request for proposal 000-00-000 · web viewhowever, all questions must be received by 5:00 pm on...

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Clean Transportation Program

Vehicle-Grid Innovation Lab (ViGIL)

GFO-20-610www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html

State of CaliforniaCalifornia Energy Commission

May 2021

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html

Table of ContentsI. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................4

A. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION..................................................................................................4B. BACKGROUND......................................................................................................................4C. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY................................................................................................5D. KEY ACTIVITIES AND DATES.................................................................................................5E. HOW AWARD IS DETERMINED..............................................................................................6F. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.......................................................................................................6G. MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNTS...............................................................................................6H. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS..................................................................................6I. PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOP.............................................................................................6J. PARTICIPATION THROUGH ZOOM..........................................................................................7K. QUESTIONS..........................................................................................................................7L. CONTACT INFORMATION.......................................................................................................8M. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS.....................................................................................................8

II. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................9A. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................9B. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................10C. ELIGIBLE PROJECT COSTS..................................................................................................15D. MATCH FUNDING REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................16E. UNALLOWABLE COSTS (REIMBURSABLE OR MATCH SHARE)...............................................19

III. APPLICATION FORMAT, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, AND DELIVERY.............21A. REQUIRED FORMAT FOR AN APPLICATION...........................................................................21B. METHOD FOR DELIVERY....................................................................................................21C. PAGE LIMITATIONS.............................................................................................................21D. APPLICATION ORGANIZATION.............................................................................................21

IV. EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA.................................................................31A. APPLICATION EVALUATION.................................................................................................31B. NOTICE OF PROPOSED AWARDS........................................................................................33C. DEBRIEFINGS.....................................................................................................................33D. SCORING SCALE................................................................................................................34E. EVALUATION CRITERIA.......................................................................................................36A. TIE BREAKERS...................................................................................................................39

V. ADMINISTRATION.........................................................................................................40A. DEFINITION OF KEY WORDS...............................................................................................40B. COST OF DEVELOPING APPLICATION...................................................................................40C. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.............................................................................................40D. SOLICITATION CANCELATION AND AMENDMENTS................................................................41E. ERRORS.............................................................................................................................41F. MODIFYING OR WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION...................................................................41G. IMMATERIAL DEFECT..........................................................................................................41H. DISPOSITION OF APPLICANT’S DOCUMENTS........................................................................41I. APPLICANTS’ ADMONISHMENT............................................................................................42J. AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS..............................................................................................42K. NO AGREEMENT UNTIL SIGNED AND APPROVED................................................................42

GFO-20-610May 2021 of 45 Vehicle-Grid Innovation Lab (ViGIL)

Attachments1 Application Form2 Scope of Work Template3 Scope of Work Instructions4 Schedule of Products and Due Dates5 Budget Forms6 Contact List7 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Worksheet8 Local Health Impacts Information Form910

Clean Transportation Program Terms and ConditionsPast Performance Reference Form


I. IntroductionA. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION

This is a competitive grant solicitation. The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program (formerly known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program) announces the availability of up to $2 million in grant funds to increase the capacity and throughput of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) standards testing at a laboratory. This funding may support expansion of testing of both light-duty and medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment.

The Vehicle-Grid Innovation Lab(s) (ViGIL) will provide a timely and cost-effective avenue for stakeholders to validate and test their products for conformance to established standards. ViGIL will also promote innovation and the development and commercialization of advanced products to address current, and future, market needs. Testing at funded laboratories is voluntary and is not mandatory for entities to do business in California.

ViGIL may be complemented by work performed by the awardee of a CEC Vehicle Inter-Operability Testing Symposiums (VOLTS) Request for Proposals (RFP). Refer to CEC Docket 19-TRAN-02 for more information on staff proposals.

ViGIL will support four key policy objectives for electric vehicle charging equipment:

1. Interoperability – Standardized devices that are capable of functioning as intended with each other, without special effort from the user.

2. Competition and Customer Choice – Standardized, open charging systems that ensure easy access by all in a competitive and highly integrated market.

3. Cost Control – Assist grid and renewables management and reduce fuel costs for drivers who charge in a manner consistent with grid conditions.

4. Convenience – Ensure that the employed technologies work in a harmonious manner and across service territories.

B. BACKGROUNDAssembly Bill (AB) 118 (Nùñez, Chapter 750, Statutes of 2007), created the Clean Transportation Program. The statute authorizes the CEC to develop and deploy alternative and renewable fuels and advanced


transportation technologies to help attain the state’s climate change policies. AB 8 (Perea, Chapter 401, Statutes of 2013) re-authorized the Clean Transportation Program through January 1, 2024, and specified that the CEC allocate up to $20 million per year (or up to 20 percent of each fiscal year’s funds) in funding for hydrogen station development until California has at least 100 publicly available stations.

The Clean Transportation Program has an annual budget of approximately $100 million and provides financial support for projects that:

Reduce California’s use and dependence on petroleum transportation fuels and increase the use of alternative and renewable fuels and advanced vehicle technologies.

Produce sustainable alternative and renewable low-carbon fuels in California.

Expand alternative fueling infrastructure and fueling stations. Improve the efficiency, performance and market viability of

alternative light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle technologies. Retrofit medium- and heavy-duty on-road and non-road vehicle

fleets to alternative technologies or fuel use. Expand the alternative fueling infrastructure available to existing

fleets, public transit, and transportation corridors. Establish workforce training programs and conduct public

outreach on the benefits of alternative transportation fuels and vehicle technologies.

C. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITYThe CEC is committed to ensuring that participation in its Clean Transportation Program reflects the rich and diverse characteristics of California and its people. To meet this commitment, CEC staff conducts outreach efforts and activities to:

Ensure potential new Applicants throughout the state are aware of the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program and the funding opportunities the program provides.

Encourage greater participation by underrepresented groups including disabled veteran-, women-, minority-, and LGBT-owned businesses.

Assist Applicants in understanding how to apply for funding from the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program.

D. KEY ACTIVITIES AND DATESKey activities including dates and times for this solicitation are presented below. An addendum will be released if the dates change for the asterisked (*) activities.


ACTIVITY ACTION DATESolicitation Release May 21, 2021Pre-Application Workshop* June 1, 2021Deadline for Written Questions* June 8, 2021Anticipated Distribution of Questions/Answers June 25, 2021Deadline to Submit Applications by 5:00 p.m.*

July 16, 2021Anticipated Notice of Proposed Awards Posting August 20, 2021Anticipated CEC Business Meeting October 13, 2021

E. HOW AWARD IS DETERMINEDApplicants passing administrative and technical screening will compete based on evaluation criteria and will be scored and ranked based on those criteria. Unless the CEC exercises any of its other rights regarding this solicitation (e.g., to cancel the solicitation or reduce funding), applications obtaining at least the minimum passing score will be recommended for funding in ranked order.

The CEC will recommend an award to the highest ranked project. If funding remains available, the CEC will recommend an award(s) to the next highest-ranked project(s), until all funds available under this solicitation are exhausted.

If the funds available under this solicitation are insufficient to fully fund a grant proposal, the CEC reserves the right to recommend partially funding that proposal. In this event, the proposed Applicant/Awardee and Commission Agreement Manager (CAM) shall meet and attempt to reach agreement on a reduced scope of work commensurate with the level of available funding.

F. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDSA total of $2 million is available under this solicitation. The CEC, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to increase or decrease the amount of funds available under this solicitation.

G. MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNTSThe maximum award amount is $2 million. Projects are eligible for up to 50 percent of the total project costs, or $2 million, whichever is less.

H. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF APPLICATIONSApplicants may only submit one application under this solicitation.

I. PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOPThere will be one Pre-Application Workshop; participation in this meeting is optional but encouraged. The Pre-Application Workshop will be held remotely through Zoom, which is the CEC’s online meeting service, at the date and time listed below. Please call (916) 654-4381


or refer to the CEC's website at www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html to confirm the date and time.

June 1, 202110:00 AM

Remote Access Only

Remote access is available by computer or phone via Zoom.

J. PARTICIPATION THROUGH ZOOMZoom is the CEC’s online meeting service. When attending remotely, presentations will appear on your computer/laptop/mobile device screen, and audio may be heard via the device or telephone. Please be aware that the Zoom meeting will be recorded.

Zoom Instructions:To join this workshop, go to Zoom at https://energy.zoom.us/j/96092385194?pwd=UDNxbDhpTXR3ZTBEcE8zN28rT052UT09. You may also access the workshop by going to the Zoom webpage at https://zoom.us/join and enter the unique meeting ID and password below:

Meeting Number: 960 9238 5194Meeting Password: 923782Topic: Vehicle-Grid Innovation Lab (ViGIL) Pre-Application

Workshop

Telephone Access Only:Call (888) 853-5257 or (888) 475-4499 (toll free). When prompted, enter the unique meeting ID number above. To comment over the telephone, dial *9 to “raise your hand” and *6 to mute/unmute your phone line.

Technical Support:For assistance with problems or questions about joining or attending the meeting, please call Zoom Technical Support at (888) 799-9666 ext. 2, or you may contact the CEC’s Public Advisor’s Office at [email protected], or (800) 822-6228.

K. QUESTIONSDuring the solicitation process, questions of clarification about this solicitation must be directed to the Commission Agreement Officer (CAO) listed in the following section. You may ask questions at the Pre-Application Workshop, and you may submit written questions via electronic mail and by FAX. However, all questions must be received by 5:00 pm on the date listed in the Key Activities and Dates table earlier in this solicitation.


mailto:[email protected]

https://zoom.us/join

https://energy.zoom.us/j/96092385194?pwd=UDNxbDhpTXR3ZTBEcE8zN28rT052UT09


Question and answer sets will be e-mailed to all parties who attended the Pre-Application Workshop and provided their contact information. The questions and answers will also be posted on the CEC’s website at: www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html.

Any verbal communication with a CEC employee concerning this solicitation is not binding on the State and shall in no way alter a specification, term, or condition of the solicitation. All communication must be directed in writing to the CAO assigned to the solicitation.

L. CONTACT INFORMATION

Marissa Sutton, Commission Agreement OfficerCalifornia Energy Commission

1516 Ninth Street, MS-18Sacramento, California 95814

Telephone: (916) 896-1586E-mail: [email protected]

M. REFERENCE DOCUMENTSApplicants responding to this solicitation may want to familiarize themselves with the following documents:

1) 2019-2020 Investment Plan Update for the Clean Transportation Program (CEC-600-2018-005-SD-LCF-REV2). https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/getdocument.aspx?tn=231247

2) 2020-2021 Investment Plan Update for the Clean Transportation Program (CEC-600-2018-SD-LCF).https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/clean-transportation-program/2020-2021-investment-plan-update

3) 2020-2023 Investment Plan Update for the Clean Transportation Program(CEC-600-2020-001-SD). https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/getdocument.aspx?tn=232280


https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/getdocument.aspx?tn=232280


https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/clean-transportation-program/2020-2021-investment-plan-update







II. Eligibility RequirementsA. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

1. EligibilityThe Applicant must be a testing laboratory independent of the EV industry in order to be eligible. An Applicant is considered independent of the EV industry if it does not commercially produce EVs, EV chargers, or EV testing equipment, and does not provide management software or network services for EV charging. The laboratory must commercially test products from variety of entities and manufacturers, and must not be owned by a government or public entity.

The Applicant must conduct this project at an existing facility located in California with the goal to expand capacity and accelerate throughput of EVSE testing in California.

This solicitation does not require the existing facility to have current EV charging equipment, electrical, or communications testing capabilities in order to submit an application. However, the evaluation criteria will consider the Applicant’s experience and expertise in EV charging equipment testing, as well as the facility’s existing capabilities and readiness level, as explained in Section IV.E.

2. Terms and ConditionsEach grant agreement resulting from this solicitation will include terms and conditions that set forth the Recipient’s rights and responsibilities. By providing the required authorizations and certifications, each Applicant agrees to enter into an agreement, if awarded, with the CEC to conduct the proposed project according to the terms and conditions that correspond to its organization, without negotiation: (1) University of California terms and conditions; (2) U.S. Department of Energy terms and conditions; or (3) standard terms and conditions (Attachment 9).

Failure to agree to the terms and conditions by taking actions such as failing to provide the required authorizations and certifications or indicating that acceptance is based on modification of the terms will result in rejection of the application. Applicants must read the terms and conditions carefully. The CEC reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions prior to executing grant agreements.

3. California Secretary of State Registration


All corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) that conduct intrastate business in California are required to be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State prior to its project being recommended for approval at a CEC Business Meeting. If not currently registered with the California Secretary of State, Applicants are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Office as soon as possible to avoid potential delays in beginning the proposed project(s) (should the application be successful). For more information, contact the Secretary of State's Office via its website at www.sos.ca.gov. Sole proprietors using a fictitious business name must be registered with the appropriate county and provide evidence of registration to the CEC prior to their project being recommended for approval at a CEC Business Meeting.

B. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

1. Purpose:

a. Projects must either: 1) develop EVSE testing capacity at an existing facility in California; or 2) or expand EVSE testing capacity at an existing facility in California. EVSE testing capacity is defined through static metrics including, but not limited to:

Testing staff, including engineering staff Number of test devices Number and types of tests offered

b. Additionally, projects must increase the throughput of tested products. Throughput is defined through dynamic metrics including, but not limited to:

Number of products tested per quarter Number and types of form factors tested

c. Applicants must identify the metrics they plan to use to demonstrate developed or expanded testing capacity and increased throughput in the application. These will be measured and reported to the CEC based on capabilities before and during the project.

d. Testing at funded projects is voluntary and is not mandatory for entities to do business in California. Project award(s) will only fund the expansion of capacity and throughput testing, not certification. Test results may be delivered to the appropriate


http://www.sos.ca.gov/

certification body by the laboratory or the recipient of the testing services.

2. Testing Operation and Maintenance:

The Recipient will be responsible for ensuring the proper functionality of all testing equipment and must operate and conduct testing for at least five years from the date the agreement term ends.

3. Testing Standards:

Proposed projects must expand capacity and throughput of testing for established standards and protocols. Testing facilities must be updated as needed to offer testing services for the most recent published versions of standards and testing procedures as these are made available for the duration of the agreement.

At a minimum, through the acquisition of necessary equipment, engineering staff, and other resources, proposed projects must be capable of performing the necessary testing to facilitate compliance with standards #1, #2, and #3 listed below, or their available latest versions, so that they perform their associated use cases listed below. Additionally, the Applicant may optionally offer to add testing for standards #4 and/or #5 listed below and their associated use cases, but this is not a requirement.

a. ISO 151181

Proposed projects must provide testing services for the following use cases once standardized test procedures are made available.

Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) Charging Smart Charging Plug & Charge Bidirectional Charging Wireless Charging

The CEC recognizes that there are existing industry efforts to standardize the implementation of specific ISO 15118 use cases and that parts of ISO 15118 remain under development. The Applicant must include a plan for how it will engage with industry on ISO 15118 and offer ISO 15118 testing once standardized testing programs and test tools are made available.

1 International Organization for Standardization Homepage: https://www.iso.org/home.htmlGFO-20-610

May 2021 of 45 Vehicle-Grid Innovation Lab (ViGIL)

https://www.iso.org/home.html

In addition, some of the use cases listed above require a functional Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). The Applicant must include a plan for how it will leverage existing and future PKIs (once finalized and adopted) and help facilitate an open and interoperable charging ecosystem.

b. Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)2

For Version 1.6JSON3, proposed projects must offer the following functionalities:

Core Firmware management Smart charging Reservation Local Authorization List Management Remote Trigger Security General Security Profile 1, 2, and 3 ISO 15118 Plug & Charge4

Tariff and Costs5

In addition, proposed projects must offer the following certificate profiles for Version 1.6:

Full Certificate OCPP 1.6 Subset Certificate OCPP 1.6 Security Certificate OCPP 1.6

For Version 2.0.16, proposed projects must offer the following functionalities:

Security Provisioning Authorization Local Authorization List Management Transactions Remote Control Availability

2 Open Charge Alliance Homepage: https://www.openchargealliance.org/3 OCPP Version 1.6JSON Specifications: https://www.openchargealliance.org/certification/ocpp-16-certification/4 OCA Application Note: Using ISO 15118 Plug & Charge with OCPP 1.6: https://www.openchargealliance.org/uploads/files/ocpp_1_6_ISO_15118_v10.pdf5 OCA Application Note: OCPP and California Pricing Requirements: https://www.openchargealliance.org/uploads/files/OCPP-California-Pricing-Requirements.pdf6 OCPP Version 2.0.1 Specifications: https://www.openchargealliance.org/protocols/ocpp-201/


https://www.openchargealliance.org/protocols/ocpp-201/

https://www.openchargealliance.org/uploads/files/OCPP-California-Pricing-Requirements.pdf


https://www.openchargealliance.org/uploads/files/ocpp_1_6_ISO_15118_v10.pdf

https://www.openchargealliance.org/certification/ocpp-16-certification/

https://www.openchargealliance.org/

Reservation Tariff and Costs7

Meter Values Smart Charging Firmware Management ISO 15118 Certificate Management Diagnostics Display Message Data Transfer

Proposed projects must offer all available certificate profiles for Version 2.0.1 once they have been finalized by Open Charge Alliance.

c. Section 3.40 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 2020 Handbook 44 (Electric Vehicle Fueling Systems)8

S.2.4.3 – Selection of variable unit prices using equipment communicating with the EVSE system

S.3.1 – Protection of metrological components S.4.2 – Directional controls to support the reversal of energy

flow

The implementation of this testing will serve as a complement to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP)9. CTEP tests and certifies EVSE according to Section 3.40 for commercial use applications only. Notably, the NIST standards exclude:

1) The use of any measure or measuring device owned, maintained, and used by a public utility or municipality only in connection with measuring electricity subject to the authority having jurisdiction such as the Public Utilities Commission.

2) EVSE used solely for dispensing electrical energy in connection with operations in which the amount dispensed does not affect customer charges or compensation.

3) The wholesale delivery of electricity.

7 OCA Application Note: OCPP and California Pricing Requirements: https://www.openchargealliance.org/uploads/files/OCPP-California-Pricing-Requirements.pdf8 National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44 - 2020 Edition Homepage: https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks-2-39 California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Measurement Standards Zero Emission Vehicle Projects: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/programs/zevfuels/


https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/programs/zevfuels/

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks-2-3

https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks/other-nist-handbooks-2-3



The intent is for awarded project(s) to fill this market gap by providing testing services for charging equipment used in non-commercial applications (including at workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, single family homes, etc.) and facilitating certification with appropriate Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs). This effort will also aim to support the California Public Utilities Commission’s current sub-metering proceeding (R.18-12-006) and address customer-owned, residential, and workplace charging equipment.

d. IEC 62746-10-1 (2019) (Open Automated Demand Response 2.0b)10

Load control Distributed energy resources control

e. ENERGY STAR® for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment11

Version 1.0 for AC charging and Version 1.1 for both AC and DC charging

Note: ViGIL will not fund expansion of capacity or throughput for a certification body that provides manufacturers certificates of test results needed to prove product performance for labeling or marketing purposes. Proposed projects must be capable of performing all the necessary equipment testing and providing the required results to a certification body. Project awardee(s) or the client will be responsible for transmitting these test results to a certification body that has the ability to recognize the validity and accuracy of the test results for the product to receive official certification marks of compliance with the specification.

4. Eligible Products:

In addition, CEC funding must only be used to support expansion of testing capacity and throughput for the following categories of products (e.g., reimbursable costs for staff salaries for expanded throughput must be used for work testing the types of products provided below, not other types of products).

a. Level 2 AC: Conductive and Wireless Charging

b. DC: Conductive Charging

c. High-Powered: Conductive, Wireless, and Pantograph Charging 10 OpenADR Alliance Homepage: https://www.openadr.org/11 ENERGY STAR® EVSE Homepage: https://www.energystar.gov/products/other/evse


https://www.energystar.gov/products/other/evse

https://www.openadr.org/

Within these three product categories, the eligible interfaces are defined as follows:

a. SAE J177212 – Electric Vehicle and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler

b. Combined Charging System (CCS/Combo 1)13 – Combines AC and DC charging into one interface

c. CHAdeMO14 – DC charging protocol

d. SAE J295415 – Wireless Power Transfer for Light-Duty Plug-In/Electric Vehicles

e. CharIN Megawatt Charging System (MCS)16 – Charging for class 6, 7, and 8 commercial vehicles, buses, aircraft and other battery electric vehicles

f. SAE J310517 – Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System Using Conductive Automated Connection Devices (all three form factors listed in this standard)

g. SAE J307218 – Interconnection Requirements for Onboard, Utility-Interactive Inverter Systems

Proposed projects are restricted to the listed requirements described above. If an Applicant offers services for additional standards, products, and interfaces, those services are not eligible costs (either as reimbursable or match share) under the resulting agreement and those services will not be considered during the evaluation process.

C. ELIGIBLE PROJECT COSTSCosts incurred for the following are eligible for CEC reimbursement or as the Applicant’s match share:

Facility design, engineering plans, and specifications 12 SAE J1772 Standard: https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j1772_201710/13 CharIN CCS: https://www.charinev.org/ccs-at-a-glance/ccs-specification/14 CHAdeMO Protocol: https://www.chademo.com/ 15 SAE J2954 Standard: https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j2954_202010/16 CharIN MCS: https://www.charinev.org/ccs-at-a-glance/hot-topics/?no_cache=1 17 SAE J3105 Standard: https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3105_202001/18 SAE J3072 Standard: https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3072_201505/


https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3072_201505/


https://www.charinev.org/ccs-at-a-glance/hot-topics/?no_cache=1

https://www.chademo.com/

https://www.charinev.org/ccs-at-a-glance/ccs-specification/


Building and facilities installations and/or modifications Assets, materials and supplies, and equipment acquisition Staff training and associated labor costs

NOTE: Costs incurred prior to executing an agreement will not be reimbursed by the CEC.

D. MATCH FUNDING REQUIREMENTS

1. Total Match Share RequirementApplications must include at least 50 percent of the total allowable project costs as match share (i.e., the sum of the CEC’s reimbursable share and Recipient’s match share).

“Match funding” or “match share” means cash or in-kind (non-cash) contributions provided by the Applicant/Recipient, subcontractors, or other parties that will be used in performance of the proposed project. Match share percentage is calculated by dividing the total match share contributions by the total allowable project cost. “Total allowable project cost” is the sum of the CEC’s reimbursable share and Recipient’s match share of the project costs.

For example, Project A, requesting $2,000,000 in CEC funding, must contribute a minimum of $2,000,000 in total match contributions. This would make the total allowable project cost $4,000,000, with a 50 percent total match share. On the other hand, Project B, requesting $1,000,000 in CEC funding, would need to contribute a minimum of $1,000,000 in total match share contributions. This would make the total allowable project cost $2,000,000, with a 50 percent total match share.

Match share expenditures have the following requirements:

a. At a minimum, total match share must conform to the “Cash Match Share Requirement” contained in this solicitation.

b. All match share expenditures must conform to the terms and conditions of this solicitation and the resulting agreement (see Attachment 9).

c. Applicants must disclose the source and provide verification and documentation for the match share funding committed to the project. (For any match share committed by a third party (i.e., other than match share committed by the Applicant), Applicants are encouraged to


submit a letter from each match share partner identifying the source(s) and availability of match funding.)

d. During the term of the agreement, Recipients will be required to document and verify all match share expenditures through invoices submitted to the CEC.

e. Match share funding may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions such as donated labor hours, equipment, facilities, and other property.

f. Equipment, facilities, and property may count as match funds as long as the value of the contribution is based on documented market values or book values, prorated for its use in the project, and depreciated or amortized over the term of the project using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

g. Match share expenditures (cash and/or in-kind) must be documented, reasonable, allowable, and allocable to the project as determined by the CEC.

h. Match share expenditures are allowable under an agreement only if they are incurred after the CEC notifies the Applicant that its project has been proposed for an award through the release of a Notice of Proposed Awards (NOPA). Match expenditures incurred prior to the approval and execution of an agreement are made at the Applicant’s own risk. The CEC is not liable for Applicant’s match share costs if the grant is not approved, if approval is delayed, or if the match share expenditure is not allowable under the terms and conditions of the grant or this solicitation. Please note that non-match expenditures incurred prior to agreement execution are not reimbursable from CEC funds.

2. Cash Match Share RequirementApplications must include a minimum cash contribution equal to at least 50 percent of the minimum match requirements.

Example 1: Project A requests $2,000,000 in CEC funding and is therefore required to provide $2,000,000 in match funding. $1,000,000 of the match (50 percent) must be cash match.

Example 2: Project B requests $2,000,000 in CEC funding and is therefore required to provide $2,000,000 in match funding. Project B offers $3,000,000 in match funding, exceeding the


required minimum match. Only $1,000,000 of the match must be cash match (50% of the minimum required $2,000,000 match).

Cash match means the net of any funds actually expended by the Applicant for the project. Net means after any sort of discount or rebate is applied. Expenditures for Applicant’s compensated labor hours, including allowable fringe benefit and overhead rates, travel, materials, supplies, equipment, subcontractor costs, and other miscellaneous expenditures may be claimed as cash match if the expenditures are included in the approved agreement budget, paid in full with funding sources other than grant funds, and supported with appropriate documentation, including proof of payment. For indirect overhead, backup documentation, such as a cost allocation plan based on actual expenditures incurred and paid, is required. Cost allocations must be reasonable and allocable to the proposed project.

3. In-Kind Match ShareThe balance of the total match share requirement beyond the cash match share requirement (if any) may be met through in-kind match share contributions.

In-kind match share contributions are: 1) non-cash contributions provided by the Applicant; 2) cash or non-cash contributions provided by a subcontractor; and 3) cash or non-cash contributions provided by other third parties. Applicant in-kind match share can be in the form of volunteer labor, real property, existing equipment, existing supplies, services provided by a third-party or subcontract, and other expendable property. The value of in-kind match is based on the fair market value of the goods and services provided at the time it is claimed as match. In-kind match share must be included in the approved agreement budget and supported with appropriate documentation. Cost allocations must be reasonable and allocable to the proposed project.

4. Match Share Restrictions

a. Other Sources of CEC Funding – Other sources of CEC funding may not be used as match share.

b. Property Not Owned by the Applicant – Donated property may be claimed as match based on the fair market value of renting or leasing the property. Fair market value is based on rental costs of comparable property (if any), market conditions in the area,


alternatives available and the type, life expectancy, condition, and value of the property.

c. Existing Property Owned by the Recipient – Applicants may use the property’s depreciation expense as a method to allocate the value of the property to the project. Valuation will need to be documented to support the initial acquisition costs as well as the method of depreciation.

d. Valuation of Land – Land cannot be depreciated. If the value of land is claimed as match, the Applicant must provide documentation to support a fair market value for the use of the land (i.e., rent or lease cost) for the time period it is used. Appraised value of land cannot be used since this represents the full value of the land if it is sold which includes value beyond the term of the proposed project.

e. Property Owned by a Related Party – Related parties are individuals or other entities that are able to control or substantially influence the actions of the Applicant and includes spouses, board members, family members of principals or employees of the Applicant as well as property owned by principals/employees of the Applicant. Because agreements between related parties are “less than arms-length” transactions, Applicants must disclose to the CEC the relationship and be able to support the fair market value of property that is claimed as match.

If CEC funds are used to reimburse lease/rental payments for property owned by a related party, the Applicant can only claim the lesser of fair market value or actual lease payments, regardless of lease agreement terms.

f. Prorated Value of Property – The allowable claimed value of property must be prorated based on the percentage the property is used for the proposed project. For example, if only half of a building is being used for the proposed project, then only 50% of the monthly fair market value of the entire building can be claimed as match while the building is being used for the project.

g. Documentation – If selected for an award under this agreement, all claimed match share expenditures must be adequately documented to the CEC during the agreement invoicing process which may include, but is not limited to: the fair market value of existing property, methodology to


allocate existing property on a prorated basis, lease agreements, and other appropriate documentation.

E. UNALLOWABLE COSTS (REIMBURSABLE OR MATCH SHARE)For an item of cost to be allowable, it must be included in the approved agreement budget and allowable per the terms and conditions of the resulting agreement. The following are examples of unallowable costs under an agreement resulting from this solicitation. This list is not comprehensive and additional items of cost may be unallowable in accordance with the terms and conditions.

1. Forgone Profit – For example, if a company usually charges 10 percent profit but only charges 4 percent to the CEC. The unclaimed difference is not an allowable item of cost.

2. Forgone Rent – For example, rents that are not paid is not an allowable item of reimbursable cost.

3. Discounted or Refunded Equipment Costs – For example, a claim that equipment costs $10,000 but recipient only pays $6,000 due to some “special” discount. The difference of $4,000 is not an allowable match share expense. Another example is if the recipient actually pays $10,000 but the vendor refunds $4,000 – only the net $6,000 is an allowable item of cost.

4. Foregone Salary, Fringe, Indirect or Other Types of Cost – For example, a person normally charges or is paid $100 per hour, but will only charge $50 per hour towards the CEC award. Only actual costs incurred and paid to the employee are allowable. Therefore, if an employee is actually paid $100 per hour and the CEC only reimburses at $40 per hour, then the unreimbursed $60 per hour is an allowable match share cost because this is an actual payment as opposed to a foregone salary amount. Volunteer labor (i.e., labor from a person who does not receive any compensation for their labor) may be an allowable in-kind match share expense if the value of the labor is reasonable and justified.

5. New Construction – New brick and mortar construction of a testing facility is not an allowable item of cost and may not be used as match share.

6. EVSE – Costs, incentives, rebates, etc. used to procure and/or install electric vehicle supply equipment or charging infrastructure are not allowable items of cost and may not be used as match share.


7. Vehicles – Costs, incentives, rebates, etc. used to procure vehicles are not allowable items of cost and may not be used as match share.


III. Application Format, Required Documents, and DeliveryA. REQUIRED FORMAT FOR AN APPLICATION

This section contains the format requirements and instructions on how to submit an application. The format is prescribed to assist the Applicant in meeting State requirements and to enable the CEC to evaluate each application uniformly and fairly. Applicants must follow all application format instructions, answer all questions, and supply all requested data.

All applications submitted under this solicitation must be typed using a standard 11-point font, single-spaced and a blank line between paragraphs. Pages must be numbered and sections titled.

B. METHOD FOR DELIVERYThe method of delivery for this solicitation is the CEC’s Grant Solicitation System, available at: https://gss.energy.ca.gov/. This online tool allows Applicants to submit their electronic documents to the CEC prior to the date and time specified in this solicitation. Electronic files must be in Microsoft Word (.doc format) and Excel Office Suite formats unless originally provided in the solicitation in another format. The system will not allow applications to be submitted after the due date and time.

First time users must register as a new user to access the system. Applicants will receive a confirmation email after all required documents have been successfully uploaded. A tutorial of the system will be provided at the Pre-Application Workshop and you may contact the CAO identified in the Questions section of Section I of the solicitation for more assistance.

C. PAGE LIMITATIONSThe number of pages for each Application is limited to 25 pages. Application form, table of contents, resumes, scope of work, schedule of products and due dates, budget forms, contact list, letters of support/commitment, CEQA worksheet, Local Health Impacts Information forms, and Past Performance Reference Forms do not count towards this page limitation.

D. APPLICATION ORGANIZATIONThe table below describes the order in which the application documents must be submitted. All items listed below are required as part of the application package. Failure to provide any attachments may result in disqualification of the application. Attachment requirements are expanded and explained below in this section. The


https://gss.energy.ca.gov/

https://gss.energy.ca.gov/

items that have “N/A” reflected in the “Attachment Number” column are required to be submitted as part of the application package, but do not have an associated attachment provided in the solicitation package.

Item Attachment Number (if applicable)

Application Form Attachment 1Project Narrative N/AScope of Work Attachment 2Schedule of Products and Due Dates Attachment 4Budget Forms Attachment 5Resumes N/AContact List Attachment 6Letters of Support/Commitment N/ACEQA Worksheet Attachment 7Local Health Impacts Information Form Attachment 8Past Performance Reference Form(s) Attachment 10

1. Application FormApplicants must include a completed Application Form shown in Attachment 1.

The Application Form provides space for Applicants to describe project eligibility and Applicant eligibility, and provides the declaration, statements of commitment, and certifications to which an authorized representative of the Applicant must agree.

All Applicants must authorize the CEC to make any inquiries necessary to verify the information presented in the application. Further, all Applicants must authorize the CEC to obtain a credit report on the Applicant’s organization.

All Applicants must certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that:

All confidential information submitted (if allowed under the solicitation) has been properly identified.

NOTE: The CEC reserves the right to determine whether confidential information submitted adheres to the confidentiality requirements contained in the solicitation and state law, including the CEC regulations. Applicants purposely or erroneously designating information as confidential beyond what is allowable in accordance with the solicitation


and state law may lead to rejection and disqualification of the application.

All information in the application is correct and complete to the best of the Applicant’s knowledge.

The Applicant has read and understands the terms and conditions and will accept them without negotiation if awarded.

The Applicant has received any required licenses (such as copyrights or trademarks) applicable to the submitted application.

The person electronically submitting the application through the Grant Solicitation System is an authorized representative of the Applicant.

For Applicants using the electronic submission through the Grant Solicitation System, checking the “I Agree” box and clicking the “I Agree & Submit” button provides the required authorizations and certifications.

The CEC may have waived the requirement for a signature on application materials for this solicitation. If a notice regarding the CEC’s waiver of the signature requirement appears here: https://www.energy.ca.gov/funding-opportunities/solicitations, the waiver applies to this solicitation. In the event of a conflict between the notice and any language in this solicitation regarding signatures, the notice will govern.

2. Project NarrativeThe Project Narrative must include a table of contents (which will not count towards the page limitation) and a detailed description of the proposed project, its operational goals and objectives, and an explanation of how these will be implemented through the tasks described in the Scope of Work.

Applicants must address each of the scoring criteria described in this solicitation by providing sufficient, unambiguous detail so that the evaluation team will be able to evaluate the application against each scoring criterion.

Project Narratives must respond directly to each criterion with the headings as titled below, and must include the following information.


https://www.energy.ca.gov/funding-opportunities/solicitations

a. Capacity and Throughput1. Describe how the proposed project will create new or

expand existing testing capacity and accelerate the facility’s throughput of evaluated charging products.

2. Describe what metrics will be used to demonstrate existing and expanded testing capacity and throughput, and include expected outcomes.

3. Describe how the proposed project will contribute to a competitive market for EVSE testing and advanced products.

4. Describe how the proposed project will improve the testing experience for companies and ensure reliable, cost-effective, and streamlined services for customers.

5. Describe the tests and associated use cases that will be offered, as well as the team’s plan to maximize the range of services offered and number of products tested under the agreement.

6. Provide proposed dates by which the proposed project would be capable of offering tests for established standards and associated use cases. For standards and use cases (or new versions of these) that are still under development, provide a plan for how the team will engage with industry and how the project will evolve to incorporate these standards and use cases once finalized.

7. Describe the team’s approach to developing a diverse portfolio of products tested, and how products will be selected to test in accordance with the eligibility requirements provided by the CEC.

8. Describe the team’s approach to engaging and working with the appropriate certification bodies and transmit testing results to aid in final certification of products.

9. Describe the team’s approach and plans to working with equipment providers, charger manufacturers, automotive original equipment manufacturers, charging network providers, certification bodies, standards organizations, industry associations, electric components suppliers, utilities, or other stakeholders across all vehicle sectors to ensure the proposed project progresses in a smooth and timely manner.


b. Implementation and Technical Readiness1. Describe the facilities, infrastructure, and resources

available to the Applicant that will aid in the expeditious and successful completion of the proposed project.

2. Describe any plans for expansion that will be necessary and how this expansion will aid in the successful completion of the proposed project.

3. Describe the permitting that has been completed, or the team’s approach to completing the necessary permits to ensure the success of the proposed project.

4. Describe the security, safety, operations, maintenance, and training procedures that will be implemented by the Applicant.

5. Describe the measures that will be taken to protect clients’ intellectual and technological property.

6. Describe the support and/or commitment from outside stakeholders including, but not limited to: EVSE original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), automotive OEMs, network providers, software providers, universities, independent laboratories, DOE laboratories, standards and/or certification bodies, utilities, and public entities.

7. Describe how the proposed project will be accessible and available to clients.

8. Describe how the proposed project will operate beyond the term of the funding agreement (at least five years from the date the agreement term ends) and support ongoing conformance testing and standards implementation needs, and the market for charging infrastructure more broadly.

9. Describe how the proposed project will result in community engagement, workshops, webinars, workforce training and development, and/or other outreach activities that disseminate knowledge of EVSE testing and validation.

c. Team Resources, Qualifications, and Experience1. Describe the team’s experience in EV and EVSE

hardware and software testing, in particular the GFO-20-610


charging equipment and standards identified in this solicitation.

2. Describe the team’s qualifications, capabilities, and credentials and how these are suitable to the tasks described in the proposed Scope of Work, including but not limited to:a. Expansion of testing capacityb. Business development to ensure efficient facility

operations and client interest in and use of the testing facility

c. Experience in working with and conducting outreach to relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to: EVSE OEMs, auto OEMs, network providers, software providers, equipment providers, universities, independent laboratories, DOE laboratories, standards and/or certification bodies, utilities, and public entities.

3. Describe the nature of each collaboration amongst the project partners (if any) and what each partner will contribute.

4. Describe additional team members that would need to be hired, including justification and details about the qualifications, experience, capabilities, skill sets, and credentials that would be required (this could be in the form of a sample job posting).

5. If Applicant or any of its team members have received any awards from a prior CEC solicitation, the Applicant must describe how the requirements of any such award agreement has been successfully fulfilled or is being successfully fulfilled.

d. Budget1. Describe the types and amounts of costs to be

incurred for the expansion of testing capacity and throughput, and how these are reasonable to ensure the effective and successful implementation of the project.

2. Describe the types and amounts of administrative costs to be incurred, and how these are reasonable to ensure the effective and successful implementation of the project.


3. Describe the team’s approach and ability to control and minimize administrative costs while ensuring effective and successful project implementation.

4. Describe and discuss known or expected risks or budget contingencies and how those risks or contingencies will be addressed.

5. Describe any committed in-kind or cash support from the team or other organizations, and how the match funding will be used to support the successful completion of the project.

3. Scope of WorkApplicants must include a completed Scope of Work utilizing the template contained in Attachment 2. Instructions for completing the Scope of Work as well as a sample are included in Attachment 3. The description of activities proposed in the Project Narrative must conform to the Tasks described in the Scope of Work. Electronic files for the Scope of Work must be in MS Word.

Applicants must present a comprehensive and credible scope of work which includes (presented in a logical manner) comprehensive and sequential tasks, products resulting from the individual tasks, and how the tasks are related to or are dependent on each other.

4. Schedule of Products and Due DatesApplicants must include a completed Schedule of Products and Due Dates (Attachment 4). All work must be scheduled for completion by no later than March 31, 2026, to allow timely processing of final invoices before the liquidation date of the funds. Instructions for the Schedule of Products and Due Dates are included in Attachment 4. Electronic files for the Schedule of Products and Due Dates must be in MS Excel.

5. Budget Forms

a. The Applicant must submit all budget forms contained in Attachment 5, with required and detailed information. All budget forms are required to be submitted because they will be used for the agreement prepared with the winning Applicant. A separate set of complete budget forms, including the full set of worksheets, is required for the Applicant and for each subcontract containing: 1) $100,000 or more of CEC funds; or 2) 25% or more of the total CEC funds requested, whichever is less.


b. Detailed instructions for completing these forms are included at the beginning of Attachment 5.

c. Rates and personnel shown must reflect rates and personnel charged under an agreement resulting from this solicitation. The salaries, rates, and other costs entered on these forms become a part of the final agreement. The entire term of the agreement and projected rate increases must be considered when preparing the budget. The rates proposed are considered capped and shall not change during the term of the agreement. The Recipient shall only be reimbursed for their actual rates up to these rate caps. The hourly or monthly rates provided shall be unloaded (before fringe benefits or indirect costs).

d. The information provided in these forms will not be kept confidential.

e. All reimbursable expenditures must be expended within the approved term of the funding agreement. Expenditures may be counted as match share only after the CEC notifies the Applicant that its project has been proposed for an award through the release of a Notice of Proposed Awards (NOPA). However, match expenditures incurred prior to the full execution of a funding agreement are made at the Applicant’s own risk.

f. Applicants must budget for permits, insurance, etc. The CEC will not reimburse expenditures for permitting or insurance. However, these expenditures can be included as match share expenditure.

g. The Budget must allow for the preparation and submission of monthly progress reports (1-2 pages each) during the approved term of the agreement, and a Final Report. Instructions for preparing the Final Report will be provided to successful Applicants.

The purchase of equipment (defined as items with a unit cost greater than $5,000 and a useful life of greater than one year) with CEC funds will require disposition of purchased equipment at the end of the project. Typically, Grant Recipients may continue to utilize equipment purchased with CEC funds as long as the use is consistent with the intent of the original agreement. There are no


disposition requirements for equipment purchased with match share funding.

h. The Budget must reflect estimates for actual costs to be incurred during the approved term of the project. The CEC can only approve and reimburse for actual costs that are properly documented in accordance with the Grant Terms and Conditions.

i. Applicants shall NOT budget for, and CANNOT be reimbursed for, more than their actual allowable expenses (i.e., the budget cannot include profit, fees, or markups) under the agreement. Subcontractors (all tiers) are allowed to include up to a maximum total of 10% profit, fees or mark-ups on their own actual allowable expenses less any expenses further subcontracted to other entities (i.e., profit, fees and markups are not allowed on subcontractor expenses). For example, if a subcontractor has $100,000 in actual allowable costs but has further subcontracted $20,000 to another entity, then the subcontractor can only include up to 10% profit on $80,000 ($100,000 minus $20,000). See terms and conditions for more information on allowable costs.

j. IMPORTANT - Payment of Prevailing Wage: Applicants must read and pay particular attention to the Terms and Conditions (Attachment 9) and the section related to Public Works and Payment of Prevailing Wages. Prevailing wage rates can be significantly higher than non-prevailing wage rates. Failure to pay legally-required prevailing wage rates can result in substantial damages and financial penalties, termination of the agreement, disruption of projects, and other complications.

6. ResumesApplicants must include resumes for key personnel identified in the proposal. Resumes are limited to a maximum of 2 pages each.

7. Contact ListApplicants must include a completed Contact List (Attachment 6) by including the appropriate points of contact for the Applicant. The CEC will complete the CEC points of contact during agreement development.

8. Letters of Support/Commitment


Applicants must include appropriate letters of support/commitment. Letters must include sufficient contact information so the CEC is able to efficiently contact the letter writer, as necessary. Letters must be limited to 2 pages each.

a. Key Project Partners (if applicable): Key project partners identified in the application must provide letters demonstrating their commitment to the proposed project and their ability to fulfill their identified roles.

b. Third-party Match Share Contributors (if applicable): Any third-party match share contributors must identify the intended amount of match, the funding source(s), and state that the match share contributor will provide the identified match funding. Letters of commitment from third party match share contributors must contain a telephone number to allow the CEC to contact the match share partner or representative to confirm their authority to commit matching funds to the proposed project.

c. Letters of Support (optional): Applicants are encouraged to submit letter(s) of support that substantiate the estimated demand and/or the potential benefits of the proposed project. Third-party letters of support can be provided by, but are not limited to: air districts, state or federal agencies, local safety officials, equipment providers, charger manufacturers, automotive original equipment manufacturers, charging network providers, certification bodies, standards organizations, industry associations, electric components suppliers, utilities, potential users of the proposed project, and other relevant stakeholders.

9. CEQA WorksheetApplicants must include a completed CEQA Worksheet (Attachment 7). The CEC requires this information to assist it in making its own determination under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section §§ 21000 et seq).

Applicants must complete the detailed CEQA Worksheet and submit it with their application. This worksheet will help Applicants and the CEC to determine CEQA compliance obligations by identifying which projects may require more extensive CEQA review. Failure to complete the worksheet may lead to disqualification of the proposal.


Projects recommended for funding must complete the CEQA process within 6 months of the release date of the NOPA. The CEC reserves the right to cancel proposed awards that do not meet this CEQA compliance deadline and recommend funding for the next, highest-scoring passing proposal submitted under this solicitation.

Applicants are encouraged to provide documentation of communication with the local lead agency, if one exists (e.g., a county or city). Documentation such as a completed notice of exemption, a letter from the local agency acknowledging their role in the CEQA process, or a permit application to the lead agency that is stamped as received. If no CEQA review would be required by the local lead agency, provide documentation (letter or e-mail) from the local agency explaining why not.

10. Local Health Impacts Information FormApplicants must complete and submit a Localized Health Impacts Information Form (Attachment 8). The CEC requires this information to assist in developing and publishing a localized health impact report.

11. Past Performance Reference Form(s)Applicants must complete and submit a separate Past Performance Reference Form (Attachment 10) for each CEC agreement (e.g., contract, grant or loan) received by the Applicant in the last 10 years and the 5 most recent agreements with other public agencies within the past 10 years.


IV. Evaluation Process and CriteriaA. APPLICATION EVALUATION

This section explains how the applications will be evaluated.

Applications will be evaluated and scored based on the responses to the information requested in this solicitation. The entire evaluation process from receipt of applications to posting of the NOPA is confidential.

To evaluate all applications, the CEC will organize an Evaluation Committee. The Evaluation Committee may consist of CEC staff or staff of other California state entities.

1. Screening CriteriaThe Contracts, Grants and Loans Office will screen applications for compliance with the Administrative Screening Criteria. The Evaluation Committee will screen applications for compliance with the Technical Screening criteria. Applications that fail any of the Administrative or Technical Screening Criteria shall be disqualified and eliminated from further evaluation.

2. Administrative Screening Criteria

ADMINISTRATIVE SCREENING CRITERIA The Application must pass ALL administrative screening

criteria.Pass/Fail

1. The application is received by CEC’s Contracts, Grants, and Loans Office by the due date and time specified in the “Key Activities Schedule” in Section I of this solicitation.

Pass Fail

2. The Applicant provides the required authorizations and certifications. Pass Fail

3. The Applicant has not included a statement that is contrary to the required authorizations and certifications.

Pass Fail

3. Technical Screening Criteria

a. The Applicant is an eligible Applicant.b. The project is an eligible project.c. The project meets the minimum match share requirement.d. The Applicant passes the past performance screening

criterion.

4. Applicant’s Past Performance Screening Criterion (Pass/Fail)


An Applicant may be disqualified under this solicitation due to severe performance issues under one or more prior or active Energy Commission agreement(s) within the last 10 years. An Applicant—defined as at least one of the following: the business, principal investigator, or lead individual acting on behalf of themselves—received funds from the Energy Commission (e.g., contract, grant, or loan) and entered into an agreement(s) with the Commission. Any Applicant that does not have an active or prior agreement would have no disqualifying severe performance issues and therefore would pass this screening criteria.

Severe performance issues are characterized by significant negative outcomes under an agreement and may include: Agreement was terminated with cause. The CEC and/or other public agencies filed litigation

against the Applicant. Severe audit findings were not resolved to the CEC’s and/or

other public agencies’ satisfaction. Severe audit findings may include but not limited to: funds were used inappropriately (i.e., other than as represented and approved); questioned costs remain unresolved; significant internal control weaknesses identified by an audit have not been adequately addressed by the Applicant.

If an agreement has ended, project objectives were not met, and the non-performance was caused by factors that were, or should have been, within the Recipient’s control.

Significant delays in project completion resulting in delayed benefits for California. Project completion delays of two years or more from the originally executed CAM-approved project schedule and caused by factors within the Recipient’s control may be considered significant. Additionally, project completion delays of one year or more past the project’s liquidation deadline and caused by factors within the Recipient’s control may be considered significant.

Deliverables were not submitted to the CEC and/or other public agencies or were of poor quality or consistently late. For example, Recipient delivered poorly written reports that required significant rework by staff prior to acceptance or publication.

Demonstrated and documented poor or delayed communication when significant issues or setbacks were experienced that materially and negatively impacted the


project. For example, delays in informing the CEC and/or other public agencies when the Recipient experiences loss of a key project partner or site control may be considered significant.

5. Grounds to Reject an ApplicationIn addition to the Screening Criteria identified within this solicitation, the CEC reserves the right to reject an application and/or cancel an award if at any time during the application or agreement process the following circumstances are discovered:

a. The application contains false or intentionally misleading statements or references which do not support an attribute or condition contended by the Applicant.

b. The application is intended to erroneously and fallaciously mislead the State in its evaluation of the application and the attribute, condition, or capability is a requirement of this solicitation.

c. The application does not literally comply or contains caveats that conflict with the solicitation and the variation or deviation is material or it is otherwise non-responsive.

6. Technical EvaluationApplications passing all screening criteria will be submitted to the Evaluation Committee to review and score based on the Evaluation Criteria in this solicitation.

The Evaluation Committee reserves the right to schedule a clarification interview with an Applicant that will either be held by telephone or in person at the CEC for the purpose of clarification and verification of information provided in the application. However, these interviews may not be used to change or add to the contents of the original application. Applicants will not be reimbursed for time spent answering clarifying questions.

The total score for each application will be the average of the combined scores of all Evaluation Committee members. A minimum score of 70 percent is required for the application to be eligible for funding.

The CEC will recommend an award to the highest ranked project (according to final overall application score).

B. NOTICE OF PROPOSED AWARDS


The results of the evaluation will be posted in a NOPA and will include the recommended funding level and the rank order of Applicants. The CEC will publish the NOPA on the CEC’s website, and email the NOPA to all parties that submitted an application.

C. DEBRIEFINGSUnsuccessful Applicants may request a debriefing after the release of the NOPA. A request for debriefing should be received no later than 15 days after the NOPA is released.

D. SCORING SCALEUsing this Scoring Scale, the Evaluation Committee will give a score for each criterion described in the Evaluation Criteria.

Percent of

Possible Points

Interpretation Explanation for Percentage Points

0 percent Not Responsive

Response does not include or fails to address the requirements being scored. The omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s) are significant and unacceptable.

10-30 percent

Minimally Responsive

Response minimally addresses the requirements being scored. The omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s) are significant and unacceptable.

40-60 percent Inadequate

Response addresses the requirements being scored, but there are one or more omissions, flaws, or defects or the requirements are addressed in such a limited way that it results in a low degree of confidence in the proposed solution.

70 percent Adequate

Response adequately addresses the requirements being scored. Any omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s) are inconsequential and acceptable.

75 percent

Between Adequate and

Good

Response better than adequately addresses the requirements being scored. Any omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s) are inconsequential and acceptable.

80 percent Good

Response fully addresses the requirements being scored with a good degree of confidence in the Applicant’s response or proposed solution. No identified omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s). Any identified weaknesses are minimal, inconsequential, and acceptable.


85 percent

Between Good and Excellent

Response fully addresses the requirements being scored with a better than good degree of confidence in the Applicant’s response or proposed solution. No identified omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s). Any identified weaknesses are minimal, inconsequential, and acceptable.

90 percent Excellent

Response fully addresses the requirements being scored with a high degree of confidence in the Applicant’s response or proposed solution. Applicant offers one or more enhancing features, methods or approaches exceeding basic expectations.

95 percent

Between Excellent and Exceptional

Response fully addresses the requirements being scored with a better than excellent degree of confidence in the Applicant’s response or proposed solution. Applicant offers one or more enhancing features, methods or approaches exceeding basic expectations.

100 percent Exceptional

All requirements are addressed with the highest degree of confidence in the Applicant’s response or proposed solution. The response exceeds the requirements in providing multiple enhancing features, a creative approach, or an exceptional solution.


E. EVALUATION CRITERIAApplications that pass screening will be scored based on the following scoring criteria.

The total score for each application will be the average of the combined score of all Evaluation Committee members. Only applications that receive a 70 percent or higher in total score will be eligible for funding.

CriterionMaximu

m Possible Points

1. Capacity and ThroughputApplications will be evaluated on the degree to which:

The proposed project expands testing capacity (as explained in Section II.B) and accelerates the facility’s throughput of evaluated charging products.

The metrics used to demonstrate expansion of testing capacity and throughput are robust and measurable.

The proposed project contributes to a competitive market for EVSE testing and advanced products.

The proposed project will improve the testing experience for companies and ensure reliable, cost-effective, and streamlined services for customers.

The proposed project maximizes the range of services offered and number of products tested under the agreement.

The proposed dates by which the project would be capable of performing tests for finalized standards and use cases are aggressive, but achievable. The team’s approach to engage with industry and update their testing services with standards and use cases currently under development, and/or the most recently published versions of these, is effective and achievable.

The proposed project contains a feasible and effective plan for developing a diverse portfolio of products tested (using the product listings provided in Section II.B) and selecting products to test in accordance with the eligibility requirements provided by the CEC.

The team’s approach to engage and work with certification bodies will lead to timely and successful transmittal of testing results to aid in final certification of

60


products. The proposed project contains realistic and effective

plans to work with equipment providers, charger manufacturers, automotive original equipment manufacturers, charging network providers, certification bodies, standards organizations, industry associations, electrical components suppliers, utilities, or other stakeholders across all on-road vehicle sectors to ensure the project progresses in a smooth and timely manner.

2. Implementation and Technical ReadinessApplications will be evaluated on the degree to which:

The facilities, infrastructure, and resources available to the Applicant will aid in the expeditious and successful execution of the proposed project.

Plans for expansion are justifiable, feasible, and will lead to the successful and timely execution of the proposed project.

The required permitting has been completed or the permitting schedule ensures successful project completion within the timeframes specified in this solicitation.

The proposed project implements sufficient and thorough security, safety, operations, maintenance, and training procedures.

The proposed project will effectively protect clients’ intellectual and technological property.

Support and/or commitment letters from outside stakeholders indicate a strong level of support and/or commitment for the proposed project and Applicant.

The proposed project will continue to operate beyond the term of the CEC’s funding agreement and support ongoing conformance testing and standards implementation needs, and the market for charging infrastructure broadly.

The proposed project has an effective and feasible plan for community engagement, workshops, webinars, workforce training and development, and/or other outreach activities that disseminate knowledge of EVSE testing and validation.

The proposed project Schedule of Products and Due Dates for completing all necessary tasks is aggressive but achievable.

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The Scope of Work is complete and demonstrates a clear path to successful implementation of the proposed project.

The proposed project is prepared to address risks, barriers, and limitations that are critical for project success.

3. Team Resources, Qualifications, and Experience Applications will be evaluated on the degree to which:

The team’s experience in the EV and/or EV charging industry, specifically relating to the testing of charging equipment and standards identified in this solicitation, will lead to the successful execution of the proposed project.

The qualifications, experience, capabilities, and credentials of the key team members are suitable to the tasks described in the proposed Scope of Work and will lead to the successful execution of the proposed project.

All team members and project partners play a key role in the proposed project and their contributions will aid in the successful execution of the proposed project.

Additional team members hired as part of the proposed project are justifiable and will lead to the success of the proposed project.

The Applicant has successfully fulfilled the requirements of existing or prior funding agreements (CEC and/or other public agencies), if the Applicant and/or team worked on such projects, including:

Adherence to schedule and due dates for Critical Milestone.

Effective and timely issue resolution. Quality of deliverables. Objectives of past projects have been attained. Honest, timely, and professional communication

with staff from the funding entity. Effective coordination with project partners,

subcontractors, and other stakeholders. Timely and accurate invoicing.

45

4. BudgetApplications will be evaluated on the degree to which: 45


Costs are minimized while ensuring effective and successful project implementation.

The proposed project budget is justifiable and reasonable relative to the project goals, objectives, and tasks, and will lead to the expansion of testing capacity and throughput.

Administrative costs are minimized and reasonable to ensure the successful completion of the proposed project.

Risks and budget contingencies are properly addressed throughout the proposed approach.

The proposed match funding commitments are documented, verifiable, and necessary to support the successful completion of the project.

Total Possible Points 200Minimum Passing Score (70%) 140

A. TIE BREAKERSIf the score for two or more applications are tied, the application with a higher score in the Capacity and Throughput criterion will be ranked higher. If still tied, the application with a higher score in the Implementation and Technical Readiness criterion will be ranked higher. If still tied, the application with a higher score in the Budget criterion will be ranked higher. If still tied, an objective tie-breaker (such as a random drawing) will be utilized.


V. AdministrationA. DEFINITION OF KEY WORDS

Important definitions for this solicitation are presented below:

Word/Term DefinitionAC Alternating CurrentApplicant Respondent to this solicitationApplication Formal written response to this document from

ApplicantCAM Commission Agreement ManagerCAO Commission Agreement OfficerCEC California Energy CommissionCEQA California Environmental Quality ActCTEP California Type Evaluation ProgramClean Transportation Program

Formerly known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program

DC Direct CurrentDMS Division of Measurement StandardsDOE U.S. Department of EnergyEV Electric VehicleEVSE Electric Vehicle Supply EquipmentGAAP Generally Accepted Accounting PrinciplesGFO Grant Funding Opportunity refers to this entire

solicitation document and all its attachments and exhibits

NIST National Institute of Standards and TechnologyNOPA Notice of Proposed AwardNRTL Nationally Recognized Testing LaboratoryOCPP Open Charge Point ProtocolOEM Original Equipment ManufacturerPKI Public Key InfrastructureSAE SAE InternationalSolicitation Grant Funding Opportunity, which refers to this entire

solicitation document and all its attachments and exhibits

State State of CaliforniaViGIL Vehicle-Grid Innovation LabVOLTS Vehicle Inter-Operability Testing Symposiums

B. COST OF DEVELOPING APPLICATIONThe Applicant is responsible for the cost of developing an application, and this cost cannot be charged to the State.

C. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATIONGFO-20-610


The CEC will not accept or retain any applications that have any portion marked confidential.

D. SOLICITATION CANCELATION AND AMENDMENTSIt is the CEC’s policy to not solicit applications unless there is a bona fide intention to award an agreement. However, if it is in the State’s best interest, the CEC reserves the right to do any of the following:

Cancel this solicitation. Revise the amount of funds available under this solicitation. Amend this solicitation as needed. Reject any or all applications received in response to this

solicitation.

If the solicitation is amended, the CEC will send an addendum to all parties who requested the solicitation and will also post it on the CEC’s website at www.energy.ca.gov/contracts.

E. ERRORSIf an Applicant discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the solicitation, the Applicant shall immediately notify the CEC of such error in writing and request modification or clarification of the document. Modifications or clarifications will be given by written notice of all parties who requested the solicitation, without divulging the source of the request for clarification. The CEC shall not be responsible for failure to correct errors.

F. MODIFYING OR WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATIONAn Applicant may, by letter to the Commission Agreement Officer at the CEC, withdraw or modify a submitted application before the deadline to submit applications. Applications cannot be changed after that date and time. An application cannot be “timed” to expire on a specific date. For example, a statement such as the following is non-responsive to the solicitation: “This application and the cost estimate are valid for 60 days.”

G. IMMATERIAL DEFECTThe CEC may waive any immaterial defect or deviation contained in an Applicant’s application. The CEC’s waiver shall in no way modify the application or excuse the successful Applicant from full compliance.

H. DISPOSITION OF APPLICANT’S DOCUMENTSThe entire evaluation process from receipt of applications up to the posting of the Notice of Proposed Award is confidential. On the Notice of Proposed Award posting date, or date of solicitation cancellation, all applications and related material submitted in response to this


http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts

solicitation become a part of the property of the State and public record. Applicants who want any work examples they submitted with their applications returned to them shall make this request and provide either sufficient postage or a Courier Charge Code to fund the cost of returning the examples.

I. APPLICANTS’ ADMONISHMENTThis solicitation contains the instructions governing the requirements for a firm quotation to be submitted by interested Applicants, the format in which the technical information is to be submitted, the material to be included, the requirements which must be met to be eligible for consideration, and Applicant responsibilities. Applicants must take the responsibility to carefully read the entire solicitation, ask appropriate questions in a timely manner, submit all required responses in a complete manner by the required date and time, and make sure that all procedures and requirements of the solicitation are followed and appropriately addressed.

J. AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTSThe content of this solicitation shall be incorporated by reference into the final agreement. See the sample agreement terms and conditions included in this solicitation.

The CEC reserves the right to negotiate with Applicants to modify the project scope, the level of funding, or both. If the CEC is unable to successfully negotiate and execute a funding agreement with an Applicant, the CEC, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to cancel the pending award and fund the next highest ranked eligible project.

The CEC must formally approve all proposed grant awards. Clean Transportation Program agreements for over $75,000 must be scheduled and considered at a CEC Business Meeting for approval by the CEC.

Public agencies that receive funding under this solicitation must provide an authorizing resolution approved by their governing authority to enter into an agreement with the CEC and designating an authorized representative to sign.

The CEC will send the approved agreement, including the general Terms and Conditions and any additional terms and conditions, to the grant recipient for review, approval, and signature. Once the grant recipient signs, the CEC will fully execute the agreement. Recipients are approved to begin the project only after full execution of the agreement.

K. NO AGREEMENT UNTIL SIGNED AND APPROVEDGFO-20-610


No agreement between the CEC and the successful Applicant is in effect until the agreement is signed by the Recipient, approved at a CEC Business Meeting, and signed by the CEC representative.

The CEC reserves the right to modify the award documents prior to executing the agreement.
