Addendum #1, dated 4/16/2021 makes changes to the RFA and answers questions. The Addendum is available at the Website http://www.aideaaeaprocurement.org/ .
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) is soliciting a Request for Applications (RFA) 21107 to select electric vehicle (EV) fast charging site(s) as part of AEA’s Direct Current Fast Charging Network Program to develop a fast charging corridor from the Kenai Peninsula to Fairbanks.
AEA intends to create the core of an EV fast-charging network along the Alaska highway system through public-private partnerships, in phases as funding allows. The overall goal of the first phase of the program is to create an EV fast charging corridor from Homer and Seward north to Fairbanks beginning in 2021 (Figure 1).
To achieve this goal, AEA has released a series of solicitations to qualify electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) Suppliers; identify potential Site Hosts; and subsequently, competitively select fast charging site projects. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released February 22, 2021 to develop a list of qualified suppliers of EVSE Packages that meet AEA’s requirements for equipment, software and network services to operate and manage the EVSE. The list of qualified EVSE Suppliers was made public March 12, 2021. A Request for Information (RFI) Questionnaire was released February 24, 2021 to identify parties interested in hosting DCFC charging sites. Responses to the RFI were provided to the list of qualified EVSE Suppliers so both parties can work together to determine site feasibility and develop project proposals including ownership model, fee structure, and cost estimates for the installation, equipment and services. These initial solicitations were intended to get the program started. AEA will continue to accept responses to the RFQ and will continually update the list of qualified EVSE Suppliers. Similarly, there is no closing date of the RFI Questionnaire. AEA will continue to provide information regarding interested Site Hosts to the qualified EVSE Suppliers.
This RFA is intended to competitively select fast charging site projects as part of the DCFC Network Program. AEA will accept applications from the Site Host or other entities on behalf of the Site Host, including an EVSE Supplier, utility, site designer, or other designated Project Lead. Interested Site Hosts can contact AEA-approved EVSE Supplier directly to determine the suitability of their site for a fast charging station. Qualified EVSE Suppliers may also approach prospective Site Hosts and utilities to assess fit with the technology and program. Potential fast charging projects will not be limited to the list of respondents to the RFI Questionnaire.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the funds have been committed. The first round of the RFA 21107 will be open from March 16, 2021 through May 5, 2021. Subsequent rounds will be open on a rolling basis for a period of approximately 30 days thereafter. Once a fast charge project site is selected for a specific 50-100 mile highway segment, subsequent applications for that segment may or may not be eligible.