Step 13 of the site-level federal fleet ZEV Ready process is to acquire zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
Navigate the ZEV Ready Process
| ZEV Active Phase Steps |
|---|
| 13. Acquire ZEVs and EVSE |
| 14. Install and activate EVSE |
| 15. Support drivers in using ZEVs and EVSE |
Return to the ZEV Ready Center to see all 15 steps.
Primary Audiences
 | Agency Headquarters Fleet Managers |
 | Site ZEV Champions |
 | Site Location Fleet Managers |
The agency headquarters fleet managers, site ZEV champion, and site location fleet managers are the primary audiences for this process step.
After the site ZEV champion, site facility manager, and site location fleet manager have reviewed the electric vehicle (EV) needs at the site location, the fleet is then ready to execute fleet plans and designs by acquiring ZEVs and EVSE and contracting for the installation of the EVSE at the fleet location.
ZEV Acquisition
As discussed in Step 7: Coordinate Site Financial Planning with Headquarters, federal fleet managers can consider purchasing ZEVs through GSA, leasing from GSA, or leasing commercially, including through GSA's Schedule 751. GSA consolidates the purchasing power of the federal fleet to obtain the lowest possible cost for leasing and acquisition of ZEVs from vehicle manufacturers.
GSA Fleet is supported by a national network of Fleet Management Centers (FMCs) staffed by managers and fleet service representatives (FSRs), who are responsible for assigning GSA Fleet vehicles and providing administrative support (visit GSA's website to find a FMC or FSR). Additionally, included within the lease of a GSA Fleet vehicle is a nationwide team that includes:
- A National Maintenance Control Center that supports preventive maintenance and repairs, and record-keeping on vehicle repair history
- A National Accident Management Center that allows fleets to report accidents and incidents, initiates third-party repairs, and ensures best value accident management services
- GSA's AFV Team that provides guidance and resources on the latest laws and regulations relating to fleet vehicle sustainability and operational and procurement efficiency
- A Loss Prevention Team (LPT) that monitors for fraud, waste, and abuse as well as managing GSA Fleet Services Cards
- A Vehicle Remarketing Team that maximizes proceeds on sale vehicles through the exchange sale process.
- A National Maintenance Control Center that supports preventive maintenance and repairs, and record-keeping on vehicle repair history
For vehicles leased through GSA Fleet, customers must first request a vehicle through the Customer Acquisition Module (CAM), an ordering tool accessed through GSA's Fleet Drive-thru system. CAM serves as an online method for vehicle selection and approval for replacement vehicles, as well as additional vehicles for the fleet. Within CAM, the fleet manager selects their replacement and additional vehicle type, SIN, preferred fuel type (i.e., BEV or PHEV), and desired options. The vehicle selection then goes through a customer review chain until it has received final approval from its agency headquarters. Once approved by the agency, the FSR will finalize the vehicle order and it will be placed with the manufacturer.
Customers' monthly lease rates are determined based on the vehicle type (often the vehicle SIN) and assigned through a unique equipment code (rates are updated annually). Additionally, ZEVs typically require an incremental cost for acquisition that covers the difference between the vehicle's acquisition cost and the lowest cost vehicle in that vehicle type or SIN. These costs are not allocated to a specific fleet location or vehicle; 42 U.S.C. 13212(c) requires GSA Fleet to spread the incremental costs of AFVs (including ZEVs) across the entire fleet.
For the purchase of agency-owned ZEVs, GSA is a mandatory source for procuring vehicles except for certain vehicles procured by DOD under the FMR (41 CFR § 101- 26.501-1). Similar to leasing, acquisition of ZEVs through GSA leverages its purchasing power and uses existing procurement and supports existing contracts with major ZEV manufacturers. Agencies primarily order vehicles for purchase using GSAFleet.gov, which allows an agency to compare contractors, select different vehicle configurations, choose equipment and color options, and view side-by-side comparisons of vehicle models from manufacturers. Agencies can also check on order status, get miles per gallon (mpg) fuel ratings, select dealerships, run reports, and more. Learn more about purchasing vehicles through GSA.
Federal agencies may also use GSA's Multiple Award Schedule SIN 532112 (Schedule 751) for the commercial short- and long-term lease of sedans, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks. In addition, ancillary supplies and services may be available. Federal agencies can order directly from leasing vendors through GSA Advantage. The schedule includes current model year vehicles with 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36-month lease terms. Delivery is 90 to 120 days after receipt of order. Vehicle maintenance is not included on commercial leases. All vehicles offered under SIN 532112 are current model year vehicles and meet Federal Vehicle Standards 122 (Sedan and Station Wagons) and 307 (Light Trucks).
Contracting for EVSE Installation
After reaching a decision to proceed with installing EVSE at a site, the site location fleet manager and facility infrastructure manager, as well as utility staff, facility energy managers, and other potential stakeholders should finalize the project's specifications (e.g., the number of charging stations, makes and models, and their installation locations) and draft a formal statement of work (SOW).
The SOW should clearly outline the project's specifications, including who is responsible for procuring the charging station and/or continued maintenance and support. It should also include details about the electrical supply and the installation location, such as maps, diagrams, and site plans. SOWs should also require the use of a licensed electrical contractor to do all electrical work. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may require a licensed electrical contractor before granting any electric work permits.
Before installing EVSE, agencies must determine the stakeholders responsible for contracting and managing EVSE installation. These roles typically vary across fleets, and sometimes include offices other than the headquarters and site location fleet managers.
Agencies have a number of available options for contracting for EVSE installation and management services that vary based on the level of assistance provided by GSA:
- Agency completes EVSE installation internally. Agency completes the site assessment, design, construction, and installation of EVSE.
- Agency contracts for EVSE installation using agency contracting. Agency contracts for the site assessment, design, construction, and installation of EVSE using their own contractors.
- Agency uses the GSA BPA contract for EVSE installation services. Agency contracts for the site assessment, design, and installation of EVSE through GSA's BPA for EVSE (charging stations) and ancillary services. Construction services may not be contracted through the BPA.
- Agency uses GSA's Public Building Service (PBS) Design and Build Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract for EVSE installation services. Agency awards task order through GSA PBS's IDIQ for design, build, and construction services for EVSE infrastructure installation.
- GSA contracts for EVSE installation services. GSA manages and completes EVSE installation through GSA PBS's IDIQ for design, build, and construction services for EVSE infrastructure installation.
- Charging-as-a-Service. Agency contracts for charging as a service through GSA's BPA for EVSE (charging stations) and ancillary services.
These alternatives are discussed in more detail in the sections below.
Agencies that have internal EVSE site assessment, design, construction, and installation capabilities can complete the EVSE installation themselves. Installing the EVSE yourself requires staff with the necessary electrical and construction expertise but can reduce costs. Agencies should use the specifications identified in Step 10: Complete Site Assessment and Design EVSE as the basis of the statement of work (SOW) to complete the EVSE installation.
Agencies should create a Request for Proposal (RFP) for EVSE installation services that includes a SOW that clearly outlines the project's specifications and contractor responsibilities. It should identify if the contractor is responsible for procuring the charging station and/or continued maintenance and support as well as require contractors to use a licensed electrical contractor to do all electrical work.
After receiving the SOW, contractors should respond with technical proposals and cost estimates. The team should evaluate technical proposals on cost, technical merit, and past performance. Carefully check that the contractors have the needed technical expertise (e.g., licensed electrical contractors). It is recommended to compare proposal costs to the cost estimate or Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) developed in designing the EVSE. After reviewing proposals, the agency should evaluate whether to make an award or evaluate other EVSE installation alternatives (such as using the GSA EVSE BPA or GSA PBS's IDIQ).
Agencies can contract for the site assessment, design, and basic installation of EVSE using GSA's BPAs for EVSE (charging stations) and ancillary services, as discussed in Step 7: Coordinate Site Financial Planning with Headquarters. EVSE site assessment, design, and basic installation services are included under contract line-item number (CLIN) 006, and may include the following:
- Consulting services
- EVSE site assessment
- Permitting/inspection (as applicable)
- Utility coordination
- Site preparation (when no construction work is required)
- Affixing or securing the station
- Basic assembly/make-ready (when no construction work is required)
- Activation
- Compliance assistance with local, state, and federal building codes practices and regulations.
Find more information on acquiring EVSE installation services using GSA's EVSE BPA.
GSA's BPA for EVSE only includes basic installation services. Agencies may also contract for EVSE installation through GSA's PBS IDIQ for design, build, and construction services for infrastructure installation. For buildings not in the GSA PBS portfolio, agency contracting officers can award directly from IDIQ and manage the EVSE installation project.
Agencies must complete a Reimbursable Work Authorization (RWA), a financial agreement in which the customer reimburses PBS for their services, to initiate the EVSE installation services under the GSA PBS IDIQ contract. All agencies are required to submit a Work Request (WR) through the external RWA Entry and Tracking Application (eRETA).
For buildings in the GSA PBS portfolio, agencies should request EVSE installation services through either their GSA regional office or through GSA PBS's Center for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (CEVI). The process typically depends on the building ownership:
- GSA-owned facilities. Requests should be made to the building manager or facilities manager.
- GSA-leased facilities. Requests should be made to the Leasing Acquisition Manager, leasing contracting officer, or leasing contracting specialist (LCS) in conjunction with the lessor.
- Delegated buildings. Requests should follow the delegation agreement, notifying the building manager or facilities manager.
- Multiple GSA facilities. Requests should be made to the CEVI, who will coordinate internally at GSA.
Agencies must complete a Reimbursable Work Authorization (RWA), a financial agreement in which the customer reimburses PBS for their services, to initiate the EVSE installation services under the GSA PBS IDIQ contract. All agencies are required to submit a Work Request (WR) through the external RWA Entry and Tracking Application (eRETA).
- GSA-owned facilities. Requests should be made to the building manager or facilities manager.
Charging-as-a-service (CaaS) allows fleets to pay for the installation, operation, and maintenance of EVSE (charging stations) on a monthly or annual subscription basis rather than pay upfront for EVSE acquisition and deployment costs, as discussed in Step 7: Coordinate Site Financial Planning with Headquarters. Agencies can contract for charging as a service using GSA's BPAs for EVSE (charging stations) and ancillary services, under CLINs 002, 003, and 010. Services currently include proactive monitoring and maintenance, assembly and activation of the stations, access control, unlimited station configuration and policy changes, software upgrades, ongoing operator and driver support, charging data and analytics, power management, and valet services.
EVSE Acquisition
All agencies are strongly encouraged to purchase EVSE through GSA using GSA's BPAs for EVSE (charging stations) and ancillary services, as discussed in Step 7: Coordinate Site Financial Planning with Headquarters. GSA established 16 BPAs that, as of June 2022, include over 1,165 EVSE products across more than 30 unique EVSE manufactured brands. The table below lists the contract line-item numbers (CLINs) for the acquisition of EVSE and related services on the GSA BPA. All BPA products are currently available on GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts which can be accessed through GSA Advantage. Find more information on acquiring EVSE using GSA's EVSE BPA.
| CLIN | Product Description |
|---|---|
| CLIN 0001 – EVSE Level 1 | Non-networked EVSE chargers that provide power at 120-V using a J1772 connector. Options include single and multiple ports, mounting options on the wall, pedestal or ceiling, and solar generation. |
| CLIN 0002 – EVSE Level 2 | EVSE chargers that provide power at 240-V using a J1772 connector. Options include networking, single and multiple ports, mounting options on the wall, pedestal or ceiling, cable retractors for cord sets, access using RFID cards, and solar generation. |
| CLIN 0003 – EVSE DC Fast | High-powered networked EVSE chargers available in a variety of power levels. |
| CLIN 0004 – EVSE Solar Off-Grid | Solar-powered EVSE chargers that are installed without connection to the grid, available in a variety of power levels. |
| CLIN 0005 – EVSE Portable | Portable EVSE chargers that use battery storage or solar generation to support charging of vehicles. |
| CLIN 0007 – Power Management and Metering | Hardware and software to assist in managing power supply and optimizing charging times. |
| CLIN 0008 – Network Data Plans and Packages | Network connectivity, charging management software, pricing and payment collection services, and data reporting and analytics. |
| CLIN 0009 – Operation, Repair and Maintenance Plans | Various EVSE maintenance plans and extended warranties. |
| CLIN 0010 – Non-Conventional Solutions | Other non-conventional EVSE solutions not provided in other CLINs. |
| CLIN 011 – Accessories and Components | Various accessories and components to support EVSE operation and deployment. |