Class 7 Battery Electric Vehicles

The Colorado Department of Corrections is requesting proposals for two Class 7 Battery Electric Vehicles under RFP 2026000270, with proposals due July 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time and a public opening scheduled July 20. Written inquiries are due June 26, 2026 by 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time, with responses posted by June 30.

The scope comprises a Class 7 Day Cab Tractor-Trailer and a Class 7 Medium-Duty Refrigerated Box Truck for transport and delivery of food and perishable goods between correctional facilities. Offerors may propose for both vehicles or individually. The vehicles must demonstrate a verified driving range of at least 180 miles for the tractor and 330 kWh usable battery capacity for the box truck at 20 degrees Fahrenheit, operate reliably across Colorado's severe winter conditions (temperatures as low as -20F), perform on both highways and improved graveled roads, and include active thermal management and winter-ready packages. Chassis gross vehicle weight rating must exceed 32,000 lbs. Warranty coverage mandates two years unlimited miles for basic vehicle, five years/150,000 miles for drivetrain and battery, and seven years for cab and frame. Offerors must identify authorized service centers within 100 miles of Canon City, Colorado and provide four hours of "Train the Trainer" operator instruction. All awarded contractors must complete an Enhanced Criminal Background Investigation within 30 days of award and comply with CDOC facility security requirements.

Evaluation criteria emphasize vehicle performance specifications, total cost of ownership over 10 years including scheduled maintenance using the formula (Acquisition Price + 150,000 miles × kWh/mile efficiency × $0.11/kWh + Scheduled Maintenance), technical compliance, serviceability and training support, company history, and references. References will focus on winter reliability, uptime, and service responsiveness.

The procurement supports Colorado's "Greening Government" initiatives and is directly funded by CDOC's EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant. Delivery is FOB to CDOC Fleet Services at East Canon City Prison Complex with Pre-Delivery Inspection at the vehicle build site. Contract execution is anticipated for August 14, 2026. Offerors must register with Bidnet Direct and the Colorado Vendor Self-Service system (CORE) before contract execution. Notice of Intent to Award is estimated for July 29, 2026.