Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Fleet EV Charging Station Installations

March 12th 2026

RFP# 31-26

THIS RFP AND ALL RESPONSES HERETO INCLUDING THE WINNING BID SHALL BECOME

PUBLIC RECORD, AND CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MBTA. ANY PORTIONS OF RESPONSE

THAT ARE LABELED AS CONFIDENTIAL WILL STILL BE CONSIDERED PUBLIC RECORD.

RFP:31-26 MBTA

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR FLEET EV CHARGING STATIONS INSTALLATIONS

Table of Contents

I. General Procurement Information

II. Description of Procurement

III. Scope of work and deliverables

IV. Bidder Responses

V. Procurement Calendar and Process

VI. Evaluation Criteria

VII. Instructions for Submission of Responses

VIII. Expected Duration of Contract

IX. General Information

X. Miscellaneous

I. General Procurement Information

Procuring Department: MBTA Procurement and Logistics

Mailing Address: 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2810

Boston MA 02116

Procurement Officer: Mellissa O’Connor

Telephone Number: 617-999-2934

E-Mail: Moconnor2@mbta.com

RFP File Name/Title: Fleet EV Charging Station Installations

RFP File Number: RFP# 31-26

Procurement Category: VEH122: Advanced Vehicle Technology

Equipment, Supplies and Services

II. Description of Procurement

The MBTA (“Agency”) is seeking quotes for a turnkey installation of Electric Vehicle

Supply Equipment (EVSE) at the Everett Shops located at 80 Broadway St., Everett, MA.

This project serves as a critical infrastructure upgrade to support the Agency’s strategic operations.

The project consists of two distinct charging blocks:

• Battery Electric Bus (BEB) Charging: Installation of Agency-owned Heliox equipment (2 cabinets, 6 dispensers) to support the primary transit bus fleet.

• Non-Revenue Fleet Charging: Procurement and installation of 10 ChargePoint ports (2 DCFC, 4 Dual-Port L2) to support MBTA-owned maintenance and administrative vehicles. These chargers are for non-revenue fleet use only and are not intended for Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs) or public use.

Design and Compliance: The MBTA has completed extensive civil and electrical design work, which is provided in Attachment A. The locations of all equipment, concrete islands, and curbing are non-negotiable and must be installed strictly as shown in the design drawings to maintain yard operational flow and safety clearances. Bidders are responsible for reviewing these designs in conjunction with the MBTA EVSE Technical Specifications

(Attachment B) to ensure full compliance with Agency standards.

Utility and Incentive Coordination: Power will be provided via a new utility service from

National Grid (NGrid). While NGrid will provide and install the transformer, the winning bidder is responsible for all "Make-Ready" infrastructure, including the transformer pad and oil containment. The bidder shall serve as the primary liaison with NGrid to coordinate the new service and ensure the project qualifies for all applicable incentives.

• Make-Ready Incentives: Liaising with NGrid to manage all "Make-Ready" program requirements and ensuring the project is eligible for and receives all applicable utility incentives and rebates.

III. Scope of Work and Deliverables

The Contractor shall provide all labor and materials (excluding Heliox hardware) to complete the following:

1. EVSE Installation & Commissioning Support:

• Heliox (Agency-Owned): Physically install (2) 180kW Cabinets and (6) Column

Dispensers currently owned by the MBTA.

• Pre-Commissioning Certification: The Contractor must submit a signed "Ready for

Commissioning" certification ensuring all electrical and physical work meets manufacturer standards.

• Commissioning Coordination: Final software validation and bus-to-charger testing will be performed by Heliox under a separate MBTA SLA; the Contractor must provide standby support for this process.

• Contractor-Procured Hardware: Supply and install (2) ChargePoint CPE250 DCFC

(single port) and (4) ChargePoint CPF Dual Port L2 chargers. The Level 2 ports shall be equipped with the Integrated Cable Management Kit (CMK).

2. Electrical & Network Infrastructure:

• Utility Infrastructure (Make-Ready): The Contractor shall construct (1) National

Grid (NGrid) utility transformer pad strictly according to NGrid specifications, including the required oil curbing/containment system. The Contractor must coordinate with NGrid for the final transformer delivery and connection.

• Power Distribution: Install (1) 3000A 277/480V three-phase switchboard including all required branch breakers, (1) 400A 277/480V pedestal, (1) 400A

120/208V pedestal, and (1) 112.5 KVA step-down transformer.

• Emergency Controls: Install and clearly label emergency power shut-off devices capable of de-energizing all charging equipment, coordinated with Fire/Life Safety requirements.

• Network & IT: Ensure all networked stations utilize integrated LTE/5G cellular modems with data plans supporting a minimum of 2GB/month for Firmware Over-

The-Air (FOTA) updates.

3. Civil, Safety, & Traffic Management:

• Cement Concrete Pad (Poured Islands): Construct raised concrete islands/curbing to serve as the foundation for both Heliox dispensers and ChargePoint pedestals.

This item must include all formwork, rebar, and finishing as shown in Attachment

A. Bidders must ensure the island is poured to accommodate the differing mounting bolt patterns and conduit entry points for both Heliox Flex 250A dispensers and

ChargePoint hardware per the site plan.

• Crash Protection: Install K-rated crash bollards for equipment protection, positioned outside the physical width of the charging units.

• Pavement Markings: Provide MUTCD-compliant pavement markings for travel paths and a designated pedestrian crossing within the charging area.

• Pavement and Pedestrian Safety: Beyond standard MUTCD striping, the Contractor shall install a designated, high-visibility pedestrian crossing within the charging area to ensure safe employee traversal of the yard. Location TBD in conjunction with onsite operations staff.

• Site-Specific Signage & Striping (Non-Revenue Fleet): The Contractor shall supply and install ten (10) 2-3/8" O.D. galvanized steel signposts and all mounting hardware at the non-revenue charging stalls per the design in Attachment A.

• MBTA-Provided Materials: The Agency will provide ten (10) 12" x 18" aluminum signs. The Contractor is responsible for the pick-up (from the Everett warehouse) and the secure mounting of these signs to the newly installed posts using stainless steel hardware.

• Stall Branding: All ten (10) fleet stalls must be striped with white thermoplastic borders and include the 36" white thermoplastic EV "Plug" logo as defined in the

Attachment B Technical Standards.

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Requirement: Within ten (10) business days of the Notice to Proceed (NTP), the Contractor shall perform a professional GPR scan of all trenching paths and equipment pad locations. The Contractor must provide a written report and marked-up site plan identifying all detected anomalies. This report must be approved by MBTA Project Management prior to any mechanical excavation.

• Foundation & Alignment Accountability: The Contractor is solely responsible for the precise placement of conduit stub-outs for Heliox and ChargePoint hardware. Any manufacturer "re-visit" fees, standby charges, or equipment modification costs resulting from a failed Pre-Commissioning Certification due to

Contractor error (e.g., conduit misalignment or incorrect voltage) shall be back-charged to the Contractor or deducted from the final payment.

• Provisional Unit Pricing: Bidders must provide unit pricing for the provisional items listed in Section 5 of Attachment C. These prices will be used to adjust the contract value only if the MBTA authorizes a change in scope due to unforeseen field conditions. Total bid evaluation will include the extended value of these provisional quantities.

4. Network Commissioning (CMS Integration):

• The Contractor shall coordinate with the MBTA IT and EVSE teams to ensure all networked stations are successfully 'onboarded' to the MBTA’s designated Central

Management System (CMS) via OCPP 1.6J. Successful data heartbeat and remote start/stop functionality are requirements for project closeout.

5. Post-Installation Deliverables:

• As-Built Drawings: Provide a complete set of detailed As-Built drawings or red-lines reflecting final installed conditions including underground conduit depths.

• Training & Familiarization: Provide training records for MBTA maintenance personnel and familiarization sessions for local Fire/EMS.

• Safety Disconnect Labeling: All Emergency Power Shut-off (EPO) devices must be fitted with high-visibility, weather-resistant 'Instructional Placards' that provide clear de-energization steps for non-technical emergency responders. Final placard language and layout must be approved by MBTA Safety Engineering prior to fabrication.

6. Financial Incentive Coordination: The Contractor shall serve as the lead applicant and technical liaison for all applicable state and utility rebate programs. This includes, but is not limited to, the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) and the

National Grid (NGrid) Electric Vehicle Charging Station Program (Make-Ready).

The Contractor is responsible for:

• Identifying all eligible grant, rebate, or credit opportunities for the Everett Shops site. Preparing, submitting, and tracking all applications to ensure the MBTA receives the maximum possible reimbursement.

• Coordinating with Agency staff to obtain required signatures or tax documentation for submittals.

Ensuring the final installation meets all technical and operational "verification" requirements mandated by the awarding agencies (e.g., specific network reporting or signage).

IV. Bidder Responses

✓ Response Check List

Signed Cover Letter

Business and Technical Response

Cost Response

MBTA Standard Contract with Bidder’s signature

Responders must include the following in their quotes:

1. Signed Cover Letter: Explicit agreement to all terms of this RFP.

2. Business and Technical Response:

o Narrative of relevant experience with turnkey EVSE installations.

o Staffing Plan: List of assigned staff (MA-licensed electricians) and their certifications.

o As-Built Documentation: Commitment to provide detailed As-Built drawings or red lines reflecting the final installed conditions.

3. Cost Response (Form C): Separate pricing for (a) infrastructure/labor and (b)

ChargePoint hardware.

V. Procurement Calendar and Process

All times in this RFP are prevailing Eastern Time.

TABLE: RFP CALENDAR

Procurement Activity Date Tim e

RFP issued 3/11/2

Pre-bid conference

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/27524350274605?p=

NojS0s1zfneRGNFGDr

Meeting ID: 275 243 502 746 05 Passcode: fe72pN6c

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+1 929-352-1865,,950927705# United States, New York City Find a local number Phone conference ID: 950 927 705#

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3/17/2

12:

p.m

Site Visit – Upon Request

3/26/2

10:

am

Deadline for submission of Bidder questions via COMMBUYS Q&A

3/31/2

4:0 p.m

Official Answers for Bid Q&A published by MBTA on COMMBUYS

4/6/20

4:0 p.m

Response Due Date

4/20/2

4:0 p.m

Contract Execution (estimated) 6/15/2

Service Start Date (estimated) 7/1/20 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/27524350274605?p=NojS0s1zfneRGNFGDr https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/27524350274605?p=NojS0s1zfneRGNFGDr https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YmIwNmQ1ODMtYjY0YS00ODVlLWFjNTEtNzBjOWM1NzE3OTY2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227558e599-f006-481f-9717-b189e6730862%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%220fc7ec5a-f8d3-4227-bd39-e6724a531011%22%7d tel:+19293521865,,950927705 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/118e5323-9b43-4c20-b78d-0d6a90c21e08?id=950927705 https://teams.microsoft.com/meetingOptions/?organizerId=0fc7ec5a-f8d3-4227-bd39-e6724a531011&tenantId=7558e599-f006-481f-9717-b189e6730862&threadId=19_meeting_YmIwNmQ1ODMtYjY0YS00ODVlLWFjNTEtNzBjOWM1NzE3OTY2@thread.v2&messageId=0&language=en-US https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/usp/pstnconferencing

The site visit is not a mandatory part of this process. If vendors determine that the documents provided on the portal sufficiently address the project requirements, a site visit is not required.

For a site visit please contact Ross Robert at rross3@mbta.com and his phone number is 857-

277-3465. The location for the site visit is 80 Broadway Everett MA 02149.

After the deadline for response submission 20th April 2026, Agency reserves the right to extend a

Best and Final Offer Opportunity to all or a selected number of responders. Responders may be asked to submit additional information specific to project specifications and cost.

It is Agency’s intention to make a final selection by the week of 6/10/26.

VI. Evaluation Criteria

Qualified vendors and sub-contractors must be able to demonstrate technical expertise and prior experience testing systems for compliance with accessibility standards, laws and regulations.

The responses to this RFP will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below. The criteria are listed in descending order of importance with the most important criteria in each section listed first. Business and Technical elements will be scored separately from Cost.

1) Experience, Capabilities and Qualifications

2) Technical Approach and Methodology

3) Project Schedule and Implementation plan

4) Project team and Staffing

B1 – Bidder Experience, Capabilities, and Qualifications (25%)

Bidders shall demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications supporting their ability to perform EV charging infrastructure installation and related electrical and civil work.

Evaluation will consider the following:

1. Firm Qualifications

• Experience installing EV charging infrastructure, including DC Fast Chargers and Level

2 chargers

• Experience working with utility infrastructure and high-capacity electrical systems

• Experience performing similar work for public sector agencies, transit authorities, or fleet operators

• Organizational capacity and resources to complete the project

2. Relevant Project Experience

Bidders must demonstrate experience with projects involving:

• Installation of DC Fast Charging (DCFC) systems

• Installation of Level 2 fleet charging infrastructure mailto:rross3@mbta.com

• Installation of electrical switchboards, transformers, and high-voltage systems

• Coordination with equipment manufacturers for commissioning

• EV charging projects for fleet or transit operations

3. References

Bidders must provide at least three references from similar projects including:

• Client name and organization

• Project description and scope

• Project timeline

• Contact information

The MBTA may contact references to verify project performance and service quality.

B2 – Technical Approach and Methodology (30%)

Bidders shall describe their approach to completing the EVSE installation project.

Evaluation will consider:

1. Installation Approach

• Methodology for installing MBTA-owned Heliox DCFC equipment

• Installation plan for ChargePoint DC Fast Chargers and Level 2 chargers

• Compliance with manufacturer installation specifications

• Coordination with Heliox for final commissioning

2. Electrical Infrastructure Implementation

• Approach to installation of transformer pads and associated electrical systems

• Installation of the 3000A switchboard and electrical distribution components

• Integration of electrical infrastructure with EVSE equipment

• Safety procedures for high-voltage electrical work

3. Civil and Site Work Approach

• Installation of bollards for equipment protection

• MUTCD-compliant striping and pavement markings

• Implementation of ADA-compliant installation standards

• Site layout and traffic safety considerations

B3 – Project Schedule and Implementation Plan (25%)

Bidders shall provide a detailed project schedule and implementation plan.

• Proposed project timeline

• Mobilization plan

• Coordination with MBTA operations and site constraints

• Commissioning readiness process

• Risk management strategies to ensure timely completion

B4 – Project Team and Staffing (20%)

Bidders shall identify the personnel responsible for delivering the project.

• Qualifications and experience of key personnel

• Project manager experience with EVSE installations

• Electrical engineering and construction expertise

• Availability of staff to perform the work

Resumes for key personnel should be included.

VII. Instructions for Submission of Responses

Interested Bidders must submit one (1) electronic copy of the response to the RFP via

COMMBUYS. Responses must be received no later than the response due date and time indicated in the Event Calendar above or they will not be evaluated.

Unnecessary samples, attachments, or documents not specifically requested in the RFP should not be submitted. Bidders must adhere to the procedures as outlined herein.

Responses to this RFP or any parts thereof received by the MBTA after the required date and time will be rejected as unresponsive to the RFP. Delivery of responses to any office or location other than the email address listed in this section will NOT constitute receipt by the MBTA. It is the sole responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that responses are received at the proper location, prior to the stated deadline, and that MBTA personnel properly acknowledge the receipt.

VIII. Expected Duration of Contract

The term of this contract is from the effective date until final acceptance of the goods and services, provided that such terms as are intended to survive termination of the agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

IX. General Information

A. Bid/Response Rejection: Agency reserves the right to reject any or all bids (responses), in whole or in part and for any reason deemed necessary. Bidders who fail to check for amended RFPs and submit inadequate or incorrect responses. Bidders are advised to check the “last change” field on the summary page of RFPs for which they intend to submit a response to ensure that they have the most recent RFP files. Bidders may not alter (manually or electronically) the RFP language or any RFP component files.

Modifications to the body of the RFP, specifications, terms and conditions, or which change the intent of this RFP are prohibited and may disqualify a response. Agency reserves the right not to enter any agreement under this RFP.

B. Contract: The Contract will consist of, in order of importance, the Memorandum of

Agreement, MBTA Terms and Conditions, the Standard Contract Form, this RFP (as it may be amended), the Bidder’s response thereto, and any Statement of Work negotiated by the parties.

In the event of a conflict in language between any of the above-mentioned documents, the provisions and requirements set forth or referenced in the document of highest priority in the conflict, starting with the MBTA Memorandum of Agreement, which has the highest priority of all such documents, shall govern. In the event that an issue is addressed in the Response that is not addressed in the RFP, no conflict in language shall be deemed to occur.

C. Technical Evaluation Criteria:

The Bidders, which maintain a minimum average score of 2 from the Selection Committee on each

Technical Evaluation Criterion and rank among the top three highest Technical Proposal Scores will progress to Price Proposal Evaluation.

X. Miscellaneous

A. General

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, Bidders agree to the following terms:

1. Agency will not pay for any costs other than those set forth in the Bidder’s response to this RFP.

2. All bids submitted in response to this RFP must be valid for a minimum of ninety

(90) calendar days.

3. Extraneous marketing or promotional materials are discouraged, and such information will not be factored into the evaluation of Bidders

4. Agency will not pay any charges not set forth in this RFP.

B. Bid/Response Rejection

Agency reserves the right to reject any or all bids (responses), in whole or in part and for any reason deemed non-compliant or non-response per this RFP, its attachments or any subsequent changes. Bidders are advised to check prior to submitting a response to ensure that they have the most recent RFP files. Bidders may not alter (manually or electronically) the RFP language or any RFP component files. Modifications to the body of the RFP, specifications, terms and conditions, or which change the intent of this RFP are prohibited and may disqualify a response. Agency reserves the right not to enter any agreement under this RFP.

C. Contract Amendments

Agency reserves the right to amend this RFP or any contract resulting from this RFP.

Agency may negotiate changes to the original performance measures, reporting requirements or payment methodologies tied to performance at any time during the contract duration if they are consistent with the specifications of this RFP. Agency reserves the right to negotiate and execute contract amendments with the contractor(s) which Agency determines as necessary to result in the intent of this RFP, to amend the specifications for necessary requirements, or to result in a better valued contract. Negotiation would be with the successful Bidder of this RFP.

Amendments may include, but are not limited to, contract dollars, contract performance, increased or decreased obligations, scope of work, quantity, etc.

D. Limitations.

This RFP does not commit the Agency to approve a Statement of Work, pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a Bidder’s response to this RFP or to procure or contract for products or services. Agency reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals received as a result of this RFP and to contract for some, all or none of the products and services as a result of this RFP. Agency further reserves the right to negotiate with any or all qualified

Bidders and to cancel in part or in its entirety this RFP if it is in the best interest of Agency to do so.

E. Review Rights

Responses to this RFP may be reviewed and evaluated by any person(s) at the discretion of Agency including non-allied and independent consultants retained by Agency now or in the future, for the sole purpose of obtaining an analysis of responses. Any and all respondents may be asked to further explain or clarify in writing areas of their response during the review process.

Agency retains the right to request further information from respondents.

F. Nonresponsive Bids

Agency reserves the right to exclude from further consideration nonresponsive bids that fail to meet the submission requirements of this RFP.

G. Proprietary Notices.

All bids submitted in response to this RFP shall be public record. All notices included in such bids to the effect that bid content is confidential or proprietary, that the distribution of such bids is prohibited or that by opening or accepting the bid Agency is accepting such terms, are null and void, and any portions of the response so marked shall still be considered public record.

H. Instructions on Accessing the Documents that are Separately Uploaded to

COMMBUYS.

1. Go to COMMBUYS (www.commbuys.com)

2. Log into COMMBUYS, locate the Bid, acknowledge receipt of the Bid, and scroll down to the bottom of the Bid Header page.

3. If Bidder has any issues with responding through COMMBUYS, contact the

COMMBUYS Help Desk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us or call during normal business hours (8AM – 5PM Monday – Friday) at 1-888-627-8283 or 617-720-3197. Training and guidance may be found on the COMMBUYS “key resources” page.

http://www.commbuys.com/bso mailto:COMMBUYS@state.ma.us?Subject=COMMBUYS%20Question http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/procurement-info-and-res/conduct-a-procurement/commbuys/key-resources.html