24AQP009 Assessing Feasibility and Cost of Zero-Emission Taxiing at Commercial Airports

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 24AQP009 seeking a comprehensive feasibility study on zero-emission (ZE) taxiing technologies for commercial aircraft at California airports. The 18-month contract, with a potential six-month extension, requires a contractor to assess available and emerging ZE technologies, analyze real-world applications, and select representative California airports for study. Key deliverables include organizing a safety and risk management panel, evaluating operational and infrastructure requirements, modeling ZE taxiing scenarios, and performing a detailed cost-benefit analysis. Proposers must meet minimum qualifications, including at least two years of experience in airport space redesign, computer modeling for airport design, performing government research studies, and interfacing with regulatory agencies like the FAA. The proposal deadline is May 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. PST, with the contract anticipated to begin in June 2025. Evaluation criteria will prioritize technical approach, proposer qualifications, and cost, with the contract awarded to the highest-scored, responsive, and responsible proposer.

The RFP includes specific provisions for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation, offering potential bid adjustments of up to 5% for DVBE involvement. The total contract budget is $500,000, with proposals exceeding this amount potentially deemed non-responsive. The state reserves the right to terminate or modify the contract based on budget considerations. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the study aims to address California's ongoing efforts to reduce criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly focusing on reducing Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Hydrocarbon, and Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants in airport operations. The research will be critical for addressing ozone nonattainment and improving air quality standards in the state. Prospective contractors should be prepared to demonstrate significant expertise in airport technology, emissions reduction, and comprehensive research methodologies.