KYTC_RFP 4_v10_20260428 updated.pdf

Request For Proposal i

Kentucky’s National

Electric Vehicle

Infrastructure (NEVI)

Program

Round 4

May 29, 2026 ii

Contents

1. Overview

1.1 Background

1.2 Introduction

1.2.1 Terms

1.2.2 KYTC EV Infrastructure Goals

2. Attachments and Reference Documents

2.1 Attachments

2.2 Reference Documents

3. Proposer Eligibility

3.1 Eligible Proposers

3.2 Ineligible Proposers

3.3 Proposal Limitations and Requirements

4. Eligible Projects

4.1 Project Requirements

4.2 Buy America and BABA Compliance

4.2.1 Manufactured Products

4.2.2 Iron and Steel De Minimis Costs Waiver

4.2.3 Construction Materials De Minimis Costs Waiver

4.3 NEVI Zones

4.4 Eligible Costs

4.4.1 Demand Charges and Battery Energy Storage Systems

4.4.2 Examples of Eligible Costs

4.5 Ineligible Costs

4.5.1 Examples of Ineligible Costs

5. Proposal Instructions

5.1 General Proposal Requirements

5.2 Proposal Timeline

5.3 Request for Proposal Access

5.4 Proposal Questions and Addendums

5.4.1 Acknowledgment of Addenda

5.5 Proposal Contents

5.5.1 Proposal Forms – Administrative, Technical, and Cost

iii

5.5.2 Proposed Project Schedule

5.5.3 Cost Proposal Form

5.5.4 Site Host Owner Letter of Intent

5.5.5 Utility Data Request Form

5.5.6 Transmittal Letter

5.6 Proposal Submission

5.6.1 Submission via MOVEit TRANSFER

5.7 Amendment or Withdrawal of a Proposal

6. Evaluation of Proposals

6.1 Proposal Irregularities and Clarifications

6.2 Process for Clarification of Proposal Information

6.3 Responsiveness of Proposals

6.4 Evaluation Process

6.4.1 Step 1: Responsiveness Check

6.4.2 Step 2: Technical Proposal Scoring Criteria and Evaluation

6.4.3 Step 3: Cost Proposal Evaluation

6.4.4 Step 4: Score Tabulation and Determination of Preferred Proposer

6.4.5 Step 5: Award

6.4.6 Step 6: Negotiations After Notice of Award

6.5 Protest

6.6 KYTC Discretion

6.7 Disposition of Proposals and Copyrights

7. Post-Award

7.1 NEPA Clearance Prior to Execution of Agreement

7.2 Execution of Project Agreement

7.2.1 Signed Site Host Agreement Between Proposer and Site Host Business Owner

7.2.2 Letter of Credit

7.2.3 Proof of Registration to Do Business in Kentucky

7.2.4 Proof of Insurance

7.2.5 Payment Bond

7.2.6 Any Additional Documentation

7.3 Reimbursement Mechanism

7.4 Pay for Performance

7.5 Reasonable Return on Investment

iv

Figures

Figure 4-1. Kentucky Zones – Round 4

Figure 7-1. Example Return on Investment

Tables

Table 4-1. Zones

Table 5-1. Proposal Timeline

Table 5-2. Proposal Contents

Table 6-1. Technical Scoring Criteria for the Administrative Proposal

Table 6-2. Technical Scoring Criteria for the Technical Proposal Form

Table 6-3. Scoring Criteria — Cost Proposal

Table 6-4. Scoring Categories and Total Points v

Definition List

For further guidance on any technical definitions, Proposers should reference 23 Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR) 680.

ADA-Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: The American with Disabilities Act of 1990

(ADA) and implementing regulations apply to electric vehicle (EV) Charging Stations. EV Charging

Stations must comply with applicable accessibility standards adopted by the U.S. Department of

Transportation into its ADA regulations (49 CFR part 37). In September 2024, the Architectural and

Transportation Barriers Compliance Board published its Proposed Rule for Electric Vehicle (EV)

Charging Stations. Until any formal rules are proposed and finalized, the Kentucky Transportation

Cabinet (KYTC) is requiring that at least one pedestal be designed and constructed according to U.S.

Access Board recommendations to demonstrate ADA compliance and optimize usability for persons with disabilities. See requirements at the Access Board website.

Alternative Fuel Corridors: A portion of the U.S. highway system designated as EV charging corridors by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) pursuant to 23 United States Code (U.S.C.) 151. See

Alternative Fuel Corridors – FHWA.

Award: An act of KYTC that indicates its intent to enter into an agreement between two parties to successfully execute an EV charging site.

Charging Station: The area in the immediate vicinity of a group of chargers, including the chargers, supporting equipment, parking areas adjacent to the chargers, and lanes for vehicle ingress and egress. It is anticipated that a Charging Station may comprise only a part of the property on which it is located.

Direct Current Fast Charging: A type of EV Charging Station that uses direct current and can charge a typical light-duty-battery EV to 80 percent capacity in approximately 20 to 40 minutes.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment: A device that transfers and controls the power supply between site electricity infrastructure and an EV.

Level 2 Charging: A type of EV Charging Station that operates on a circuit from 208 volts to 240 volts and transfers alternating-current (AC) electricity to a device in an EV that converts alternating current to direct current to recharge an EV battery.

Maximum Total Project Reimbursement: The maximum reimbursement allowable, in dollars and as capped by the requested Proposer Cost Share, for the project.

Preferred Proposer: A Proposer whose proposal offers the best value to KYTC as assessed through the evaluation criteria and scoring described in the RFP and enables KYTC to optimally deploy an EV network in compliance with NEVI Requirements; and whose proposal responds to all specifications and requested materials set forth in the RFP; and contains no irregularities or deviations from specifications that would affect the amount of the Cost Proposal or otherwise give the Proposer a competitive advantage; and whose experience, financial condition, conduct and performance on previous projects indicates the Proposer’s ability to execute and perform under the PA.

Project Agreement (PA): The written contract setting forth the terms and conditions by which the

Project is to be conducted and executed by the successful Proposer pursuant to this RFP and KYTC.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/part-37 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/03/2024-18820/americans-with-disabilities-act-and-architectural-barriers-act-accessibility-guidelines-ev-charging https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/03/2024-18820/americans-with-disabilities-act-and-architectural-barriers-act-accessibility-guidelines-ev-charging https://www.access-board.gov/tad/ev/ https://www.access-board.gov/tad/ev/ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/alternative_fuel_corridors/ vi

Project Site: Location where one or more Charging Stations are installed. A Project Site may contain both a NEVI Charging Station and a non-NEVI Charging Station.

Proposer: The entity that has signed and submitted the proposal to this request for proposal (RFP) and who will be responsible for providing the goods and services specified in this RFP if Award is granted by KYTC. A proposer can represent Joint Ventures between two or more entities.

Proposer Cost Share: A non-federal funding source that the Proposer must commit to the project as its share of the overall eligible project costs. For the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)

Formula Program, the Proposer Cost Share is at least 20 percent, but Proposers can propose a higher cost share in their Cost Proposal.

Site Host: The owner or owners of the Project Site who can legally enter into agreement(s) with the utility provider(s), Charging Station operator(s), and EV charging site Developer(s).

Total Obligation: An amount equal to the Maximum Total Project Reimbursement.

Zone: KYTC term referring to the area where a Proposer can propose to construct a NEVI-compliant

Charging Station Project Site.

1. Overview

1.1 Background

Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also referred to as the Infrastructure

Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), on November 15, 2021, which included the National Electric Vehicle

Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The NEVI Formula Program provides dedicated funding to construct electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) across the state of Kentucky, establishing a

Charging Station network. Funding for all agreements resulting from this request for proposal (RFP) will be paid entirely from the NEVI Formula Program.

Kentucky was allocated approximately $70 million in EV charging formula funds across federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022–2026. At the time of this RFP’s release, approximately $55 million from FFY 2022–

2025 had been obligated to the state under the NEVI program. Final Award amounts for this round will be based on the available balance at the time of Award. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is the designated administrator of the funds for the state. These funds are provided to selected stations on a reimbursement basis and require a minimum 20 percent non-federal match.

1.2 Introduction

The KYTC Division of Purchases has issued this RFP for the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s

(Commonwealth) Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Program to solicit proposals from qualified entities

(Proposers) to participate in the deployment of direct current fast charging (DCFC) infrastructure across the state that complies with NEVI program requirements. This RFP is issued as a competitive negotiation pursuant to 200 KAR 5:307 and subject to 23 CFR 636. KYTC’s goal is to fund EVSE deployments to strategically support the development of convenient, accessible, reliable, and equitable

EVSE infrastructure in the Zones designated in this RFP. Funding awarded from this RFP may be used for updates to existing EVSE and the development of new Charging Stations. Both existing and new stations must be sited in the 32 KYTC-identified Zones. See Section 4.3 and Figure 4-1 for details about the Zones.

This RFP outlines the process by which Proposers can submit proposals for one or more Project Sites.

KYTC will evaluate proposals based on established evaluation criteria and award Contracts to selected

Proposers. To receive NEVI funds, selected Proposers must execute a Contract in the form of a Project

Agreement (PA) with KYTC and agree to PA Terms and Conditions in relation to a particular Project. As per the PA Terms and Conditions, selected Proposers agree to serve as private-sector partners

(Developers) for a Project located at a Project Site.

KYTC intends to award one Project Site in each Zone. KYTC will evaluate Project Sites in each Zone on its own merits and award Project Sites that offer best value to KYTC while meeting the requirements of this RFP, the EV Plan, and existing and future NEVI Requirements. KYTC will evaluate and award

Project Sites in accordance with the process described in Section 6. This process may result in KYTC awarding more than one Project Site to the same Proposer. This RFP focuses on design, construction, acquisition, installation, operations, maintenance, data reporting, and ownership of EVSE infrastructure at locations in the Zones. KYTC is providing reimbursement funds to eligible Proposers as defined in

Section 3.1. KYTC will not own, operate, or maintain any EVSE, and the EVSE infrastructure and

Project Sites will not be located in state-owned right-of-way. Developers will also not be required to

“handback” any Project or any portion thereof to KYTC at the end of the Contract term.

https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2025-15370 https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2025-15370

This RFP includes requirements for DCFC equipment, Project Site selection, design, installation, operations and maintenance (O&M), and reporting. In addition, the RFP includes information about the process by which competitive selections will be awarded, funding match levels and requirements, project eligibility, funding priorities, activities eligible for reimbursement, and other information that will help Proposers plan their project and submit a proposal.

1.2.1 Terms

For the purpose of this RFP, the following terms may be used interchangeably, and may be capitalized or uncapitalized:

• Project Agreement, PA, Contract.

• Proposer or Offeror.

• Developer, Contractor, Provider, or Vendor.

• Commonwealth Buyer, Buyer, Purchaser, or Contract Officer.

• RFP, Solicitation, or Procurement.

• Bid, Proposal, or Offer.

• Commonwealth of Kentucky, Commonwealth, or State, Agency, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

• Fiscal Year will be defined as the Commonwealth fiscal year: July 1 through June 30.

• Biennium will be defined as the Commonwealth biennium: July 1 of each even numbered year through June 30 of the next even numbered year.

• Requirements that include the words “Shall”, “Will”, “Must” indicate a mandatory requirement.

1.2.2 KYTC EV Infrastructure Goals

The Commonwealth’s EV infrastructure goals are to develop:

1. A corridor-based EV charging system that supports interstate and regional travel;

2. A local EV ecosystem that serves Kentucky’s communities and travelers;

3. A comprehensive system that supports transportation choices for all of Kentucky’s residents;

4. An interconnected, reliable, and resilient vehicle fueling system that can adapt to changes in market conditions and transportation technologies; and

5. A transportation system that reduces emissions and promotes clean air in Kentucky.

KYTC’s goals specific to this RFP are to:

1. Attract multiple Proposers with proven knowledge and experience in EV charging;

2. Encourage self-sufficiency during design, construction, and operation of the EV Network while ensuring federal compliance and performance;

3. Expand Kentucky’s EV charging network in accordance with the NEVI Formula Program

Guidance as updated on August 25, 2025 and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Standards and Requirements, Final Rule, Code of Federal Regulations Section 23, Part 680 (23

CFR 680) issued on February 15, 2023 (collectively, NEVI Requirements), and other requirements set forth by KYTC pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth;

Continue to deploy new EV charging stations in locations across Kentucky including along on key highway corridors and in urban and rural areas of the state; and Select Projects, and

Preferred Proposers, that are likely to remain viable beyond the five-year funding period offered by NEVI Formula Program.

2. Attachments and Reference Documents

2.1 Attachments

The following attachments are incorporated into and made part of this RFP by reference. KYTC reserves the right to amend these attachments prior to the close of the RFP. KYTC will issue any necessary addendums at Kentucky’s Vendor Self Service website (see Sections 5.3 and 5.4).

• Attachment 1: Technical Requirements

• Attachment 2: Scope of Work

• Attachment 3a: Administrative Proposal Form

• Attachment 3b: Affidavit for Bidders and Offerors

• Attachment 4a: Technical Proposal Form

• Attachment 4b: Proposed Project Schedule

• Attachment 5: Cost Proposal Form

• Attachment 6: Site Host Owner Letter of Intent

• Attachment 7: Draft Project Agreement

• Attachment 8: Acknowledgement of FHWA Form 1273

• Attachment 9: Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Locally Prevailing Wage Rates

• Attachment 10: Example Letter of Credit

• Attachment 11: Utility Data Request Form

• Attachment 12: Transmittal Letter Requirements

2.2 Reference Documents

Proposers are urged to conduct their due diligence relating to the NEVI Formula Program and the federal, state, and local laws and regulations that apply to this funding. The following reference documents are available; this is not an exhaustive list:

• National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements

• FHWA NEVI Program Frequently Asked Questions

• Standardized Protocol for Real-Time APIs s Required by Title 23 CFR 680.116(c)

• Kentucky's EV Charging Program website https://vss.ky.gov/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/28/2023-03500/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-standards-and-requirements#%3A~%3Atext%3DThis%20final%20rule%20establishes%20regulations%20setting%20minimum%20standards%2Ctreated%20as%20a%20project%20on%20a%20Federal-aid%20highway https://driveelectric.gov/news/nevi-and-fbo-updates https://driveelectric.gov/files/api-standardized-protocol.pdf https://evcharging.ky.gov/

3. Proposer Eligibility

3.1 Eligible Proposers

All eligible Proposers must be licensed to do business in Kentucky prior to proposing. Eligible

Proposers for this funding opportunity include but are not limited to:

• For-profit businesses

• Privately owned electric utilities

• Non-profit organizations

• Governmental entities (except state agencies)

• Municipal utilities

• Electric membership cooperative utilities

• Teaming partnerships that include the above eligible entities

A clear primary Proposer and point of contact are required.

3.2 Ineligible Proposers

Ineligible Proposers include the following:

• State agencies

• Entities or individuals who are currently suspended or debarred by the state or federal government

3.3 Proposal Limitations and Requirements

Each proposal can include only one charging Project Site, and Proposers may submit only one proposal per Zone. However, proposers may submit proposals for more than one Zone. Proposals for locations outside the identified 32 Zones will not be accepted.

4. Eligible Projects

4.1 Project Requirements

The Project must include a minimum of four ports, and at least two of the ports must be DCFC ports.

For example, the charging Project Site could have 2 DCFC ports and 2 Level 2 ports, or the charging

Project Site could have 4 DCFC ports and no Level 2 ports. All DCFC ports must be capable of continuous charging at 150 kW concurrently. If Level 2 ports are incorporated into the project, they must be capable of continuous charging at a minimum of 6 kW concurrently. Review the links and other requirements in Attachment 1 – Technical Requirements and in Attachment 2 – Scope of Work very carefully prior to submitting a response to this RFP. Projects must comply with all requirements and provide all deliverables in this RFP, including the requirements, tasks, and deliverables in

Attachment 1 and Attachment 2. Proposers are responsible for thoroughly reviewing and understanding all Project requirements prior to submitting proposals.

Funding for any Project Agreement resulting from this RFP will be paid using Title 23 funds. Therefore, all applicable requirements of Title 23 United States Code (U.S.C) and 2 Code of Federal Regulations

(CFR) part 200 apply to the administration of these funds. This includes 23 CFR 680, the Davis-Bacon

Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Buy America requirements, and the Build America, Buy

America Act (BABA), as applicable. In addition to these requirements, the Developer must comply with all other applicable federal, state, and local laws, standards, and requirements. All relevant terms in the

RFP are assumed to be the definitions as defined in 23 CFR 680.

For BABA compliance, EVSE funded under any Project Agreement resulting from this RFP must be assembled in the United States and at least 55 percent of the cost of all components must be made in the United States. EVSE housing that is predominantly steel or iron must still meet current Buy America requirements. In addition, all utility equipment and materials permanently incorporated into the project, MUST be BABA compliant, regardless of who pays for the utility upgrades and who owns the equipment.

Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements do not apply to NEVI program funds. Project

Site Awards and the execution of agreements will not be subject to DBE goals.

The Developer will be required to provide at least a 20 percent contribution (Proposer Cost Share) in non-federal dollars to the overall eligible project costs, which will be authorized by a Project Agreement between the Developer and KYTC. KYTC will not contribute state funds.

4.2 Buy America and BABA Compliance

4.2.1 Manufactured Products

Per the final Rule for Buy America Requirements for Manufactured Products, manufactured products must meet Buy America requirements. The requirement is that “manufactured products used and permanently incorporated in such project are produced in the United States.” Manufactured Products are defined in 23 CFR 635.410(c). The term “produced in the United States”, in the case of manufactured products, means:

1. for projects obligated on or after October 1, 2025, the product was manufactured in the

United States; and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-XI/part-1191 https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI https://www.energy.gov/nepa/articles/national-environmental-policy-act-1969#:~:text=The%20stated%20purposes%20of%20NEPA,enrich%20the%20understanding%20of%20the https://www.energy.gov/nepa/articles/national-environmental-policy-act-1969#:~:text=The%20stated%20purposes%20of%20NEPA,enrich%20the%20understanding%20of%20the https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title23-section313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/contracts/buyam_qa.cfm https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/contracts/buyam_qa.cfm https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/14/2024-31350/buy-america-requirements-for-manufactured-products

2. for projects obligated on or after October 1, 2026, the product was manufactured in the

United States and the cost of the components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components of the manufactured product.

For the purpose of this RFP, the intent is for project funds to be obligated after October 1, 2025, but before October 1, 2026.

The following U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) waivers are available for use on this project:

4.2.2 Iron and Steel De Minimis Costs Waiver

The iron and steel de minimis costs waiver applies to projects funded under this RFP. A minimal use of iron or steel products that are not Buy America compliant are allowed to be used in the project, if the costs of such materials used does not exceed one-tenth of one percent (0.1 percent) of the total contract cost or $2,500, whichever is greater. Specifically, the cost is the one shown to be the value of the steel and iron products as they are delivered to the project. This waiver does not apply to EVSE.

4.2.3 Construction Materials De Minimis Costs Waiver

The de minimis costs portions of the USDOT waiver of Buy America requirements for de minimis costs and small grants applies to projects funded under this RFP and waives the requirements of BABA for construction materials and manufactured products under a single financial assistance award when the total value of the non-compliant products is no more than the lesser of $1,000,000 or 5 percent of total applicable costs for the project. This portion of the waiver does not waive the Federal Highway

Administration’s (FHWA) Buy America requirements for steel or iron, and FHWA continues to apply its

Buy America requirements to projects that would otherwise be covered by the de minimis portion of the waiver. For a single financial award, the threshold amount is the lesser of $1,000,000 or 5 percent of total applicable costs for the project. The 5 percent threshold is based on the following formula: total value of non-compliant construction materials and manufactured products used in the project / total applicable project costs (steel, iron, manufactured products, and construction materials). This threshold is based on the actual cost of the steel, iron, manufactured products, and construction materials, not just the anticipated cost of those materials. This waiver does not apply to EVSE.

4.3 NEVI Zones

For this RFP, KYTC has identified 32 Zones, separated into 3 types: corridor, urban, and rural. The

Zones are listed in Table 4.1 and illustrated in Figure 4.1. A GIS map with detailed boundaries of each Zone can be found on Kentucky's EV Charging Program website. The GIS map should be used by proposers to determine which Zone a specific Project Site is located in. A Project Site is considered to be in a Zone if any portion of the parcel is located in the Zone.

KYTC has also identified areas where proposals will not be accepted. These areas are shown on

Figure 4.1 as areas not included in this RFP and they are not part of the 32 Zones in the GIS file.

Proposers are responsible for identifying and coordinating with the appropriate utility provider: Kentucky

Electric Service Areas.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-635/subpart-D/section-635.410 https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fhwa.dot.gov%2Fconstruction%2Fcontracts%2Fbuyam_qa_deminimis.cfm&data=05%7C02%7CKathryn.Roos%40hdrinc.com%7Ccced7ec10df7419e8a4508dcc5fc1105%7C3667e201cbdc48b39b425d2d3f16e2a9%7C0%7C0%7C638602933650770509%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=J9rdlvnHmJ6ZQ3eAH5bNmaA2AsCOoTl%2B91T8zOZQiUI%3D&reserved=0 https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fhwa.dot.gov%2Fconstruction%2Fcontracts%2Fbuyam_qa_deminimis.cfm&data=05%7C02%7CKathryn.Roos%40hdrinc.com%7Ccced7ec10df7419e8a4508dcc5fc1105%7C3667e201cbdc48b39b425d2d3f16e2a9%7C0%7C0%7C638602933650770509%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=J9rdlvnHmJ6ZQ3eAH5bNmaA2AsCOoTl%2B91T8zOZQiUI%3D&reserved=0 https://evcharging.ky.gov/ https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=6b2e6c8331104c5d8aeb0391361dc49c https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=6b2e6c8331104c5d8aeb0391361dc49c

Table 4-1. Zones

Type Name Description

Corridor CZ1 US 51 between Tennessee border and Illinois border

CZ2 US 60 between Smithland and Waverly

CZ3 I-69 between exit 71 and exit 81

CZ4 KY 80 and/or US 68 between Murray and I-24

CZ5 US 60 between Lewisport and West Point

CZ6 US 68 between Fairview and Auburn

CZ7 Bluegrass Parkway between exit 10 and exit 59

CZ8 KY 55 between Lebanon and Springfield

CZ9 KY 55 between Columbia and Campbellsville

CZ10 US 127 between Tennessee border and Jamestown

CZ11 US 127 between Middleburg and Danville, KY-34 between Danville and US-27

CZ12 AA Highway between Wilder and Augusta

CZ13 AA Highway between Maysville and Vanceburg

CZ14 US 68 between Paris and Mays Lick

CZ15 US 25E between Tennessee border and Corbin

CZ16 US 23 between Prestonsburg and Paintsville

CZ17 US 23 through Pikeville

Urban UZ1 Henderson, Kentucky urbanized area

UZ2 Owensboro, Kentucky urbanized area

UZ3 Elizabethtown-Radcliff, Kentucky urbanized area

UZ4 Kentucky side of the Cincinnati, Ohio-Kentucky urbanized area

UZ5 Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky urbanized area

UZ6 Kentucky side of the Huntington, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and the

Portsmouth, Ohio-Kentucky urbanized areas

Rural RZ1 Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, Trigg, and Union Counties

RZ2 Breckinridge, Butler, Christian, Daviess, Grayson, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, Logan, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Todd, and Webster Counties

RZ3 Hardin, Henry, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, and

Washington Counties

RZ4 Adair, Allen, Barren, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Green, Hart, Lincoln, McCreary, Metcalfe, Monroe, Pulaski, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, and

Wayne Counties

RZ5 Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, and

Pendleton Counties

RZ6 Anderson, Bath, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford Counties

Type Name Description

RZ7 Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Owsley, Rockcastle, and

Whitley Counties

RZ8 Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Mason, Robertson, and Rowan Counties

RZ9 Breathitt, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Perry, Pike, and Wolfe Counties

Figure 4-1. Kentucky Zones – Round 4

The GIS map with the detailed boundaries for each Zone can be found on

Kentucky's EV Charging Program website. The GIS map should be used by proposers to determine which Zone a specific Project Site is located in.

Request for proposal

4.4 Eligible Costs

A Project Site may contain both a NEVI Charging Station and a non-NEVI Charging Station. NEVI

Charging Stations must be compliant with 23 CFR 680 and the entirety of this RFP. Proposals will be evaluated on the NEVI Charging Station(s) and related amenities, as outlined in this RFP. Developers will be reimbursed only for NEVI Charging Station related costs and required utility upgrades per this

RFP. When ports and stations are referenced in this RFP, they refer only to NEVI ports and NEVI

Charging Stations, unless otherwise specified.

Developers will be reimbursed for eligible costs according to the submitted Attachment 5 - Cost

Proposal Form. Proposers may apply for up to 80 percent federal cost share of the eligible costs, with a minimum required match of 20 percent from non-federal sources. The remaining project costs

(non-eligible costs) are the Proposer’s responsibility. Non-eligible costs may not be included in any

Cost Proposal Form and may not be counted toward the minimum 20 percent non-federal match.

Eligible costs are expenses defined to be eligible under 23 CFR 680 and its guidance as expenses directly related to deployment and operation of EV charging infrastructure. To be considered directly related to vehicle charging operations, items must be a necessary component in the EVSE station operations, be a necessary component to connect the EVSE station to the electricity source (or to supply power from the electricity source), enable management of electricity demand or backup power (if applicable), provide eligible signage to direct EV users to the Charging Station, or provide information to EV users about Charging Station use. This includes costs of new public EVSE Charging Stations and upgrades to existing EVSE Charging Stations.

4.4.1 Demand Charges and Battery Energy Storage Systems

KYTC encourages all Proposers to complete thorough due diligence for potential demand charges specific to each proposed Project Site. Demand charges in some utility provider areas can be high in comparison to standard electric utility rates. Proposers are encouraged to consider incorporating battery energy storage systems (BESS) into projects to help reduce potential demand charges. BESS are eligible costs, and up to 80 percent of capital costs can be reimbursed. Per the scoring criteria in

Section 6.4.2, additional points will be awarded for the incorporation of BESS into projects.

In addition to considering the incorporation of BESS into Projects, KYTC will provide up to $150,000 in reimbursement for demand charges over the life of the project to each awarded project. The $150,000 represents the full 80 percent that is eligible for reimbursement. Developers will be required to provide proof of the incurred demand charges and proof of payment to receive the demand charge reimbursement. Demand charges will not be used to calculate a proposal’s Cost Proposal score.

Request for Proposal

4.4.2 Examples of Eligible Costs

Examples of eligible costs include but are not limited to:

Capital costs:

1. Payments to third-party project contractors, Site Hosts, and the like as part of an established agreement

2. Battery storage equipment and installation related directly to Charging Station infrastructure

3. Construction costs (as defined under 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(4)) related directly to EV Charging Stations

4. Costs to procure, install, repair, upgrade, or replace existing EV charging equipment to meet NEVI minimum standards and requirements

5. Costs to procure and set up hardware and software for EV charging equipment

6. Equipment and installation to provide utility distributed power to EVSE stations and battery storage systems

7. Equipment for and installation of on-site electric service equipment (e.g., power meter, transformer, switch gear)

8. Minor electricity distribution system upgrades

9. Costs needed to update existing EVSE stations to meet ADA requirements and U.S. Access Board Recommendations

10. Preconstruction costs for environmental review, site design, and preliminary engineering for Charging Stations

11. Combined charging system Type 1 (SAE CCS1) and North American Charging Standard (SAE J3400) connectors and adaptors

12. EVSE infrastructure projects that meet NEVI Formula Program requirements

13. Cost of any shared equipment that supports both NEVI and non-NEVI ports prorated based on the proportion of the power rating of the equipment that can supply the NEVI ports simultaneously

14. Level 2 chargers (minimum 6kW)

15. Installation of canopies, lighting, and security features that provide a safe, reliable charging site

16. Base ground lease for site

O&M costs:

1. Charging equipment lease or warranty fees (up to 5 years after the Charging Station is commissioned)

2. Cellular network fees, internet service fees, or other fees necessary to provide communications among EVSE stations (up to 5 years after the Charging Station is commissioned)

3. Hardware and software maintenance and repair costs, including service agreements with third-party contractors and charging equipment manufacturers or warrantors (up to 5 years after the Charging Station is commissioned)

4. Costs for electricity use and demand charges

5. Other allocable operating costs necessary for Charging Stations (up to 5 years after the Charging Station is commissioned)

Direct Administrative costs:

1. Administrative costs to manage the program, including training and reporting of quarterly, annual, or one-time data as required under 23 CFR 680.112

4.5 Ineligible Costs

Ineligible costs are expenses deemed as such under 23 CFR 680 and other applicable federal, state, and local laws.

4.5.1 Examples of Ineligible Costs

Ineligible costs include, but are not limited to:

1. Costs incurred prior to a fully executed Project Agreement with KYTC

2. Costs not related directly to vehicle charging

3. Costs for lobbying or for the intervention in state, federal regulatory, or adjudicatory proceedings

4. Costs for construction or general maintenance of building(s) and parking facilities (if not related directly to vehicle charging)

5. Costs of major grid upgrades (e.g., longer line extension or upgrades, improvements to off-site power generation, bulk power transmission, substations)

6. Cost of any equipment that supports only non-NEVI ports

7. Portion of the cost of any shared equipment that supports both NEVI and non-NEVI ports that is beyond the eligible amount

8. Level 2 chargers less than 6kW

9. Utility service upgrade costs covered by the utility

10. Costs covered by the electric utility’s programs or tariff rules

11. Indirect administrative costs (e.g., office supplies, rent, marketing, advertising)

12. Costs for research projects

13. Costs for bathrooms and access to food and drink, including vending machines

14. Costs for the purchase of real estate https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680/section-680.112

5. Proposal Instructions

5.1 General Proposal Requirements

Proposers are responsible for conducting their due diligence, including understanding all terms and conditions of the RFP documents and applicable federal, state, and local laws. It is recommended that Proposers thoroughly review the reference documents listed in Section 2.2. Questions should be submitted to KYTC according to the instructions in Section 5.4.

5.2 Proposal Timeline

Table 5-1 outlines the activities and corresponding dates that must be met by all Proposers. KYTC may update this timeline and will notify participants by posting an addendum on Kentucky’s Vendor Self

Service website. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to refer to the website on a regular basis.

Proposals received after the deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed. Incomplete proposals may be disqualified from consideration. KYTC is not responsible for any errors or delays caused by technical difficulties resulting from uploading proposals.

Table 5-1. Proposal Timeline

Activity Date Time* Details

Final RFP

Released 5/29/2026 N/A Kentucky’s Vendor Self Service website

Pre-Bid

Webinar 6/8/2026 1:00 p.m. ET Registration

Question

Period Ends 6/12/2026 5:00 p.m. ET Submit via email to Laura.Hagan@ky.gov

Answers

Posted 6/26/2026 N/A Kentucky’s Vendor Self Service website

Proposal Due

Date 7/13/2026 11 a.m. ET MOVEit TRANSFER

Notice of

Award*

(Anticipated)

Approximately 45 calendar days after the proposal window closes

Sent via email

Execution of

Agreement*

(Anticipated)

Approximately 60–90 calendar days after Award date (Includes all requirements in Sections 7.1 and 7.2)

To be detailed in Notice of Award

*Note: KYTC is not bound to these timelines and may take more time to conduct the NEPA clearance process and obtain the appropriate authorizations from FHWA.

5.3 Request for Proposal Access

The RFP, addenda, attachments, and questions and answers are available via Kentucky’s Vendor Self

Service website. Account registration is not needed to access the RFP solicitation or other documents.

https://vss.ky.gov/ https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/02b1a2bd-7f73-46a3-8e47-c05a3d69692c@8d088ff8-7e52-4d0f-8187-dcd9ca37815a mailto:Laura.Hagan@ky.gov https://vss.ky.gov/ https://ftp.ky.gov/

To view these documents go to the website (using the live link above or some other method), then:

• Click “View Published Solicitations.”

• In the Keyword Search enter 2600000371 and click “Search.”

• Click the hyperlinked RFP- 605 2600000371 to view the solicitation.

• Click on the “Attachments” tab to download all associated documents.

The geographic information system (GIS) map with the detailed boundaries for the Zones can be accessed on Kentucky's EV Charging Program website.

5.4 Proposal Questions and Addendums

KYTC’s Division of Purchases is the only office authorized to change, modify, amend, alter, or clarify the specifications, terms, and conditions of this RFP. All communications for this RFP should be directed to the Commonwealth Buyer, Laura Hagan.

Laura Hagan, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Division of Purchases

200 Mero Street

Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 782-3980

Laura.Hagan@ky.gov

The Commonwealth Buyer shall be the sole point of contact throughout the procurement process. All communications, oral and written (regular, express, or electronic mail), concerning this procurement shall be addressed to the Commonwealth Buyer. Questions or requests for clarification about this RFP must be submitted to Laura.Hagan@ky.gov

Questions should include the following information;

• RFP Document Name

• RFP Document Section Number

• RFP Document Page Number

• Question

KYTC will respond to questions within 14 days of the question window closing . Answers to questions will be posted on Kentucky’s Vendor Self Service website. Verbal or audio questions will not be addressed. Proposers shall not contact any other KYTC personnel, consultants, or agents regarding this RFP from the date of advertisement until an Award is issued by KYTC. Violation of this section may be grounds for rejecting any proposal(s) from that Proposer.

KYTC reserves the right to amend this RFP at any time by addendum. The Proposers shall acknowledge all addendums in writing, per the instructions included in the addenda.

mailto:Laura.Hagan@ky.gov

5.4.1 Acknowledgment of Addenda

It is the Proposer’s responsibility to check Kentucky’s Vendor Self Service website for any modifications to this solicitation (see Section 5.3 for access instructions). Signing the certification for each Technical

Proposal constitutes the Proposer’s acknowledgement of, and agreement to be bound by, the terms of all addenda issued.

Failure to specifically acknowledge addenda will not excuse the vendor from adhering to all changes to the requirements of the solicitation set forth therein nor provide justification for any pricing changes.

5.5 Proposal Contents

Each proposal must include the following completed attachments and documents, as further described in this RFP, and in the format identified by the RFP documents accessible via Kentucky’s Vendor Self

Service website.

Table 5-2. Proposal Contents

ADMINISTRATIVE PROPOSAL

For each of the proposal documents listed below, one submission per distinct proposed team is required. Use the naming convention and file formats shown below for all submitted files.

Attachment File Name for Submission

Section of RFP &

File Type Notes

12 -

Transmittal

Letter Req.

[Proposer Name] RFP 2600000371

Transmittal Letter.pdf

Section 5.5.6

Searchable PDF

Attachment provides details

3a – Admin.

Proposal Form

[Proposer Name] RFP 2600000371

Admin Proposal Form.pdf

Section 5.5.1

Searchable PDF

Include organizational chart in the PDF

3b - Affidavit for Bidders

[Proposer Name] RFP 2600000371

Affidavit for Bidders & Offerors.pdf

PDF

Must be signed and notarized

8 – Ack. Of

FHWA Form

[Proposer Name] RFP 2600000371

Acknowledgement of FHWA Form

Searchable PDF Must use template provided

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

For each of the proposal documents listed below, one submission per Project Site is required. Use the naming convention and file formats shown below for all submitted files.

Attachment File Name for Submission

Section of RFP

& File Type Notes

4a - Technical

Proposal Form

[Zone Name] [Proposer Name]

RFP 2600000371 Technical

Proposal Form.pdf

Section 5.5.1

Searchable PDF

Includes EVSE cut sheets, EVSE connection diagram, preliminary site design and layout, and area map https://vss.ky.gov/

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

For each of the proposal documents listed below, one submission per Project Site is required. Use the naming convention and file formats shown below for all submitted files.

Attachment File Name for Submission

Section of RFP

& File Type Notes

4b - Proposed

Project

Schedule

[Zone Name] [Proposer Name]

RFP 2600000371 Proposed

Project Schedule.xlsx

Section 5.5.2

Excel Must use template provided

6 - Site Host

Letter of Intent

[Zone Name] [Proposer Name]

RFP 2600000371 Signed Site

Host Owner Letter of Intent.pdf

Section 5.5.4

Searchable PDF

Must use template provided

Must include proof of ownership, such as a property deed, current lease agreement, site access agreement, or other legally binding documentation demonstrating the Proposer’s authority to install and operate

EV charging equipment at the proposed location.

11 - Utility

Data Request

Form

[Zone Name] [Proposer Name]

Completed Utility Data Request

Form.pdf

Section 5.5.5

Searchable PDF Must use template provided

COST PROPOSAL

For each of the proposal documents listed below, one submission per distinct proposed team is required. Use the naming convention and file formats shown below for all submitted files.

Attachment File Name for Submission

Section of RFP &

File Type Notes

5 - Cost

Proposal

Form

[[Zone Name] [Proposer Name]

RFP 2600000371 Cost Proposal

Form.xlsx

Section 5.5.3

Excel

Must use template provided

Note: All submitted PDFs shall be searchable and not obfuscated, including images from scanned print-offs. Any proposal that contains a PDF that is obfuscated and not searchable may be deemed nonresponsive.

Upon submission, all proposals become the property of the Commonwealth. The successful proposal shall be incorporated into the resulting Contract by reference. Disposal of unsuccessful proposals shall be at the discretion of the Commonwealth Buyer. Any information included in a proposal that the

Proposer believes is considered confidential or proprietary under Commonwealth law shall be marked.

5.5.1 Proposal Forms – Administrative, Technical, and Cost

If proposing multiple Project Sites for different Zones, Proposers must submit both a Technical

Proposal and a Cost Proposal Form for each Project Site. Only one Administrative Proposal is required per distinct Proposer team. If one member of the Proposer team, as outlined in the organizational chart, changes from one Project Site proposal to another, a separate and distinct Administrative Proposal must be completed and submitted for that distinct Proposer team.

5.5.2 Proposed Project Schedule

Proposers must provide a detailed Attachment 4b - Proposed Project Schedule, based on the requirements outlined in the RFP. Details must be provided at a level that illustrates a comprehensive understanding of the project requirements. The schedule must address the tasks outlined in

Attachment 2 - Scope of Work (SOW), including but not limited to, critical activities, subtasks, key milestones, submission and review of deliverables, and Notices to Proceed (NTPs) required to accomplish the primary tasks as outlined in the SOW. The schedule shall include time frames and dates to meet all tasks, activities, and requirements of the project, including reporting deadlines.

Proposers must provide an estimate as to when each task will begin and how many days each task is expected to take. The completed Project Schedule should clearly indicate all the steps required to complete the project and illustrate a clear understanding of the project requirements.

5.5.3 Cost Proposal Form

Proposers must provide a completed Attachment 5 - Cost Proposal Form. A Proposer must enter the required information in the form and shall not change any formula in the form. The Cost Proposal Form will calculate the Proposer’s maximum total project reimbursement and will be used to establish the maximum budget for the project. Each Proposer is required to follow the instructions provided in

Attachment 5 and provide the following:

• The requested reimbursement (percent) for capital costs, which shall not exceed 80 percent.

• The requested reimbursement (percent) for O&M costs, which shall not exceed 80 percent.

• The project costs for each cost item, as identified in the Cost Proposal Form. Costs shall include only items eligible under the NEVI program, as defined in Section 4.4.

• In-kind contributions are not allowed as part of the Proposer cost share.

5.5.4 Site Host Owner Letter of Intent

The Proposer shall ensure public access to the proposed EV Charging Station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for the life of the Project Agreement, per 23 CFR Part 680, including any property required for ingress and egress. Unfettered, unimpeded site access is required for the design, construction, and operation of EV Charging Stations. As such, Proposers shall complete and sign

Attachment 6 - Site Host Owner Letter of Intent.

There are two versions of the letter included in Attachment 6 - Site Host Owner Letter of Intent. If the

Proposer is not the Site Host owner, both the Proposer and Site Host owner must sign and submit

Template A, along with proof of property ownership from the Site Host. If the Proposer is the Site Host owner, it must use Template B. In this case, the Proposer must still provide proof of Project Site ownership. Ensuring Project Site control and public accessibility are critical components of the proposal process.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680?toc=1

No language in Attachment 6 - Site Host Owner Letter of Intent, shall be altered or revised. Any alterations to the language may lead to a proposal being deemed nonresponsive. The letter will not be scored but will be part of the administrative responsiveness check.

5.5.5 Utility Data Request Form

The Proposer shall provide a completed Attachment 11 - Utility Data Request Form. If a utility is non-responsive to the Proposer’s request to complete the relevant sections of the Utility Data Request Form or does not provide all the requested information, the Proposer shall provide as much information as it can, and shall provide proof of attempts to contact the utility. The Utility Data Request Form will not be scored but will be part of the administrative responsiveness check.

5.5.6 Transmittal Letter

The Offeror shall complete and submit a Transmittal Letter prepared in accordance with the Transmittal

Letter Requirements provided in Attachment 12 of this Solicitation. The Transmittal Letter must be signed by an individual authorized to legally bind the Offeror. The Transmittal letter shall include required certifications, disclosures, and Offeror information necessary for proposal evaluation and contract compliance. Refer to Attachment 12 – Transmittal Letter Requirements for complete preparation instructions.

5.6 Proposal Submission

Proposers must submit all three parts of the proposal: Administrative Proposal, Technical Proposal, and

Cost Proposal. The Administrative Proposal will be completed only once by each Proposer, while the

Technical Proposal and Cost Proposals will be completed for each individual Project site. If subcontractors or other members who make up the Proposer change between Project Sites, that is considered a different Proposer, and a separate Administrative Proposal must be submitted.

Proposers must complete all required sections of the Administrative Proposal and Technical Proposal forms and provide the necessary information and documents directly in the forms. Links to information outside the forms will not be reviewed. Any additional documents submitted outside those requested will also not be reviewed. All files submitted shall use the naming convention provided in Section 5.5.

All submitted Technical and Cost Proposals shall remain valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the proposal due date.

5.6.1 Submission via MOVEit TRANSFER

Proposers must submit all required information per Table 5-2 via KYTC’s MOVEit TRANSFER site. This application is used for Secure File Transfer: uploading/downloading files with the FTP application and sharing the secure location with other registered MOVEit users with no size limit.