REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

DELAWARE CLEAN VEHICLE REBATE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

CONTRACT NUMBER NAT26001-CVRP_ADMN

Contents:

I. Overview II. Scope of Services III. Required Information IV. Professional Services RFP Administrative Information V. Contract Terms and Conditions VI. RFP Miscellaneous Information VII. Attachments Appendix A - MINIMUM MANDATORY SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Appendix B – COST PROPOSAL FORM Appendix C - NETWORK DIAGRAM Appendix D - SOFTWARE INVENTORY

** Ctrl + Click on the headings above will take you directly to the section.

I. Overview The State of Delaware Department of Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) seeks a qualified Vendor to market, implement and administer for DNREC the Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP), which provides rebates for the purchase or lease of any new or used battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. The current available funding for the Delaware CVRP per year is $4 million (subject to change) with the anticipation of providing 1500-1700 plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicle rebates. This request for proposals (“RFP”) is issued pursuant to 29 Del. C. §§ 6981 and 6982.

The proposed schedule of events subject to the RFP is outlined below:

Public Notice Date: September 28, 2026

Deadline for Questions Date: October 9, 2026

Response to Questions Posted by: Date: October 16, 2026

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals Date: October 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM (Local Time)

Estimated Notification of Award Date: November 20, 2026

Each proposal must be accompanied by a transmittal letter which briefly summarizes the proposing firm’s interest in providing the required professional services. The transmittal letter must also clearly state and justify any exceptions to the requirements of the RFP which the applicant may have taken in presenting the proposal. (Applicant exceptions must also be recorded on Attachment 3).

Furthermore, the transmittal letter must attest to the fact, at a minimum, that the Vendor shall not store or transfer non-public State of Delaware data outside of the United States. For technology related solicitations, Vendors may refer to the Delaware Department of Technology and Information identified terms and conditions included in this solicitation.

The State of Delaware reserves the right to deny any and all exceptions taken to the RFP requirements.

MANDATORY PREBID MEETING

A mandatory pre-bid meeting has not been established for this Request for Proposal.

II. Scope of Services

The State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy (DCCE) seeks a qualified Vendor to administer and manage the Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) and make recommendations on program elements to support electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the State of Delaware. The successful Vendor shall be responsible for program review and design, managing and implementing the CVRP. DCCE anticipates the award of one contract from this RFP. The initial term of the Contract will be five (5) years with, at DCCE’s discretion, up to three (3) optional annual extensions. The current available funding for consumer rebates through the Delaware CVRP per year is $4 million (this amount is subject to change) with the anticipation of providing 1500-1700 plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicle rebates.

Vendor shall provide the following services:

SCOPE A:

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

The Vendor shall provide comprehensive program development, implementation, and administrative support for the CVRP. This work includes developing and maintaining a secure, user-friendly application portal and supporting program infrastructure; providing technical assistance to applicants, participating dealerships, and DCCE; processing rebate applications in accordance with program requirements; collecting and reporting program data; and evaluating program performance to support continuous improvement. The Vendor shall also provide recommendations to inform future funding rounds and ensure the program is administered efficiently, securely, and in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and program requirements.

A. Technical Assistance and Recommendations to update the CVRP for Funding Round 9 and all subsequent funding rounds through the end of the contract period.

1. Vendor shall review the existing and past CVRP rebate funding rounds, including market penetration, dealer participation, and funding levels on an annual basis and make recommendations to DCCE regarding program eligibility and guidelines, vehicle eligibility, and appropriate rebate amounts. The review should include review of market trends, other existing EV rebate program guidelines and eligibilities, and price parities.

B. Develop Application Portal and Application Process Flow

1. Vendor shall develop and implement the framework, tools, and processes to implement the program via an online portal to efficiently and easily collect rebate applications from eligible Delaware residents and businesses as defined by the rebate program guidelines.

a. Vendor shall meet the State of Delaware’s system security requirements to ensure that customer applications, hosting environment and any other personally identifiable information is securely collected and stored in compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations.

b. Vendor shall develop and maintain and update as needed a website that contains relevant program information, including a list of eligible vehicles, the vehicle rebate amounts, and program guidelines.

c. Vendor shall develop and maintain an application portal that allows applicants to submit both online and paper applications.

d. Vendors shall meet or exceed the State of Delaware’s system and security standards located here: Standards and Policies - Department of Technology & Information (DTI) - State of Delaware. In particular respondents must detail how customer information, including any sensitive and personally identifiable information, will be securely collected, stored, archived or destroyed in accordance with policy.

e. Vendor shall develop application processes that are easy for the public to both understand and use and also easy for DCCE to implement.

f. Vendor shall work with DCCE to identify the necessary elements to be included on application documentation as well as a mechanism to collect, approve, and verify incentive applications.

g. Vendor shall support Delaware automobile dealerships participating in the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP).

h. Vendor shall serve as the primary point of contact for participating dealerships and provide technical assistance regarding program requirements and processes.

i. Vendor shall assist DNREC with dealership outreach and engagement activities, as requested.

i. On an annual basis, Vendor shall provide training to participating Delaware automobile dealerships regarding program requirements and processes.

ii. Vendor shall create and maintain an accessible and secure database for program management that allows DCCE to track in real-time, for reporting and internal purposes, (i) total funds available, (ii) total funds expended, and (iii) total number of rebates issued.

C. Delaware CVRP Implementation Plan

1. Vendor shall provide guidance and customer support to applicants and potential applicants on the application process, eligibility requirements to participate in the CVRP, and the online portal.

2. Vendor shall maintain a call center with a toll-free number during normal business hours to address customer service needs for the CVRP.

3. Vendor shall utilize the developed mechanism (B.1.D.) to collect and process clean vehicle rebate applications.

a. Vendor shall process applications under both the guidelines of an existing rebate program and the revised rebate program.

i. After consultation with DCCE, Vendor shall communicate with applicants who seek reconsideration of a denial of a rebate. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Vendor, Vendor will escalate to the DCCE Contract Manager promptly.

ii. Vendor shall approve or deny all applications no more than (10) days from receipt of a complete application.

iii. Vendor shall submit invoices to DCCE for each application after approval for payment. Invoices shall include invoice number (as established by DCCE), name and address of applicant, state-issued Supplier ID of the applicant (the applicant must obtain this prior to applying for the rebate), and the rebate amount. All invoices approved for payment during each business week shall be sent to DCCE no later than every Friday by 4 p.m.

D. Reporting and Program Evaluation

1. Vendor shall conduct surveys of rebate recipients and other relevant information gathering techniques to learn about the EV purchasing decisions, driver satisfaction, and ease of the rebate application process.

a. Vendor shall develop and implement two surveys with the intent of collecting information from rebate recipients to inform future program design. The survey should be short and simple to ensure a meaningful level of participation.

i. Vendor shall develop and administer surveys to rebate recipients shortly after the rebate approval and assess the influence of rebates on consumer purchases, subject to review of survey questions by DCCE.

ii. Vendor shall develop an EV owner satisfaction survey to be issued 6 months after rebate award to collect information relating to EV satisfaction, driving habits, and EV charging use.

b. Vendor shall perform an analysis of these participant surveys and distribute the results of the surveys to DCCE on an agreed upon timeline but not less than every 6 months.

Survey data shall also be available to DCCE upon request.

2. Vendor shall prepare a written monthly progress report on its progress in meeting the requirements of the RFP, including the attainment of milestones, the identification of work to be completed, and any delays and justification of the delay for any schedule modifications, with particular focus on the work performed in the prior month and the work anticipated in the upcoming month.

a. Vendor shall also provide monthly data to DCCE to be placed on the State of Delaware’s Open Data Portal: https://data.delaware.gov/Energy-and- Environment/State-Rebates-for-Alternative-Fuel-Vehicles/8z8z-di7f. Data shall be submitted in an Excel format and will include, but is not limited to, vehicle type, make, model, year, city, zip code, applicants age, date of purchase, dealership and rebate amount.

3. Vendor shall prepare and submit a written annual report no later than September 30 of each calendar year. The report shall summarize program activity and outcomes for the preceding program year and include aggregated program and survey data collected under Sections D.1.a and D.1.b. Final reporting metrics and data elements will be determined by DCCE following contract award.

4. Vendor shall attend regular progress meetings, not less than quarterly via teleconference.and shall provide any status reports, deliverables or other material needed or any meeting a minimum of three (3) business days prior to the meeting. For all meetings, Vendor shall prepare and provide minutes of the meeting to the DCCE Contract Manager within three (3) business days after the meeting.

SCOPE B:

LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME REBATE PROGRAM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

ROADMAP

The Vendor shall evaluate options for the development and implementation of a low- and moderate-income (LMI) Clean Vehicle Rebate Program for Delaware and prepare a comprehensive roadmap to inform future program design and decision-making.

1. The Vendor shall evaluate and compare potential LMI rebate program models and identify implementation options appropriate for Delaware.

a. The evaluation shall include a review of existing LMI electric vehicle incentive programs administered by other states and identify lessons learned, best practices, administrative approaches, and program outcomes.

b. The Vendor shall evaluate multiple program design options, including but not limited to eligibility criteria, income verification methods, rebate structures, point-of-sale versus post-purchase incentives, funding mechanisms, and coordination with existing federal, state, utility, or other incentive programs.

c. The Vendor shall assess the operational, administrative, financial, legal, and technological requirements associated with implementing each program model.

2. The Vendor shall identify implementation considerations and operational impacts associated with establishing an LMI rebate program.

a. The assessment shall identify potential barriers, risks, and implementation challenges for applicants, automobile dealerships, program administrators, and DCCE.

b. The Vendor shall evaluate anticipated impacts on participating dealerships, including administrative burden, customer experience, training needs, reimbursement processes, and program participation.

c. The Vendor shall identify modifications to the existing Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program that would be necessary to support an LMI rebate component.

3. The Vendor shall develop recommendations for program implementation.

a. Recommendations shall include proposed program objectives, policies and procedures, staffing and resource requirements, technology needs, customer support considerations, fraud prevention measures, and performance metrics.

b. The Vendor shall identify decision points, implementation milestones, estimated timelines, and key actions necessary to launch an LMI rebate program.

4. The Vendor shall submit a written Low- and Moderate-Income Rebate Program Design and Implementation Roadmap to DCCE within nine (9) months of contract execution. The roadmap shall provide DCCE with actionable recommendations and implementation options that can be used to inform future program development and procurement activities.

III. Required Information The following information shall be provided in each proposal in the order listed below. Failure to respond to any request for information within this proposal may result in rejection of the proposal at the sole discretion of the State.

A. Minimum Requirements

1. Provide Delaware license(s) and/or certification(s) necessary to perform services as identified in the scope of work.

Prior to the execution of an award document, the successful Vendor shall either furnish the Agency with proof of State of Delaware Business Licensure or initiate the process of application where required.

2. Vendor shall provide responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP) scope of work and clearly identify capabilities as presented in the General Evaluation Requirements below.

3. Complete all appropriate attachments and forms as identified within the RFP.

4. Proof of insurance and amount of insurance shall be furnished to the Agency prior to the start of the contract period and shall be no less than as identified in the bid solicitation, Section V, Item 8, subsection g (insurance).

5. Vendor shall demonstrate its company has experience in both implementing and administering a rebate program or a similar program of comparable size and complexity for state or local governments as defined in this RFP.

a. Vendor shall provide a list of all former and current government (state, local and federal) clients’ projects, within the last 5 years, where the Vendor has provided same or similar services to those requested in this RFP.

6. Vendor shall, to the extent the standards apply to Vendor’s proposed solution, comply with all the minimum standards outlined in the Technical Standards and Security Requirements set forth by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) below:

Technical Standards and Security Requirements - Acknowledgement of all requirements outlined in this section are required.

1. Terms and Conditions – The State of Delaware is taking a very deliberate approach to cloud-based engagements because of concerns around the protection of our data. It is for this reason that explicit details of the cloud solutions are required, including an item-by-item acknowledgement from the candidate vendor. Proposals must contain Acknowledgement of the Terms and Conditions for Cloud Contracting and External Hosting, found in Attachment 11.

2. Confidentiality and Data Integrity – The Department of Technology and Information is responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of data in State computer files regardless of the source of those data or medium on which they are stored. All data generated from the original source data, shall be the property of the State of Delaware.

The control of the disclosure of those data shall be retained by the State of Delaware and the Department of Technology and Information.

The Contractor is required to agree to the requirements in the CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTEGRITY OF DATA STATEMENT, found in Attachment 10, and made a part of this RFP. Contractor employees, individually, may be required to sign the statement prior to beginning any work.

3. Security – Computer, network, and information security is of paramount concern for the

State of Delaware and the Department of Technology and Information. Vendor agrees at all times to provide, maintain and support its Software and subsequent updates, upgrades and bug fixes such that the Software is, and remains secure from those vulnerabilities as described in:

(a) The Open Web Application Security Project’s (OWASP) “Top Ten Project” – http://www.owasp.org;

(b) The CWE/SANS Top 25 Programming Errors – http://www.sans.org/top25-programming-errors/;

(c) The Center for the Internet Security Critical Security Controls https://www.cisecurity.org/controls/;

(d) Other generally recognized and comparable industry practices or standards. The Contractor is guaranteeing that any systems or software provided by the Contractor are free of the vulnerabilities listed above.

4. Cyber Security Liability -- It shall be the duty of the Vendor to assure that all products of its effort do not cause, directly or indirectly, any unauthorized acquisition of data that compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of information maintained by the State of Delaware. Vendor’s agreement shall not limit or modify liability for information security breaches, and Vendor shall indemnify and hold harmless the State, its agents and employees, from any and all liability, suits, actions or claims, together with all reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising out of such breaches.

In addition to all rights and remedies available to it in law or in equity, the State shall subtract from any payment made to Vendor all damages, costs and expenses caused by such information security breaches that have not been previously paid to Vendor.

5. Architectural Documentation Requirements --

a. Network Diagram - A network diagram of the proposed solution is required that clearly documents the user’s interaction with the solution and the State. The network diagram should follow the example include in Network Diagram Template, found in Appendix C.

b. Software Inventory - A list of web browsers supported, and any software required to transfer data must be provided. This information should be provided in the format include in Software Inventory Template, found in Appendix D.

c. Database Dictionary or Data model - A data dictionary OR a conceptual data model for state-owned business data must be provided to the state. The data dictionary or conceptual data model does not have to be submitted with a vendor response to this RFP but must be submitted once the design of the solution is complete or prior to implementation of the solution. The submitted data dictionary or conceptual data model must include at least the following items: entity names and descriptions, entity relationships and descriptions, attribute names, attribute descriptions, attribute data type, attribute lengths, and primary identifier for each entity.

Data dictionaries must be submitted in Excel or in a .csv file. The directions for how to format the Excel workbook is explained in the first section of the Data Model Samples document. If a data model is submitted, it must be in either Sybase PowerDesigner or CA ERwin format.

B. General Proposal Requirements

Proposals must address each of the items listed in this section and all other requirements set forth in this RFP. A Proposal that merely offers to provide the services stated in the RFP may be considered non-Responsive to this RFP and will not be considered further. Proposals should be straightforward and address the requests of the RFP and should not contain extensive artwork or other materials essential to the utility and clarity of the Proposal.

1. Company Profile:

The Vendor shall provide a profile of its company. At a minimum, the company profile must include the following:

a. Locations of office headquarters, offices that will provide Services under the Contract, office locations of employees assigned to under the Contract

b. Name, address, telephone number and email address of Vendor’s Account Manager if awarded a Contract;

c. Company’s background/history and why the Vendor is qualified to provide the services described in the RFP.

d. Length of time the Vendor has been providing services of the same or similar type of programs described in the RFP and provide a brief description;

e. Company’s client base; and

f. A description and documentation of Company’s organizational security program, including policies, processes, and procedures, including but not limited to business continuity, disaster recovery, incident response, and risk management plans.

g. The Vendor should provide a comprehensive listing on contracts of similar size and scope with specific inclusion of its (including proposed subcontractors) work in the electric vehicle industry that it has successfully completed, as evidence of the Vendor’s ability to successfully complete services similar to those required by this RFP. Emphasis should be placed on contracts that are similar in size and scope to the work required by this RFP.

A description of all such contracts should be included and should show how such contracts relate to the ability of the firm to complete the services required by this RFP.

For each such contract, the Vendor should provide two names and telephone numbers of individuals for the other contract part. Beginning and ending dates should also be given for each contract.

2. Cost Proposal

The Vendor shall submit a detailed Cost Proposal (Appendix B) in a separate electronic file on the USB drive, DVD or CD stating the total cost for the development, implementation, administration and management of the Delaware CVRP that includes:

A proposal for completion of the work described in the Vendor’s Project Plan, Program Plan and Statement of Work. The proposal must:

a. Identify a proposed budget which includes all estimated labor and material costs associated with developing, implementing and managing the Delaware CVRP, records retention and any other implementation facets of the Delaware CVRP for the first year of the Contract’s term.

b. Identify not-to-exceed hourly rates to be applied by classification for the individuals identified and described in the Staffing Proposal (See Section 5). These rates will be used in computing interim payments based on the Project Plan, Program Plan and SOW, and in estimating any changes negotiated during contract execution and changes resulting from any contract amendments.

c. Provide an estimate of staff hours by person and total costs associated with the accomplishment of each project and program deliverable listed in the Vendor’s Project Plan and Program Plan based on the hourly rates listed above. Include a Total Price.

Include an estimate of any sub-contractor, if utilizing.

3. General Qualifications

Vendor shall address the following components for this section. Vendor should not; however, feel constrained to answer only specific questions listed below in its explanation and should feel free to provide attachments, if necessary, to provide a more thorough response:

• Executive Summary: Provide a brief executive summary describing the Vendor’s business, its understanding of DNREC’s needs, and its proposed solution to meet the Scope of Work defined in this RFP.

• Ability to Deliver Services: Provide a brief, descriptive statement detailing evidence of the Vendor’s ability to deliver the services under this RFP (e.g. prior experience, training certifications, resources, program, and quality management systems, etc.)

• Experience Implementing and Administering a Rebate Program: Provide a statement demonstrating the Vendor’s experience administering a rebate program or a similar program of comparable size and complexity as defined in this RFP.

• Business Qualities and Characteristics: Provide a statement describing the qualities and characteristics of Vendor’s business that contribute to or enhance Vendor’s ability to align with DNREC’s goals and meet the needs identified in this

RFP.

4. Staffing Proposal

Vendor shall include a staffing proposal to include the follow sections:

a. Staffing Plan: Vendor shall provide a description of the staffing plan to accomplish the Scope of Work for the Delaware CVRP. This could include an organizational chart identifying the key people who would be assigned to provide the services required by this RFP. The Vendor should include a list of backup staff that may be called upon to assist or replace primary individuals assigned. Back up staff must be clearly identified as backup staff.

a. In the event that the Vendor must hire management, supervisory and/or key personnel if awarded the Contract, the Vendor should include, as part of the recruitments plan, a plan to secure backup staff in the event personnel initially recruited need assistance or need to be replaced during the Contract term.

b. Resumes: Vendor shall submit detailed resumes for all management, supervisory and key personnel to be assigned to the Contract. Resumes should emphasize relevant qualifications and experience of these individuals in successfully completing Contracts of a similar size and scope to those required by this RFP. Resumes should include the following:

i. The individual’s previous experience in completing each similar Contract;

ii. Beginning and ending dates for each similar Contract;

iii. A description of the Contract demonstrating how the individual’s work on the completed Contract relates to the individual’s ability to contribute to successfully providing the services required by this RFP; and

iv. With respect to each similar Contract, the name and address of each reference together with a person to contact for a reference check and a telephone number.

c. Key Persons Experience: Vendor shall list the specific individuals on Attachment B who would be assigned to key positions to accomplish the Scope of Work for the Delaware CVRP. Include, by individual, their title, a description of their duties and responsibilities, hourly rate, work phone number and work email address.

d. Subcontractors (if applicable): The Vendor should provide documented experience to demonstrate that each subcontractor has successfully performed work on contracts of a similar size and scope of work that the subcontractor is designated to perform in the Vendor’s proposal. The Vendor must provide a detailed description of services to be provided by each subcontractor.

i. The Vendor should provide detailed resumes for each Subcontractor’s management, supervisory and other key personnel that demonstrate knowledge, ability and experience relevant to that part of the work which the Subcontractor is designated to perform. When a Vendor submits resumes pursuant to this paragraph, the Vendor shall redact all personally identifying information other than the individual’s name from the resume.

5. Program Development Plan Vendor shall include with its Proposal a detailed description of how it will develop the activities described in the Scope of Work under “PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND

IMPLEMENTATION”.

The Program Development Plan will describe how it will review the existing Delaware CVRP and provide recommendations for program updates and guidelines as outlined in the SOW.

The Vendor shall address the following components for this section but should not feel constrained to answer only the specific questions listed below in its explanation and should feel free to provide attachments or additional documentation, if necessary, in an effort to provide a more thorough response. The Project Plan shall address the following items:

a. Approach to Updating the Delaware CVRP:

Describe the Vendor’s approach to updating the Delaware CVRP as required in the SOW.

Include description of how the Vendor will update the Delaware CVRP in response to changes to the EV market, EV market trends, and potential changes in federal, state, or local law or regulations that impact the EV market.

b. Outreach and Education Plan:

Describe and provide a plan for how it will develop education and outreach program materials to promote, inform and encourage participation in the Delaware CVRP. The plan will include a description of:

i. Vendor’s strategy for creating and delivering promotional materials, including social media postings, in appropriate form to be easily adapted by DCCE for a variety of uses, including outreach to: auto dealers, Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, insurance companies, and the public via public events, community fairs, and the like.

ii. Vendor’s strategy for developing and providing training to the Delaware auto dealers who participate in the CVRP about the new program processes.

C. Technical and Systems Security Approach: Vendor shall describe its approach for how it will project DNREC’s sensitive information and meet all the minimum requirements set forth in the Technical Standards and Security Requirements set forth by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI).

D. Timeline: The Vendor shall include a proposed work schedule the Vendor will follow to complete the tasks in the Scope of Work within DCCE’s desired timeline.

6. Program Management and Administration Plan

The Vendor shall include with its Proposal a detailed description of how the Vendor will administer, maintain, and manage the Delaware CVRP, including the activities described in the Scope of Work under “PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION”.

The Vendor shall address the following components for this section but should not feel constrained to answer only the specific questions listed below in its explanation and should feel free to provide attachments or additional documentation, if necessary, in an effort to provide a more thorough response.

a. Application Process Development: Vendor shall describe how it will develop and implement the framework, tools and processes to implement the program via an online portal to efficiently and easily collect rebate applications from eligible Delaware residents and businesses as defined by the rebate program guidelines. This should include:

i. How the Vendor will create a website for an applicant to submit information for a rebate. The plan must include how the Vendor will provide information to the public on the Delaware CVRP including program updates, eligibility requirements and guidelines, and a list of eligible vehicles; how it will manage web content;

and how it will accept documentation from applicants.

i. Technical and Systems Security Approach: The Vendor shall describe its approach for how it will protect State and customer information and meet State technology standards here Standards and Policies - Department of Technology & Information (DTI) - State of Delaware and listed in the Minimum Requirements section of this RFP.

ii. How the Vendor will develop an application process for the Delaware CVRP. The description must address how the application process will allow for submission of the application, how the Vendor will develop various applications for the Delaware CVRP (i.e., consumer vs. dealerships), what required information and documentation will be included in the applications, and any other application elements that might be relevant to the Delaware CVRP. The application process should also include a description of any supporting forms to assist the applicant.

iii. How the Vendor will maintain the web portal to address customer service needs for the Delaware CVRP. This will include a description of how the Vendor will assist with online submissions and questions, how it meets ADA compliant procedures, and how it will assist non-English speaking customers.

iv. How the Vendor will work with DCCE to identify the necessary elements to be included in the program documentation as well as a mechanism to collect, approve, and verify rebate applications.

v. How the Vendor will create and maintain an accessible and secure database for program management which allows for DCCE to track total funds both available and expended and vehicle numbers in real-time for reporting and internal purposes, (i) total funds available, (ii) total funds expended, and (iii) total number of rebates issued.

b. Delaware CVRP Implementation Plan: The CVRP Implementation Plan must include a detailed explanation of the Vendor’s plan for implementation and maintaining the Delaware CVRP as described in in the Program Development Plan. Items it must include are:

i. How the Vendor will implement all elements of the Delaware CVRP, including processing and remitting invoices for rebate payments, customer service, addressing application denials, and program management as described in in the Scope of Work.

ii. How the Vendor will maintain a call center to address customer service needs for the Delaware CVRP. This will include a description of anticipated hours for the call center, how the Vendor will staff the call center, and how Vendor will train call center staff.

iii. How the Vendor will review submitted applications for completeness, including a description of how the Vendor will communicate with the applicant when approving or denying an application or requesting more documentation.

iv. How the Vendor will communicate with applicants who seek reconsideration of a denial of a rebate.

c. Reporting and Program Evaluation

i. How the Vendor will conduct program surveys and what information it will request of applicants.

IV. Professional Services RFP Administrative Information A. RFP Issuance

1. Public Notice

Public notice has been provided in accordance with 29 Del. C. § 6981.

2. Obtaining Copies of the RFP This RFP is available in electronic form through the State of Delaware Procurement website at bids.delaware.gov. Paper copies of this RFP will not be available.

3. Assistance to Vendors with a Disability Vendors with a disability may receive accommodation regarding the means of communicating this RFP or participating in the procurement process. For more information, contact the Designated Contact no later than ten days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals.

4. RFP Designated Contact All requests, questions, or other communications about this RFP shall be made in writing to the State of Delaware. Address all communications to the person listed below;

communications made to other State of Delaware personnel or attempting to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid and may disqualify the vendor. Vendors should rely only on written statements issued by the RFP designated contact.

Breanne Preisen Clean Transportation Program Manager Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy 100 W. Water Street, Suite 5A Dover, DE 19904 Breanne.Preisen@delaware.gov

To ensure that written requests are received and answered in a timely manner, electronic mail (e-mail) correspondence is acceptable, but other forms of delivery, such as postal and courier services can also be used.

5. Consultants and Legal Counsel The State of Delaware may retain consultants or legal counsel to assist in the review and evaluation of this RFP and the vendors’ responses. Bidders shall not contact the State’s consultant or legal counsel on any matter related to the RFP.

6. Contact with State Employees Direct contact with State of Delaware employees other than the State of Delaware Designated Contact 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.

7. Organizations Ineligible to Bid Any individual, business, organization, corporation, consortium, partnership, joint venture, or any other entity including subcontractors currently debarred or suspended is ineligible to bid.

Any entity ineligible to conduct business in the State of Delaware for any reason is ineligible to respond to the RFP.

8. Exclusions The Proposal Evaluation Team reserves the right to refuse to consider any proposal from a vendor who:

a. Has been convicted for commission of a criminal offense as an incident to obtaining or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract, or in the performance of the contract or subcontract:

b. Has been convicted under State or Federal statutes of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, receiving stolen property, or other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that currently and seriously affects responsibility as a state contractor:

c. Has been convicted or has had a civil judgment entered for a violation under State or Federal antitrust statutes:

d. Has violated contract provisions such as:

1) Known failure without good cause to perform in accordance with the specifications or within the time limit provided in the contract; or

2) Failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance in accordance with terms of one or more contracts:

e. Has violated ethical standards set out in law or regulation; and

f. Any other cause listed in regulations of the State of Delaware determined to be serious and compelling as to affect responsibility as a state contractor, including suspension or debarment by another governmental entity for a cause listed in the regulations.

B. RFP Submissions

1. Acknowledgement of Understanding of Terms By submitting a bid, each vendor shall be deemed to acknowledge that it has carefully read all sections of this RFP, including all forms, schedules and exhibits hereto, and has fully informed itself as to all existing conditions and limitations.

2. Proposals To be considered, all proposals must be submitted in writing and respond to the items outlined in this RFP. The State reserves the right to reject any non-responsive or non-conforming proposals. Each proposal must be submitted with 3 paper copies and 1electronic copy on CD or DVD media disk, or USB memory drive. Please provide a separate electronic pricing file from the rest of the RFP proposal responses.

All properly sealed and marked proposals are to be sent to the State of Delaware and received no later than 4:00 PM (Local Time) on October 30, 2026. The Proposals may be delivered by Express Delivery (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.), US Mail, or by hand to:

Breanne Preisen Clean Transportation Program Manager Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy 100 W. Water Street, Suite 5A Dover, DE 19904

Vendors are directed to clearly print “BID ENCLOSED” and “CONTRACT NO.

NAT26001-CVRP_ADMN” on the outside of the bid submission package.

Any proposal received after the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals date shall not be considered and shall be returned unopened. The proposing vendor bears the risk of delays in delivery and any costs for returned proposals. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed as to be made available to competing entities during the negotiation process.

Upon receipt of vendor proposals, each vendor shall be presumed to be thoroughly familiar with all specifications and requirements of this RFP. The failure or omission to examine any form, instrument or document shall in no way relieve vendors from any obligation in respect to this RFP.

3. Proposal Modifications Any changes, amendments or modifications to a proposal must be made in writing, submitted in the same manner as the original response and conspicuously labeled as a change, amendment or modification to a previously submitted proposal. Changes, amendments or modifications to proposals shall not be accepted or considered after the hour and date specified as the deadline for submission of proposals.

4. Proposal Costs and Expenses The State of Delaware will not pay any costs incurred by any Vendor associated with any aspect of responding to this solicitation, including proposal preparation, printing or delivery, attendance at vendor’s conference, system demonstrations or negotiation process.

5. Proposal Expiration Date Prices quoted in the proposal shall remain fixed and binding on the bidder at least through December 31, 2027 The State of Delaware reserves the right to ask for an extension of time if needed.

6. Late Proposals Proposals received after the specified date and time will not be accepted or considered. To guard against premature opening, sealed proposals shall be submitted, plainly marked with the proposal title, vendor name, and time and date of the proposal opening. Evaluation of the proposals is expected to begin shortly after the proposal due date. To document compliance with the deadline, the proposal will be date and time stamped upon receipt.

7. Proposal Opening The State of Delaware will receive proposals until the date and time shown in this RFP.

Proposals will be opened in the presence of State of Delaware personnel. Any unopened proposals will be returned to the submitting Vendor.

There will be no public opening of proposals but a public log will be kept of the names of all vendor organizations that submitted proposals. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed in accordance with 29 Del. C. § 10001, et seq. (“FOIA”).

8. Non-Conforming Proposals Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Non-conforming proposals are defined as those that do not meet the requirements of this RFP. The determination of whether an RFP requirement is substantive or a mere formality shall reside solely within the State of Delaware.

9. Concise Proposals The State of Delaware discourages overly lengthy and costly proposals. It is the desire that proposals be prepared in a straightforward and concise manner. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other promotional materials beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired. The State of Delaware’s interest is in the quality and responsiveness of the proposal.

10. Realistic Proposals It is the expectation of the State of Delaware that vendors can fully satisfy the obligations of the proposal in the manner and timeframe defined within the proposal. Proposals must be realistic and must represent the best estimate of time, materials and other costs including the impact of inflation and any economic or other factors that are reasonably predictable.

The State of Delaware shall bear no responsibility or increase obligation for a vendor’s failure to accurately estimate the costs or resources required to meet the obligations defined in the proposal.

11. Confidentiality of Documents The State of Delaware and its constituent agencies are required to comply with the State of Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del. C. § 10001, et seq. (“FOIA”). FOIA requires that the State of Delaware’s records are public records (unless otherwise declared by FOIA or other law to be exempt from disclosure) and are subject to inspection and copying by any person upon a written request. All proposals are subject to FOIA’s public disclosure obligations.

The State of Delaware wishes to create a business-friendly environment and procurement process. As such, the State respects the vendor community’s desire to protect its intellectual property, trade secrets, and confidential business information (collectively referred to herein as “confidential business information”). Proposals must contain sufficient information to be evaluated. If a vendor feels that they cannot submit their proposal without including confidential business information, they must adhere to the following procedure, or their proposal may be deemed unresponsive, may not be recommended for selection, and any applicable protection for the vendor’s confidential business information may be lost.

In order to allow the State to assess its ability to protect a vendor’s confidential business information, vendors will be permitted to designate appropriate portions of their proposal as confidential business information.

Vendor(s) may submit portions of a proposal considered to be confidential business information in a separate, sealed envelope labeled “Confidential Business Information” and include the specific RFP number. The envelope must contain a letter from the vendor’s legal counsel describing the documents in the envelope, representing in good faith that the information in each document is not “public record” as defined by 29 Del. C. § 10002, and briefly stating the reasons that each document meets the said definitions.

Upon receipt of a proposal accompanied by such a separate, sealed envelope, the State of Delaware will open the envelope to determine whether the procedure described above has been followed. A vendor’s allegation as to its confidential business information shall not be binding on the State. The State shall independently determine the validity of any vendor designation as set forth in this section. Any vendor submitting a proposal or using the procedures discussed herein expressly accepts the State’s absolute right and duty to independently assess the legal and factual validity of any information designated as confidential business information. Accordingly, vendor(s) assume the risk that confidential business information included in a proposal may enter the public domain.

12. Multi-Vendor Solutions (Joint Ventures) Multi-vendor solutions (joint ventures) will be allowed only if one of the venture partners is designated as the “prime contractor”. The “prime contractor” must be the joint venture’s contact point for the State of Delaware and be responsible for the joint venture’s performance under the contract, including all project management, legal and financial responsibility for the implementation of all vendor systems. If a joint venture is proposed, a copy of the joint venture agreement clearly describing the responsibilities of the partners must be submitted with the proposal. Services specified in the proposal shall not be subcontracted without prior written approval by the State of Delaware, and approval of a request to subcontract shall not in any way relieve Vendor of responsibility for the professional and technical accuracy and adequacy of the work. Further, vendor shall be and remain liable for all damages to the State of Delaware caused by negligent performance or non-performance of work by its subcontractor or its sub-subcontractor.

Multi-vendor proposals must be a consolidated response with all costs included in the cost summary. Where necessary, RFP response pages are to be duplicated for each vendor.

a. Primary Vendor

The State of Delaware expects to negotiate and contract with only one “prime vendor”.

The State of Delaware will not accept any proposals that reflect an equal teaming arrangement or from vendors who are co-bidding on this RFP. The prime vendor will be responsible for the management of all subcontractors.

Any contract that may result from this RFP shall specify that the prime vendor is solely responsible for fulfillment of any contract with the State as a result of this procurement.

The State will make contract payments only to the awarded vendor. Payments to any subcontractors are the sole responsibility of the prime vendor (awarded vendor).

Nothing in this section shall prohibit the State of Delaware from fully exercising its options under Section IV.B.18 regarding multiple source contracting.

b. Sub-contracting The vendor selected shall be solely responsible for contractual performance and management of all subcontract relationships. This contract allows subcontracting assignments; however, vendors assume all responsibility for work quality, delivery, installation, maintenance, and any supporting services required by a subcontractor.

Use of subcontractors must be clearly explained in the proposal, and major subcontractors must be identified by name. The prime vendor shall be wholly responsible for the entire contract performance whether or not subcontractors are used. Any sub-contractors must be approved by State of Delaware.

c. Multiple Proposals A primary vendor may not participate in more than one proposal in any form. Sub-contracting vendors may participate in multiple joint venture proposals.

13. Sub-Contracting

The vendor selected shall be solely responsible for contractual performance and management of all subcontract relationships. This contract allows subcontracting assignments; however, vendors assume all responsibility for work quality, delivery, installation, maintenance, and any supporting services required by a subcontractor.

Use of subcontractors must be clearly explained in the proposal, and subcontractors must be identified by name. Any sub-contractors must be approved by State of Delaware.

14. Discrepancies and Omissions Vendor is fully responsible for the completeness and accuracy of their proposal, and for examining this RFP and all addenda. Failure to do so will be at the sole risk of vendor.

Should vendor find discrepancies, omissions, unclear or ambiguous intent or meaning, or should any questions arise concerning this RFP, vendor shall notify the State of Delaware’s…