Zero-Emission Transit Solutions

The City of Tempe, Arizona has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding zero-emission transit solutions to inform the city's strategic planning for fleet transition from compressed natural gas to zero-emission bus technology. This is an informational solicitation only, not a sourcing event, and no awards will be made as a result of this RFI process. The City seeks comprehensive information on three primary areas: available 30-foot zero-emission transit buses currently in operation, future or proposed 30-foot zero-emission transit bus models under development, and infrastructure requirements necessary to support the transition to zero-emission technology. Respondents must provide detailed information across multiple categories including firm background and experience, vehicle specifications, battery technology, charging infrastructure, monitoring and telematics systems, workforce development and training programs, and component lifecycle information. The City currently operates the Orbit neighborhood circulator transit service with a fleet of 42 buses comprised of 30-foot compressed natural gas heavy-duty transit vehicles, and has developed a fleet replacement matrix indicating procurement of one zero-emission pilot bus in 2027, followed by six buses in 2028, six in 2029, twelve in 2030, and seventeen buses between 2031-2033. Vehicle specifications require a maximum body length of 32 feet, minimum passenger capacity of 30 people, outside turning radius not exceeding 30 feet, and structural design to safely operate under crush loading conditions with full fuel capacity while performing reliably in Desert Southwest environmental conditions ranging from 28°F to 123°F with climate control systems maintaining interior temperatures between 65°F to 80°F and humidity at 45% or lower. The deadline for questions and inquiries is May 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Arizona time, with RFI responses due May 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Arizona time, and all inquiries and submissions should be directed to John Snow, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, at john_snow@tempe.gov or 480-350-8885, with electronic submissions through https://tempe-gov.bonfirehub.com.

The RFI document does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that can respond, nor does it identify disadvantaged enterprise requirements or preferences. The City's current infrastructure includes the Tempe Transportation Center and East Valley Bus Operations and Maintenance facility, which currently provide fueling infrastructure for liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, diesel, and unleaded gasoline, with preliminary planning indicating requirements for overnight charging infrastructure at the operations facility and opportunity charging at the transit center. Respondents are encouraged to provide information on charging technologies, manufacturing timelines, warranty details, Buy America compliance, Federal Transit Administration bus testing program status, and training programs to support successful transition implementation. The RFI identifies no specific budget constraints, award values, or cost ranges, as this is an information-gathering exercise to support future procurement planning rather than a commitment to purchase. Successful respondents to this RFI may be invited to participate in any subsequent Request for Proposal if the City proceeds with a formal solicitation for zero-emission transit buses.