RFI National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan.docx

RFI on Illinois National Electric Vehicle (NEVI) Program

Request for Information (RFI) Implementing Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan

Reference#: 23–OPP–R–164329 / B-35462

Please respond by submitting your information electronically in BidBuy B-35462 by:

May 31, 2023 by 1:30 PM Central Time

DRAFT – NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION

State of Illinois – Illinois Department of Transportation

Purpose and Objective Summary This Request for Information (RFI) invites participants to submit non-price information about the availability of specified types of supplies and services. The RFI is not a procurement method and will not result in a participant receiving a contract. (44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.15) Responding to the RFI is not a prerequisite to participate in a future procurement(s) and does not obligate the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to conduct a future procurement. Further, a response to this RFI does not provide any advantages to the participant in potential future Requests for Proposals (RFPs). All information received in a participant’s response will be available for public review. Section 1 (ilga.gov) Participants are invited to provide non-proprietary, non-price information within the RFI’s scope. Participants are prohibited from providing pricing, the details of customized solutions, sample procurement specifications, or any other information outside the scope of the RFI because it could disqualify your organization from participating in future related procurements. Please see 30 ILCS 500/50-10.5 for more information regarding prohibited bidders. (Illinois General Assembly Illinois Compiled Statutes (ilga.gov)) However, participants may provide general information about industry trends and innovations, products, services, or industry best practices that are not specifically tailored to meet Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) needs. For additional information on prohibited vs. non-prohibited information, please see 44 IL. Adm. Code 1.2005 – General Provisions. (Section 1 (ilga.gov)) Scope IDOT is seeking information through this RFI regarding the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI). Participants are asked to provide information about current industry standards, technology business models, best practices and developing trends.

This RFI is intended to assist IDOT in better understanding this topic and to better prepare IDOT for possible future procurement(s) or grant opportunities. The purpose of this RFI is NOT to select a vendor or qualified vendors. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure manufacturers, EV charging infrastructure vendors, and potential site hosts interested in participating in the NEVI program in Illinois.

Information to be Submitted IDOT recognizes considerable effort may be required in preparing a response to this RFI. Please note, this is not a request for services. Each participant must bear all costs for preparing its RFI responses. Anyone interested in responding to this RFI should provide information organized as follows:

A. General Information

1) Name of Organization

2) Company Description and market sector

3) Contact for follow-up regarding this RFI, including direct telephone number and e-mail address.

4) Responses to this RFI should include a high-level description of current industry practices that relate to this RFI. This information should not be tailored or customized in any way to IDOT.

B. Background Information Introduction to the participant’s organization, include relevant information such as parent company, years of operation, office locations, number of employees, ownership structure, products and services offered, and number of years of selling/supplying EV Charging Units.

Please provide a brief overview of your background and experience installing and maintaining electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

C. Specific Topics Responders to this RFI should include as much information as possible on the following subjects:

1. Technical specifications of charger

a. Max power output

b. Maximum output current

c. Charging voltage

d. Number and type of connectors

e. Maximum power to each connector

f. Modular functions if any

g. Upgradability options (include any modular functions)

h. Dimensions and weight

i. Power sharing capabilities

j. Expected lifetime of unit

k. Operational parameters (ex: temperature, weather conditions, precipitation)

l. Site space requirements and other site design parameters

m. Vehicle compatibility (port type, vehicle class, charger length)

D. Additional Questions

1. Please provide any examples of successful policies or programs implemented by state or local government agencies in facilitating the deployment of DCFC chargers at privately owned locations.

2. Please describe industry best practices for identifying commercially viable Direct Current Fast Charging (“DCFC”) locations.

3. Please provide information on options or industry best practices for contracting methods for installing and maintaining DCFC infrastructure, including leasing and/or revenue sharing agreements.

4. Please provide information on industry best practices for building EV infrastructure in rural areas, areas with lower current EV adoption, and/or low income and disadvantaged communities.

E. Description of Pricing Structure Please provide the standard types of industry pricing structures and partnership models WITHOUT PROVIDING ACTUAL COSTS.

Additional Information The State of Illinois reserves the right to make all submissions to this RFI public.

Process Overview and Vendor Submission IDOT will review the responses for the purpose of identifying key concepts and industry trends that may be beneficial to IDOT in creating a future RFP or other competitive submission process.

All questions pertaining to this RFI must be submitted in writing to the Information Contact, Linette.Hughes@illinois.gov no later than 14 days prior to RFI due date. Questions received and Agency responses will be posted as an Amendment in BidBuy B-35462. Particpants are responsible for monitoring the Bulletin.

Responses to this RFI are due by submitting your information electronically in BidBuy B-35462 by 05/31/2023 @ 1:30pm Central Time.

image1.png