Search Projects

Using a Joint Procurement Process to Increase ZEV Adoption Nationwide was an effort led by CALSTART to develop a replicable and flexible multi-state zero emission vehicle (ZEV) procurement model. This project, also known as EV Smart Fleets, aimed to create a nationwide solicitation for fleets interested in purchasing ZEVs. By assisting fleets in developing and using a single procurement, the project aimed to reduce the purchase price of ZEVs and increase ZEV adoption in public fleets.

CALSTART and their project partners engaged automobile dealers, automakers, and a large network of state and municipal government fleet procurement officials to inform the process. After significant research and engagement with these stakeholders, the project identified several significant obstacles to a nationwide procurement model for ZEVs. This research and market analysis revealed that the franchised vehicle dealership model prevented a nationwide ZEV contract from occurring and that state governments are often prohibited from purchasing vehicles from out-of-state dealers. These, along with other insurmountable barriers, prevented the project from proceeding with the nationwide EV procurement solicitation.

The Aggregated Alternative Technology Alliance (AATA), also known as Fleets for the Future (F4F), worked to eliminate barriers to alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure adoption in public and private fleets by consolidating bulk equipment orders and streamlining the procurement process. The project was led by the National Association of Regional Councils who worked with multiple project partners and stakeholders in 11 states to develop fuel neutral best practices, cooperative procurement agreement templates, and design a web-based toolkit to educate fleets and procurement officers. The partners used outreach and education to share information about these resources to motivate fleet managers and consumers to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure.

As of 2018, the F4F team wrote 5 best practices guides, a multi-step strategic procurement process guide, and created a national procurement plan for the public sector. All of these publications are available on the project’s website. The project also resulted in 5 regional pilot procurement initiatives in Kansas City, Missouri; Boston, Massachusetts; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Tucson, Arizona; and Washington, D.C. Each regional pilot was associated with training opportunities for regional councils and fleets to address the unique barriers and procurement needs. Over 33,000 people were reached through these in-person events and over 3,000 people were reached through webinar participation.