OER - Purchase of NEVI Compliant DC Fast Chargers for RI Park & Ride Facilities

The State of Rhode Island, specifically through the Office of Energy Resources (OER), is seeking to procure four Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) for Park & Ride Facilities located in Ashaway and Warwick. These chargers must be capable of simultaneously charging eight electric vehicles at 150kW, with two chargers designated for each location. The solicitation includes a comprehensive five-year network support and equipment maintenance package, funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The procurement process opens on August 10, 2023, with a vendor Q&A period running from August 10 to August 17, 2023, and proposals due by September 6, 2023, at 6:30 PM GMT. Vendors must submit their proposals electronically through the Ocean State Procures system and must provide 100% payment and performance bonds from a surety licensed in Rhode Island prior to purchase order issuance. The contract requires substantial completion within six months of the Notice to Proceed, with final EVSE device delivery expected within 220 days, followed by five years of maintenance and network support.

The procurement includes a mandatory 10% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation requirement, with vendors required to submit an MBE Utilization Plan to the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for review and approval. Participation credit will only be granted to firms certified by Rhode Island's Department of Administration. The project mandates comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1 million in general liability, workers compensation, $1 million in automobile liability, and $20 million in cyber/privacy coverage for mission-critical services. While the estimated total contract value is not explicitly stated, the extensive technical requirements, multi-year support, and infrastructure investment suggest a significant financial commitment. The State reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and to reject any or all bids, providing flexibility in the procurement process. Vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system and comply with all state procurement regulations and technical specifications.