Portable DCFC Chargers

The California Department of General Services, Procurement Division (DGS-PD) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Portable Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) Chargers on behalf of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The procurement seeks portable DCFC chargers across six distinct power groups, divided into two categories: trailer-mounted and skid-mounted units with power ranges from 30 to 250 kW. Bidders must provide comprehensive solutions including the charger units, adapters, power cables, extended warranties, installation/removal services, equipment maintenance, and repair services. Technical requirements mandate compliance with multiple industry standards, including UL 2202, UL 9540, NFPA 70, and California Fire Code, with chargers capable of connecting to building power supplies without cellular or wifi connectivity. The solicitation requires bidders to submit detailed technical specifications, including physical characteristics, charging cable specifications, and safety certifications from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). The bid is due on June 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT, with a contract initial term of two years and potential for three one-year extensions.

The procurement includes socioeconomic provisions that provide advantages to Small Businesses (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with a 5% preference available for certified small businesses. Contractors must hold a Classification C-10 Electrical Contractors License and comply with prevailing wage laws and worker's compensation insurance requirements. The contract will be mandatory for all California State Departments and available for use by participating local agencies, with a unique feature of a 1.25% incentive fee for local governmental agency transactions. Equipment must be new and represent the latest model, with no used, refurbished, or discontinued models accepted. Pricing adjustments may be requested after the first 12 months based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index, with increases allowed only if the index rises by at least 8%. While no specific total contract value is explicitly stated, the solicitation allows for procurement of up to 10 units across multiple line items, suggesting a potentially significant investment in portable electric vehicle charging infrastructure.