Request for Proposals (RFP) from interested universities, and P2 Project Proposals from interested companies are being accepted for the Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) Internship Program (P2RIP).  Up to $22,000 in funding for two interns is available to Michigan universities to support junior and senior undergraduate engineering students to implement innovative but commercially available pollution prevention technologies in small and medium size businesses.  The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will provide funds to qualifying universities in Michigan  to support interns that will implement projects that have measurable reductions in waste generation and energy usage, and improve process efficiency in Michigan businesses.  Eligible company proposals given consideration for this program will include projects that: A) minimizing the generation of waste at the source; or B) when wastes cannot be prevented, utilizes environmentally sound on-site or off-site recycling or reuse.  Companies that intend to implement a P2 practice, or technology that will collect measurable data prior to July 29, 2005 will be given first consideration for intern placement.

University Information: 

University proposals for the Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) Internship Program (P2RIP) are being accepted through November 15, 2004. Up to $22,000 in funding for two interns is available to Michigan universities to support junior and senior undergraduate engineering students to implement innovative but commercially available pollution prevention technologies in small and medium size businesses.  The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will provide funds to qualifying universities in Michigan to support interns that will implement projects that have measurable reductions in waste generation and energy usage, and improve process efficiency in Michigan businesses. 

The program pays juniors and senior undergraduate students majoring in agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, or mechanical engineering a salary of $8,500 over a three month period, $500 for reimbursement for safety equipment and work expenses, $500 for a medical insurance policy offered through the university, and $1,500 per intern to the university to cover administrative cost.   Interns will be place at their assigned worksites as early as May 10, 2005, and will work 40 hours per week for up to 15 weeks, implementing the P2 practices identified in the company’s proposal. 

Michigan universities with accredited undergraduate engineering programs agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, or mechanical engineering are eligible.  For additional information and to obtain a company proposal form for the RETAP Internship Program, please click on the documents below or contact Dale Copedge at 517-335-0383 or copedgdd@michigan.gov. 

University Request for Proposal Form (PDF)

Company Information:

Company proposals for the Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) Internship Program (P2RIP) are being accepted through December 28, 2004. The P2RIP places junior and senior level undergraduate engineering students at small to medium size Michigan companies to work on projects that integrate P2 practices and technologies into manufacturing operations.  DEQ compensates the interns for implementing approved P2 proposal.  Eligible proposals given consideration for this program will include projects that: A) minimizing the generation of waste at the source; or B) when wastes cannot be prevented, utilizes environmentally sound on-site or off-site recycling or reuse.  Companies that intend to implement a P2 practice, or technology that will collect measurable data prior to July 29, 2005, will be given first consideration for intern placement.

Interns will be place at their assigned worksites as early as the second week in May, 2005 and will work 40 hours per week for up to 15 weeks, implementing the P2 practices identified in the company’s proposal.  Both the intern and a company representative (preferably the intern’s immediate supervisor) are required to attend a joint orientation hosted by DEQ in the Constitutional Hall located in Lansing, Michigan, during the second week of May, 2205.  The orientation allows both the student and the company understand program requirements, deliverables, and other expectations. 

Michigan business with 500 employees or fewer, and institutions of any size are eligible.  For additional information and to obtain a company proposal form for the RETAP Internship Program, please click on the documents below or contact Dale Copedge at 517-335-0383 or copedgdd@michigan.gov. 

Company Proposal Application Form (PDF)

Company Proposal Application Form instructions (PDF)

Company Proposal Application Form Example (PDF)