MEMO: Agenda Item #12 DATE: November 13, 2018 SUBJECT: Small Projects Priority Background LCCMR members included in their 2019 (FY20) Request for Proposals a new priority category for Small Projects (under $200,000) to encourage proposals, especially from local government units and non-profits, to "quickly and efficiently provide environment and natural resources benefits in Minnesota." At the 6/27/18 LCCMR meeting, members assessed if its goals for creating this new priority had been met and requested time at today's meeting for further discussion in the context of the 2020 (FY21) Request for Proposals. Staff has conducted some additional analysis of Small Projects that now includes results through the recommendation phase of the 2019 RFP process. This is provided in the attached handout "LCCMR Small Projects Comparison 2014- 2019." Some questions the commission may want to consider at this time: 1. Does the commission wish to include the Small Projects category in it 2020 (FY21) RFP? 2. If so, does the commission prefer to provide an advantage to Small Project proposals compared to other proposals? 3. If further incentives are preferred, some options could include the following: a. Updating the LCCMR Evaluation Criteria so that "Extent of Impact" includes local focus b. Designating a specific dollar amount or percentage of available funds that would be "earmarked" for smaller proposal recommendations c. Inviting all small proposals to provide a presentation d. Evaluating small proposals as a standalone category rather than mixed in with the larger proposals of similar topics e. Recommending small projects at their full requested amounts Materials * LCCMR Small Projects Comparison 2014- 2019 Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources