DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

State of Delaware

Request for Proposal

Title: NATIONAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE

(NEVI) ROUND 2

Contract ID: DOT2606-NEVI_2

Responses to be received at:

State of Delaware

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Administration Building Contract Administration

800 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901

QUESTIONS are to be submitted via the Bonfire Procurement Portal

Responses to Questions will be posted in the Bonfire Procurement Portal.

- Deadline to Respond –

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 PRIOR TO 2:00 P.M. Local Time https://deldot.bonfirehub.com/portal/

STATE OF DELAWARE

Department of Transportation

Contract No.DOT2606

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED EV CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

ALL VENDORS:

The enclosed packet contains a "REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL" consisting of the following documents:

Contents:

1. PROJECT INFORMATION

2. PROJECT OVERVIEW/BACKGROUND

3. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

4. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

5. AWARD

6. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

7. GENERAL PROVISIONS

8. DEFINITIONS

INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS: (not required to be returned with bid)

1 – Sample Monthly Usage Report (Sample Report 1) 2 – Sample Subcontracting (2nd Tier) Quarterly Reporting (Sample Report 2) 3 – Proposal Reply Requirements

REQUIRED BID DOCUMENTS: (MUST be completed and returned with your bid)

ATTACHMENT A – NON-COLLUSION STATEMENT

ATTACHMENT B – EXCEPTIONS

ATTACHMENT C – SUBCONTRACTOR INFORMATION FORM

ATTACHMENT D – BUSINESS REFERENCES

ATTACHMENT E – BID BOND FORM

ATTACHMENT F – QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT & DATA CAPTURE REQUIREMENTS

APPENDIX A – SCOPE OF WORK

APPENDIX B – PROJECT BUDGET

APPENDIX C – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

APPENDIX D – TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING CLOUD SERVICES AND DATA USAGE

POLICY

APPENDIX E – TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING CLOUD SERVICES AND DATA USAGE

AGREEMENT

APPENDIX F – PLACED IN SERVICE REPORT

All above documents are made part of this solicitation and are contained within this file, or available for download at the following site: DelDOT Bonfire Procurement Portal In order for your response to be considered, the REQUIRED BID DOCUMENTS must be executed completely and correctly within the Bonfire Procurement Portal.

https://deldot.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Contract No.DOT2606

COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL

The Department has determined, pursuant to Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter 69, § 6981, that this solicitation be offered as a request for competitive sealed proposals because the use of competitive sealed bidding is not practical and/or not in the best interest of the State. The use of competitive sealed proposals is necessary to:

• Use a contract other than a fixed-price type; or

• Conduct oral or written discussions with vendors concerning technical and price aspects of their proposals; or

• Afford vendors an opportunity to revise their proposals through best and final offers; or

• Compare the different prices, quality, and contractual factors of the proposals submitted; or

• Award a contract in which price is not the determining factor.

remainder of page is blank

Contract No.DOT2606

NATIONAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE (NEVI) ROUND 2

1. PROJECT INFORMATION

The Delaware Department of Transportation (“DelDOT”) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors, including municipalities, to deploy, operate, and maintain public electric vehicle (“EV”) charging in affiliation with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (“DOT”) Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”) National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (“NEVI”) Program. This initiative focuses on expanding public EV charging capacity. This RFP will look to expand the number of chargers located along the designated alternative fuel corridors (“AFCs”). In addition, DelDOT will award locations focused on expanding EV charging to areas of the State that have a high number of multifamily buildings (e.g., apartments and condos) and others without access to private, overnight charging. Projects will provide Level 2 and/or DC fast charging (“DCFC”) stations in publicly accessible locations, such as parking facilities at public buildings, schools, parks, or privately managed sites that serve the local community.

Proposals for multiple charging station sites are encouraged, provided each site meets the minimum requirements outlined in this RFP, including charging capacity and interoperability standards. Eligible infrastructure must prioritize community-based charging and enhance accessibility for residents with limited charging options.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”) establishes a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (“NEVI”) Formula Program to provide funding to states to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate charging station data collection, access, and reliability (as required by the NEVI Program). The BIL directs the Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”) to apportion NEVI formula funding among states, including Delaware, on a formula basis. Under the formula, Delaware will receive $17.7 million over five years to create an EV charging network across the state. For this round of NEVI Funding, $8 million has been funded by FHWA and is currently available for the Delaware NEVI grant program.

The maximum funding award will be the lesser of:

a) the Community EV Charging Infrastructure Grant Funds Requested (as detailed in the Project Cost Proposal Form) or

b) 80 percent Federal cost share of the eligible costs with a match of 20 percent from non-Federal sources.

Eligible and non-eligible costs are detailed in Appendix A: Scope of Work.

This RFP is issued pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6981. Selected vendors will be responsible for procuring all necessary professional services, construction, and project management to meet the Grant requirements and successfully install public EV charging stations across Delaware.

1.1. KEY RFP DATES/MILESTONES

The following dates and milestones apply to this RFP and contract award. Vendors are advised that these dates and milestones are not absolute and may change by Addendum or due to unplanned events during the bid proposal and award process.

Contract No.DOT2606

Activity Due Date / Time Questions Due - No Later Than: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 2:00 PM local time

Final Questions/Answers Posted: One week prior to Proposal Due Date Proposals Due - Prior To Public Opening: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 2:00 PM

Local Time Contract Award Within 90 days of bid opening

1.2. INQUIRIES & QUESTIONS

We welcome your interest in working with us, and we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have in formulating your response to this RFP.

Questions regarding the interpretation of this solicitation, drawings, or specifications, or any other aspect of this RFP must make specific reference to the section(s) and page numbers of the RFP where applicable. All communications with DelDOT regarding this RFP are to be made through email to the Bonfire Procurement Portal.

Questions must be submitted before the due date identified in the Key RFP Dates/Milestones for this RFP. All inquiries must be submitted in the Q/A section of the project listing in the Bonfire Procurement Portal. Following the Question Due date, no further questions will be reviewed or responded to by DelDOT. Proposers are required to submit a statement confirming receipt of all RFP documents, including all addenda, to qualify for evaluation, and by submitting a proposal package, proposers confirm that they agree with all requirements outlined in the RFP and addenda.

The Department’s response to questions will be posted, according to the Key RFP Dates/Milestones, under the project listing in Bonfire and to the State of Delaware Bid Solicitation Directory Website:

http://www.bids.delaware.gov/.

Responses issued by DelDOT will be posted on the Bonfire Procurement Portal. Vendors should rely only on written statements issued by DelDOT regarding this RFP. Information otherwise obtained is not valid.

Direct contact with State of Delaware employees other than DelDOT’s Contract Administration staff regarding this RFP is expressly prohibited without prior consent. Vendors directly contacting State of Delaware employees risk elimination of their proposal from further consideration. Exceptions exist only for organizations currently doing business in the State who require contact in the normal course of doing that business.

1.3. BID BOND REQUIREMENT

Each bidder must furnish a Bid Bond to the State of Delaware for the benefit of the Delaware Department of Transportation in the amount equal to 10% of the respective bid value. The bond shall be drawn upon an insurance or bonding company authorized to do business in the State of Delaware. If the enclosed standard State of Delaware bond form is not used, the substitute bond must reflect the minimum conditions specified in the standard form found in ATTACHMENT E.

A certified or bank check made out to the Delaware Department of Transportation in an amount equal to 10% of the respective proposed value may be submitted in lieu of a proposal bond. The deposits shall be https://deldot.bonfirehub.com/portal/ http://www.bids.delaware.gov/

Contract No.DOT2606 returned to the successful bidder upon the execution of the formal contract. The deposits of unsuccessful bidders shall be returned to them immediately upon the awarding of the contract or rejection of their bids.

Bidders are made aware that Certified or Bank Checks submitted in lieu of Bond will be deposited, and unsuccessful bidders will receive payment of the value of the check from the state.

1.4. PERFORMANCE BOND REQUIREMENT

Contractors awarded contracts are required to furnish a Performance Bond to the State of Delaware for the benefit of the Delaware Department of Transportation with surety in the amount of 100% of the specific award. Said bonds shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract. This guarantee shall be submitted using a form supplied by DelDOT in the form of a good and sufficient bond drawn upon an Insurance or Bonding Company authorized to do business in the State of Delaware.

1.5. CONTRACT PERIOD

Each successful Vendor’s contract shall be valid for a six (6) year period. The contract may be extended for up to two (2), one (1) year periods through negotiation between the Vendor and DelDOT. Negotiation should be initiated no later than ninety (90) days prior to the termination of the agreement period.

The State reserves the right to extend this contract on a month-to-month basis for a period of up to three months after the term of the contract has been completed.

1.6. PRICES

Prices and/or rates shall remain firm for the initial six (6) year term of the contract, unless further negotiations are deemed necessary by the State. The pricing policy that you choose to submit must be clear, accountable, auditable, and must cover the full spectrum of services required. Submittals must be structured as described.

1.7. PRICE ADJUSTMENT

The Vendor is not prohibited from offering a price reduction on its services or materials offered under the contract. The State is not prohibited from requesting a price reduction on those services or materials during the initial term or any subsequent options that the State may agree to exercise.

If agreement is reached to extend this contract beyond the initial period, DelDOT shall have the option of offering a determined price adjustment based on the current Philadelphia All Urban Consumers Price Index (“CPI-U”), U.S. City Average. If the CPI-U is used, any increase/decrease shall reflect the change during the previously published twelve (12) month period at the time of renegotiation.

1.8. SHIPPING TERMS

FOB destination, freight prepaid and allowed.

1.9. MANDATORY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The selected firm(s) must obtain at its own cost and expense and keep in force and effect during the term of the agreement, including all extensions, the minimum coverage limits specified below with a carrier satisfactory to the State.

a. Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance in accordance with applicable law.

b. Commercial General Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 per aggregate.

c. Medical/Professional Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 per aggregate.

d. Product Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 aggregate.

e. Automotive Liability Insurance covering all automotive units used in the work (including all units leased from and/or provided by the State to Vendor pursuant to this Agreement as well as all units used by Vendor, regardless of the identity of the registered owner, used by Vendor for completing the Work required by this Agreement to include but not limited to transporting Delaware clients or staff), providing coverage on a primary non-contributory basis with limits of not less than:

i. $1,000,000 combined single limit each accident, for bodily injury;

ii. $250,000 for property damage to others;

iii. $25,000 per person per accident Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists coverage;

iv. $25,000 per person, $300,000 per accident PIP benefits if carrying any of our clients or employees; and

v. Comprehensive coverage for all vehicles leased from the State of Delaware Fleet Services, which shall cover the replacement cost of the vehicle in the event of collision, damage, or other loss.

Certificate of Insurance and/or copies of the insurance policies will be requested at time of award.

Note: The State of Delaware shall not be named as an additional insured.

Before any work is done with the State, a Certificate of Insurance referencing the name and contract number stated herein must be filed with DelDOT. The certificate holder is as follows:

State of Delaware Department of Transportation P.O. Box 778 Dover, DE 19903 Contract: DOT2606- NEVI (ROUND 2)

Should any of the above-described policies be cancelled before the expiration date thereof, notice must be delivered in accordance with the policy provisions.

1.10. OR EQUAL (PRODUCTS BY NAME)

Specifications of products by name are intended to be descriptive of quality or workmanship, finish, and performance. Desirable characteristics are not intended to be restrictive. Substitutions of products for those named will be considered, provided the vendor certifies that the function, characteristics, performance, and endurance qualities of the material offered are equal to or superior to that specified. DelDOT must approve any substitutions in writing.

2. PROJECT OVERVIEW/BACKGROUND

The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials, and labor to supplement DelDOT’s need for community-based EV charging infrastructure as described herein. The contract will require the Vendor(s) to cooperate with DelDOT to ensure the State receives the most current state-of-the-art material and/or services.

2.1. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”) establishes a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (“NEVI”) Formula Program to provide funding to states to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate charging station data collection, access, and reliability (as required by the NEVI Program). The BIL directs the Federal Highway

Administration (“FHWA”) to apportion NEVI formula funding among states, including Delaware, on a formula basis. Under the formula, Delaware will receive $17.7 million over five years to create an EV charging network across the state. $8 million has been funded by FHWA and is currently available for the Delaware NEVI grant program.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (“DelDOT”) seeks qualified vendors to deploy, operate, and maintain electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in affiliation with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (“DOT”) Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”) National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (“NEVI”) Program. This request for proposals (“RFP”) is issued pursuant to 29 Del. C.

§§ 6981 and 6982. All selected vendor(s) shall be expected to procure all necessary professional services, construction, and/or project management to fulfill the grant requirements for the installation of public direct-current (“DC”) fast charging stations in Delaware that satisfy the established NEVI requirements.

NEVI Program Structure and Program Requirements The FHWA established the NEVI Formula Program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill), aiming to provide funding to States for deploying EV charging infrastructure and to establish a nationwide, interconnected network of EV chargers. The Federal plan for NEVI-funded electric vehicle charging sites includes a phased approach over the five-year funding cycle. The first phase focused on fully building out the Alternative Fuel Corridors (“AFC”). Funds may not be spent on other sites until all designated AFCs are certified by FHWA as fully built out as per federal guidelines.

To be eligible for funding, states were required to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan by August 1, 2022, describing how the state intends to use NEVI funds to qualify for any potential funds.

Delaware submitted their State of Delaware NEVI Plan, “Delaware Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan”, which was subsequently approved on September 14, 2022, by the Federal Joint Office of Energy & Transportation. An update to the Delaware Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan was submitted to FHWA. FHWA determined that the Plan is compliant with the requirements outlined in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Interim Final Guidance issued on August 11, 2025, and was approved for implementation on September 17, 2025.

Delaware’s established AFCs include I-95, SR-1, US-13, and US-113 that include segments designated as EV Ready as well as EV Pending. Initial EV infrastructure using NEVI funds must be deployed along the designated AFCs. DelDOT determined and FHWA certified that the designated AFCs are fully built out on November 26, 2025. As a result, the State may use NEVI funds for charging infrastructure on public roads or other publicly accessible areas (e.g., public parking facilities, transit stations, park and ride facilities, public schools, public parks, visitor centers, and other public locations on Federal land).

Any use of NEVI funds by Delaware and selected Vendors must satisfy the requirements set forth in the NEVI Standards and Requirements Final Rule (dated February 15, 2023) and National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Interim Final Guidance (dated August 11, 2025).

Objectives The main objective of the NEVI Plan is to provide funding to states to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. To be effective, the EV charging infrastructure deployed under NEVI must provide a seamless customer experience for all users through a convenient, reliable, affordable, and equitable national EV charging network.

http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c069/sc06/index.shtml https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/nevi/ev_deployment_plans/de_nevi_plan.pdf https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/28/2023-03500/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-standards-and-requirements https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/nevi/resources/NEVI-Interim-Final-Program-Guidance-8-11-2025.pdf https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/nevi/resources/NEVI-Interim-Final-Program-Guidance-8-11-2025.pdf

For charging locations along AFCs, there must be a minimum station power capability of at least 600 kilowatt (“kW”) to simultaneously power at least four 150kW (per port) DCFCs. AC Level 2 port must be capable of providing at least 6 kW per port simultaneously across all AC ports with an option to allow the customer to consent to accept a lower power level to allow power sharing or to participate in smart charge management programs.

Vendors are required to adhere to guidelines as outlined in Appendix A and Appendix D and must comply with all applicable state regulations in accordance with 29 Del. C. §§ 6981 and 6982.

Furthermore, Vendors are expected to manage all aspects of service procurement, construction, and project management necessary for the installation of the charging stations.

Proposals must be submitted by the specified deadline, with complete guidelines and submission procedures available in the full RFP document. This effort is directed towards enhancing the accessibility and coverage of EV charging facilities across Delaware, filling existing infrastructure gaps, and promoting broader use of electric vehicles.

2.2. PROPOSED PROJECT LOCATIONS

DelDOT and DNREC developed Charging Forward: Delaware’s Strategy for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2024) with the intent to help guide the deployment of EV charging to facilitate current and future users of EVs with the ability to confidently travel in and across Delaware for work, education, recreation, and exploration. To ensure that motorists now and in the future are provided with a seamless travel experience while supporting equal opportunities for low- and moderate-income households, the EV charging network needs to be expanded. Charging Forward identified which areas should be prioritized for funding based on EV adoption levels, existing charging network sites, multi-family housing density, and equity factors.

Delaware has three overarching goals to deploy stations around the state:

Goal 1 sites will facilitate the installation of new DCFC stations and upgrade existing DCFC stations every 50 miles.

Goal 2 sites will facilitate the installation of new DCFC stations and upgrade existing DCFC stations every 25 miles or less.

Goal 3 sites will facilitate the installation of level 2 and DCFC stations within communities that lack access to convenient neighborhood level charging.

Delaware has 259 miles of AFCs. Figure 1 displays Delaware’s AFC designations, existing and under contract NEVI-compliant Stations, and the general locations for proposed DCFC locations that would satisfy achieving Goal 2. These locations are generalized as specific site selection and site host coordination is the responsibility of the vendors responding to this RFP.

Goal 3 focuses on placing EV charging stations along highly traveled state alternate routes, including Routes 2, 202, 54, 40, 71, and others. The projects shall comprise of either Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) and Alternating Current Level 2 charging stations or a combination of both.

Figure 2 displays the corridors that chargers should be located along overlayed heat map of suitable and preferred locations for communities that can help to achieve the vision of Charging Forward. Charging stations should be sited no farther than one mile from the corridor, with locations sited within a half mile being preferred. These locations are generalized, as specific site selection and site host coordination https://deldot.gov/Programs/NEVI/pdfs/DE%20EV%20State%20Plan%20Report_Final.pdf?cache=1737664115030 https://deldot.gov/Programs/NEVI/pdfs/DE%20EV%20State%20Plan%20Report_Final.pdf?cache=1737664115030 are the responsibilities of the vendors responding to this RFP. Sites shall be open to the public and provide access to the surrounding community. This can include community charging hubs that provide Level 2 and DCFC, as well as community-based chargers with Level 2 charging for multi-family housing.

Figures 1 & 2 appear on the following pages remainder of page is blank

Figure 1: AFC Designation

Figure 2: Heat Map of Community-based Charging Locations

2.3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The Technical Specifications of this RFP are stated in Appendix A.

3. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested vendors must submit the material required herein, or they may not be considered for the project:

1. Proposals must be received before the Proposal Due Date and Time, as identified in the Procurement Schedule for this RFP. Responses submitted by hard copy, mail, facsimile, or e-mail will not be accepted. Responses received after the Proposal Due Date and Time will not be considered.

2. Upload your submission at: https://deldot.bonfirehub.com/portal/ Important Notes:

• Logging in and/or uploading the file(s) does not mean the response is submitted. Users must successfully upload all the file(s) and MUST click the submit button before the proposal due date and time.

• Users will receive an email confirmation receipt with a unique confirmation number once the submission has been finalized. This will confirm that the proposal has been submitted successfully.

• Each submitted item of Requested Information will only become visible to DelDOT after the proposal due date and time.

• If a file is mandatory, you will not be able to complete your submission until the requirement is met.

• Uploading large documents may take significant time depending on the size of the file(s) and your Internet connection speed. The maximum upload file size is 1000 MB.

• Minimum system requirements: Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox. JavaScript must be enabled.

Need Help? Please contact Bonfire directly at support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com for technical questions related to your submission. You can also create a ticket at https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/.

3. The Prime Consultant must be Registered, or submit application for registration, with DelDOT at or before the time of submission in order to be considered. Consultant Registrations are now completed online through SimpliGov. To complete registration or for more information, visit DelDOT Professional Services Registration Page.

4. Submit one (1) Original and one (1) Redacted copy of the Proposal. The original must be a .pdf file of the original signed proposal and should be clearly marked “Original” on the first page of the document. The redacted copy must be a .pdf file of the original signed proposal with any proprietary or confidential information redacted, and this copy should be clearly marked as “Redacted” on the first page of the document. The redacted copy is required even if the submission contains no proprietary or confidential information.

To determine what information may be considered proprietary or confidential and may be redacted from their Proposal, vendors should review Delaware’s Freedom of Information Regulations here;

http://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title8/1400.shtml#TopOfPage. Under Delaware FOIA law, 29 Del. C, §10002(l)(2), “Trade secrets and commercial or financial information…which is of a privileged or confidential nature” are “records that shall not be deemed public” and are therefore exempt from disclosure under FOIA.

mailto:support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/ https://deldot.gov/Business/proservs/index.shtml?dc=consultants_registration https://deldot.gov/Business/proservs/index.shtml?dc=consultants_registration http://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title8/1400.shtml#TopOfPage

3.1. COVER LETTER

Each proposal must have a cover letter on the letterhead of the company or organization submitting the proposal. The cover letter must briefly summarize the Vendor's ability to provide the services specified in the RFP. The cover letter shall be signed by an officer of the company who has the legal capacity to enter the organization into a formal contract with DelDOT. (Limited to two pages)

3.2. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Each proposal must include a Table of Contents with page numbers for each of the required components of the proposal.

3.3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Each proposal must contain a detailed description of how the Vendor will provide the goods and services outlined in this RFP. This part of the proposal may also include descriptions of any enhancements or additional services, or qualifications the Vendor will provide that are not mentioned in this RFP. Vendors are encouraged to review the Evaluation criteria to see how the proposals will be scored and verify that the response has sufficient documentation to support each scoring criterion identified.

3.4. PRICES QUOTED

The prices quoted are those for which the material will be furnished Free on Board (“FOB”) DelDOT, unless otherwise specified, and include all charges that may be imposed during the period of the contract.

All prices quoted must be in U.S. Dollars.

Vendors may offer to add related material or services that have been identified as necessary. The Vendors and DelDOT must agree on the pricing of any addition in writing.

3.5. INTERPRETATION OF ESTIMATES/QUANTITIES

Unless stated otherwise, the quantities given in the RFP are to be considered to be approximate only and are given as a basis for the comparison of bids. The Agency may increase or decrease the amount of any item as may be deemed necessary or expedient, during the period of the contract. Bidders shall recognize that there are no guaranteed minimum contract quantities or values associated with this solicitation. An increase or decrease in the quantity for any item is not sufficient ground for an increase or decrease in the unit price.

3.6. NON-COLLUSION STATEMENT

Include a signed and notarized copy of the Non-Collusion Statement. Must have original signatures and notary mark. Use Attachment A.

3.7. SUBCONTRACTORS

Subcontracting is permitted under this RFP and contract. Every subcontractor must be identified. Make as many copies of the form as needed. Use Attachment C.

3.8. BUSINESS REFERENCES

Provide at least three (3) business references consisting of current or previous customers of similar scope and value. Include business name, mailing address, contact name and phone number, number of years doing business with, and type of work performed. Personal references cannot be considered. Please provide references other than DelDOT contacts. Use Attachment D.

3.9. PROJECT SITE HOST AGREEMENT

Each proposal must provide any agreements, contingent or otherwise, or memorandums of understanding (“MOU”) with site owners to demonstrate that the Vendor is able to secure necessary property rights, easements, rights-of-way, and access to the Project Site to fulfill the obligations under this Contract.

3.10. EXCEPTIONS FORM

Bidders may elect to take minor exceptions to the terms and conditions of this RFP. DelDOT will evaluate each exception according to the intent of the terms and conditions contained herein. DelDOT must reject exceptions that do not conform to State bid law and/or create inequality in the treatment of bidders.

Exceptions shall be considered only if they are submitted with the bid or before the date and time of the bid opening and listed on the Exceptions form. DelDOT maintains sole discretion to reject any vendor exceptions that are submitted. Use Attachment B.

3.11. BID BOND

One (1) completed paper copy of the Bid Bond paperwork, or Bank Check, or a security of the bidder assigned to the Department of Transportation. Use Attachment E.

3.12. DBE & MBE GOAL

Pursuant to the Interim Final Rule (“IFR”) published by the United States Department of Transportation (“U.S. DOT”) on September 30, 2025, and its immediate impact on the certification status of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“DBEs”) previously certified by the Department, no DBE participation goal has been established for this solicitation.

At this time, DelDOT has no currently certified DBEs in its directory. Consequently, it is not possible to establish or enforce a meaningful DBE contract goal for this procurement.

DelDOT is actively conducting the DBE recertification process required by the IFR. Upon completion of recertifications, or in the event of subsequent amendments to the IFR, court orders, or further U.S.

DOT guidance that restores or modifies DBE certification capacity, DelDOT reserves the right to establish, reinstate, or revise a DBE participation goal for this solicitation and any resulting contract in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26 and all applicable federal requirements.

Any future establishment, reinstatement, or modification of a DBE goal will be accomplished through a formal amendment to this solicitation or to the resulting contract. Proposers and the selected Consultant will be notified in writing of any such amendment and will be required to comply with the revised DBE provisions.

Until a DBE goal is formally established or reinstated by written amendment, no DBE participation goal applies to this solicitation or the resulting contract, and submission of good-faith efforts documentation is not required.

3.13. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Interested vendors must submit the material required herein, or they may not be considered for the project. Proposals must be received prior to the Submission due date and time indicated in Section

1.1 above.

Proposals must be submitted through the Bonfire Procurement Portal

Facsimile and E-mail responses to this RFP are not acceptable. No response will be accepted after the due date and time. It is the responsibility of the submitter to ensure the Proposal is received on time.

DelDOT's time is considered the official time for determining the cut-off for accepting submissions. To be considered, vendors must submit the Proposal as set forth herein. Any variation, including additions, may negatively impact the scoring.

3.13.1. EXAMINATION OF SPECIFICATIONS AND PROVISIONS

The Vendor shall examine carefully the proposal and the contract forms for the material contemplated.

The Vendor shall investigate and satisfy itself as to the conditions to be encountered, quality and quantities of the material to be furnished, and the requirements of any Special Provisions in the RFP and the contract. The submission of a proposal shall be conclusive evidence that the Vendor has made examination of the aforementioned conditions.

4. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

4.1. DISQUALIFICATION OF VENDORS

Any one or more of the following causes may be considered as sufficient for the disqualification of a Vendor and the rejection of its proposal or proposals:

4.1.1. More than one proposal for the same contract from an individual, firm, or corporation under the same or different names.

4.1.2 Evidence of collusion among Vendors.

4.1.3 Unsatisfactory performance record as evidenced by past experience with DelDOT or on a State of Delaware contract.

4.1.4 Any suspension or debarment of the parent company, subsidiary, or individual involved with the

Vendor by Federal, any state, or any local government within the last five (5) years.

4.1.5 If there are any unauthorized additions, interlineations, conditional or alternate bids, or irregularities of any kind which may tend to make the proposal incomplete, indefinite, or ambiguous as to its meaning.

4.1.6 If the unit prices are obviously unbalanced, either in excess or below reasonable cost analysis values.

4.2. RESPONSIVENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF VENDOR

4.2.1 An individual proposal may be rejected for one or more of the following reasons:

4.2.1.1 The respondent to the solicitation is determined to be non-responsive or non-responsible.

4.2.1.2 It is unacceptable.

4.2.1.3 It is otherwise not advantageous to the State.

4.2.1.4 The proposed price is unreasonable.

4.2.2 It shall be determined whether a Vendor is responsible before awarding a contract. Factors to be considered in determining if a Vendor is responsible include:

4.2.2.1 The Vendor's financial, physical, personnel, or other resources, including subcontractors

4.2.2.2 The Vendor's record of performance and integrity.

4.2.2.3 Any record regarding any suspension or debarment.

4.2.2.4 Whether the Vendor is qualified legally to contract with the State.

4.2.2.5 Whether the Vendor supplied all necessary information concerning its responsibility.

4.2.3 If a Vendor is determined to be non-responsible or non-responsive, the Vendor shall be informed in writing.

4.2.4 DelDOT reserves the right to waive minor irregularities or request additional information before determining if the Vendor is responsible and/or responsive. All Vendors will be afforded the same or similar opportunities, as necessary, and will be treated with equal regard before such determinations are finalized.

4.3. RIGHT TO CANCEL SOLICITATION

DelDOT reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time during the procurement process, for any reason, or for no reason. DelDOT makes no commitments, expressed or implied, that this process will result in a business transaction with any Vendor.

This RFP does not constitute an offer by DelDOT. Vendor’s participation in this process may result in DelDOT selecting your organization to engage in further discussions and negotiations toward execution of a contract. The commencement of such negotiations does not, however, signify a commitment by DelDOT to execute a contract nor to continue negotiations. DelDOT may terminate negotiations at any time and for any reason, or for no reason.

4.4. PROPOSAL EVALUATION COMMITTEE

The Selection Committee is generally comprised of representatives of DelDOT, other agency employees, and/or person(s) familiar with the subject matter.

4.4.1 The Committee reserves the right to:

4.4.1.1 Reject any and all proposals or portions of proposals received in response to this RFP or to make no award or issue a new RFP.

4.4.1.2 Waive or modify any information, irregularity, or inconsistency in proposals received.

4.4.1.3 Request modification to proposals from any or all Vendors during the contract review and negotiation.

4.4.1.4 Negotiate any aspect of the proposal with any Vendor and negotiate with more than one vendor at the same time.

4.4.1.5 Select for contract, or for negotiations, a proposal other than that with the lowest costs.

4.4.1.6 Select more than one Vendor pursuant to 29 Del. C. §6926. Such selections will be based on the highest rated Criteria and Scoring evaluations.

4.5. CRITERIA AND SCORING

No. Criteria Description: Scoring Range Max Criteria/Instructions Points

1 Community Benefit and Impact - Points allocated for 55 pts how well the project serves the targeted community, for this ensures accessibility, and creates opportunities. section 1.a Land Use Target 5-10: Site is adjacent to 10 Is the site compatible with a highly compatible land surrounding land uses (i.e., use with long dwell near residential or locations time; 1-5: Site is nearby with long dwell times - malls, land uses, but average movie theaters, recreational dwell times are short; 1: facilities)?

site is not near compatible land use.

1.b Pedestrian Safety 5-10: Site ensures 10 Does the site ensure safe pedestrian safety pedestrian access (e.g., (lighting, sidewalks, lighting, sidewalks, etc.) at the site and to the crosswalks)? Full points for surrounding land clear safety measures uses/target population;

1-5: Limited or no safety measures.

1.c Proximity to Residents 5-10: Site is adjacent to 10 target population(s) Is the site within walking and/or can serve distance of the targeted multiple MFDs; 2-5: Site population (e.g., MFDs, areas is within walking without off-street parking)? distance of the target Full points for proximity. population; 1: No proximity.

1.d Project Location 5-10: Site is located 10 Is the site located within close within a half mile to a proximity to corridors in mile of the preferred Figure 1 of the RFP?

corridors; 2-5: Site is within one to five miles of the preferred corridors; 1: Site is located beyond five miles

1.e Economic Opportunities 5: Supports 5 Will the project support businesses/jobs with nearby businesses or job evidence of impact; 1: creation? Full points for Limited or no impact. documented potential or partnerships.

1.f Additional Community 5-10: Provides 10 Are there additional benefits

Benefits additional community like workforce development, benefits (workforce, air air quality improvement, or quality); 1: No public space enhancements?

additional benefits.

2. Project Feasibility - Points allocated for how feasible 25 pts and ready the project is for implementation. for this section 2.a Site Readiness 5-10: Site and permits 10 Are the site and permitting ready/near ready; 1-5: ready or near ready? Full Minimal readiness or points for documented unclear plans. readiness.

2.b Timeline Feasibility 5-10: Realistic and 10 Is the timeline realistic and achievable timeline; 1- achievable? Full points for 5: Unclear or unrealistic clear, actionable timelines timeline. with minimal barriers.

2.c Sustainability Plan 3-5: Detailed long-term 5 Is there a plan for long-term operation/maintenance maintenance and operation?

plan; 1: No Full points for detailed sustainability plan. sustainability plans.

3 Accessibility - Points allocated for ensuring accessibility 10 pts to all users. for this section 3.a ADA Compliance 3-5: Fully ADA- 5 Is the site ADA-compliant?

compliant site; 1: Not Full points for compliance compliant. with accessibility standards.

3.b 24/7 Access 3-5: Chargers accessible 5 Will the chargers be 24/7; 1: Limited or no accessible 24/7? Full points access. for consistent availability.

4 Cost-Effectiveness - Points allocated for the financial 10 pts efficiency of the project. for this section

4.a Reasonable Cost per Port 5-10: Reasonable costs 10 a. What total amount of grant compared to similar is being requested per site?

projects; 1-5: Unjustified high costs. b. Are the estimated costs of all elements of the project reasonable, competitive, well-founded, and appropriate?

c. Is the proposed budget consistent with the proposed Statement of Work?

d. Are the budget/cost forms filled out completely and accurately?

e. Is there adequate supporting data and documentation to validate budget veracity?

Total: 100

Selection Committee members will assign up to the maximum number of points listed for each of the above criteria, which determines individual ranking. The Department’s ranking is the average ranking of all Committee members. Upon review of the Department’s ranking, the Committee will;

- Select the firm(s) with the highest Department ranking and award a contract(s); or

- Conduct negotiations with offerors who submit proposals found to be reasonably likely to be selected for award. If negotiations are held, Best and Final Offers will be requested from those offers.

4.5.1 References

The Committee may contact any customer of the Vendor, whether or not included in the Vendor’s reference list, and use such information in the evaluation process. Additionally, DelDOT may choose to visit existing installations of comparable systems, which may or may not include Vendor personnel. If the Vendor is involved in such site visits, DelDOT will pay travel costs only for State of Delaware personnel for these visits.

4.5.2 Oral Presentations

Vendors who submit proposals found to be reasonably likely to be selected for award may be invited to make oral presentations to the Committee. The Vendor representative(s) attending the oral presentation shall be technically qualified to respond to questions related to the proposed system and its components.

5. AWARD

DelDOT reserves the right to make multiple awards, partial awards, award by types, item by item, or lump sum total, whichever may be most advantageous to the State of Delaware.

DelDOT reserves the right to waive technicalities, to reject any or all bids, or any portion thereof, to seek new proposals, to proceed to do the work otherwise, or to abandon the work, if in the judgment of DelDOT, the best interest of the State will be promoted thereby.

DelDOT will award this contract within ninety (90) days from the date of opening proposals to the most responsible and responsive Vendor(s) who best meets the RFP terms and conditions, or all proposals will be rejected. A formal contract must be executed with the successful firm(s) within 20 days after award.

5.1. TOTAL FUNDING AVAILABLE

This RFP opportunity is funded through the NEVI Program with a maximum available award of $8 million. Eligible and non-eligible costs are described in more detail in Appendix A, Scope of Work.

The maximum amount of the funding award to be paid by the State, on a reimbursement basis, will be the lesser of (a) the Community EV Charging Infrastructure Grant Funds Requested (see the Project Cost Proposal Form) in the bid or (b) 80 percent Federal cost share of the eligible costs with a match of 20 percent from non-Federal sources.

The 80 percent Federal cost-share is at the program-level for the State of Delaware, and therefore, the proposing vendors can suggest, with justification, an alternative percent match based on the proposed site. The proposing Vendor shall indicate if the organization is able and willing to meet or exceed the non-federal match as required by the NEVI Program, as well as indicate whether the organization is able and willing to provide either short or long-term financing, if required.

Information regarding the award of this contract will be given to the Division of Revenue. Failure to comply with the State of Delaware licensing requirements may subject your organization to applicable fines and/or interest penalties.

5.2. STATE OF DELAWARE BUSINESS LICENSE

Prior to receiving an award, the successful Vendor(s) shall either furnish DelDOT with proof of State of Delaware Business Licensure or initiate the process of application where required. An application may be requested in writing to: Division of Revenue, Carvel State Building, P.O. Box 8750, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE 19899 or by telephone to the following number: 302-577-8778.

http://revenue.delaware.gov/services/BusServices.shtml Information regarding the award of this contract will be given to the Division of Revenue. Failure to comply with the State of Delaware licensing requirements may subject your organization to applicable fines and/or interest penalties.

5.3. MATERIAL VERIFICATION

Before any contract is awarded, the successful Vendor(s) may be required to furnish a complete statement of the origin, composition, and manufacture of any or all of the material to be used in the contract, together with such samples as may be requested for the purpose of testing.

5.4. CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION

No order is to be shipped, or employee of the Vendor(s) is to begin any work prior to receipt of a State of Delaware Purchase Order signed by authorized representatives of the agency requesting service, properly http://revenue.delaware.gov/services/BusServices.shtml processed through the State of Delaware Accounting Office. A Notice to Proceed (NTP) may also be required prior to beginning work if directed in this RFP.

5.5. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

An environmental review in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will be conducted by DelDOT at DelDOT’s expense. The anticipated duration for the NEPA review is 60 days.

The selected Vendor must secure access to the site before the environmental review, so DelDOT and its representatives have the right to enter the property to complete the NEPA environmental reviews.

If DelDOT determines NEPA review will take longer than 60 days and/or would result in an unwarranted cost to DelDOT, or the NEPA review determines the Project would adversely impact the environment, then DelDOT may reject the application.

5.6. SITE HOST AGREEMENT

The selected Vendor and property owner must execute a site host agreement (if the property owner and Vendor are different) that provides DelDOT with a real property interest or other contractual right to access the site for the term of the Vendor Agreement.

When the NEPA process is completed, and the site host agreement complies with DelDOT policies and requirements, DelDOT and the Vendor will execute the Vendor Agreement.

5.7. QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT

The awarded Vendor(s) shall be required to submit quarterly project progress reports for a period of no less than five (5) years after contract initiation. Generally, progress reports must describe the project implementation success, utilization of infrastructure, difficulties encountered during the reporting period, and successes encountered during the reporting period. A standard reporting form will be provided at the time of contract award that all Vendor recipients shall use, which is consistent with EV-ChART. Use Attachment F.

5.8. VENDOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE POINT OF CONTACT

The awarded Vendor(s) shall provide the name(s), telephone, or cell phone number(s) of those individuals who can be contacted twenty four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week where there is a critical need for commodities or services when the Governor of the State of Delaware declares a state of emergency under the Delaware Emergency Operations Plan or in the event of a local emergency or disaster where a state governmental entity requires the services of the vendor.

In the event of a serious emergency, pandemic, or disaster outside the control of the State, the State may negotiate, as may be authorized by law, emergency performance from the Vendor to address the immediate needs of the State, even if not contemplated under the original Contract or procurement.

Payments are subject to appropriation and other payment terms.

5.9. WARRANTY

The Vendor will provide a warranty that the deliverables provided pursuant to the contract (including both equipment and construction) will function as designed throughout the length of the contract. The warranty shall require that the Vendor corrects, at its own expense, the setup, configuration, customizations, or modifications so that it functions according to the State’s requirements. A sample or draft of the warranty shall be included with the proposal submittal, and the final warranty shall be provided at the time of contract award.

5.10. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

The State of Delaware may include in the final contract liquidated damages provisions for non-performance, as provided for in the Service Level Agreement to be executed in connection with the award. Liquidated damages would be based on the Service Level Agreement minimum requirements, tier level incidents (as described in Appendix A), and include:

• Tier 1: 0.1% of the O&M Withholding for current year per day (24-hour period) after grace period

• Tier 2: 0.2% of the O&M Withholding for current year per day (24-hour period) after…