TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement for installation of Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations with Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation, dba ECOtality North America, in a no-cost contract for a three-year term with an option for an additional two-year extension; and to execute subsequent amendments and only related documents including utility easements and to authorize additional no-cost services, if required. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach wishes to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure to residents and visitors in order to promote the use of electric vehicles and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. City staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the installation of chargers in highly trafficked, City-owned parking lots and facilities such as the Convention Center, Aquarium, and Long Beach Airport. A full list of proposed charging locations is included in Exhibit A. A proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station is shown on Exhibit B.
On March 8, 2012, the RFP was made available through the City's weblink at http://www.PlanetBids.com in a continuing effort to increase participation of local businesses, Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). Through Planetbids.com, 1,523 vendors were notified of the RFP and 59 vendors (11 local) downloaded the RFP. Three firms submitted proposals for consideration. None of the bidding firms are a local business, MBE, WBE, or DBE. A Review Committee, comprised of City and County staff, evaluated the proposals and determined that ECOtality North America, of Phoenix, Arizona, was the firm best qualified to provide the necessary installation services.
The City will work with ECOtality to select the final locations and may install more chargers in the future based on demand. ECOtality will respond to all calls for maintenance. The proposed chargers will all be Level 2, 240 volt chargers. ECOtality proposes to include advertising on the chargers and will be bound by the City's advertising policy. Advertising revenue will be retained by ECOtality. Users will be able to locate stations through a cell phone application.
ECOtality will pay to install a separate submeter at each location and will pay for the electricity directly. Users will pay any required parking fee separately and in addition to the fee to ECOtality for use of the charger. At the end of the contract, the chargers will become the property of the City and the City can either choose to continue their operation or have ECOtality remove them at no cost to the City.
It is recommended that a no-cost contract be awarded to this firm for a three-year term with an option for an additional two-year extension, at the discretion of the City Manager.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy Webber on September 18, 2012 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on September 21, 2012.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT
The installation of the proposed electric vehicle charging stations will make it easier for the citizens and visitors of Long Beach to operate alternative fuel vehicles. This will encourage more rapid adoption of electric vehicles and, over time, could have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on November 13, 2012 to ensure that ECOtality North America can comply with their grant award from the Department of Energy, which is subsidizing this project.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no City cost related to this contract for either installation or ongoing maintenance and operation of the chargers. Any minor costs for staff time and for wayfinding signage will be absorbed within the existing General Fund budget in Public Works (PW). Although it was not a requirement of the RFP, the project may provide local construction jobs during the installation phase.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER