generation is properly tracked and appropriately reported as required by selected registry. - Provide transaction support and guidance to confirm initial sale of carbon credits once credits have been registered.
