Questions & Answers

Q&As will be posted here periodically beginning from the time of RFP release and ending on September 4, 2018 5:00 P.M. (PST). During this period, Sigala Inc will record and provide answers to any questions or requests to clarify information about the RFP. It is the responsibility of the prospective proposer to monitor this webpage for updates.

Q: Does this RFP restrict substituting two (2) Level 2 Single-port Chargers or is it dual-port chargers only?
A: Dual-port chargers only.

Q: The general desired location of the EVCS at each site is directly in front of the community bldg.. CBC code 11B-208.1 states that “For the purposes of this section, electric vehicle charging stations are not parking spaces; see Section 11B-228”. CBC 11B-812.9 states “EVCS vehicle spaces shall provide surface marking stating “EV CHARGING ONLY” …” The spaces outfitted with chargers will no longer be parking spaces rather they become charging spaces and cannot be used as parking spaces. Placing the requested charging stalls at the community bldg will limit that amount of parking spaces directly in front of the community bldg. Please confirm that this is understood and acceptable.
A: Yes, this is understood and acceptable.

Q: The CBC also requires that one van accessible space be provided with a charger per TABLE 11B-228.3.2.1 when installing 4 chargers or less at a site. This space will most likely need to be in addition to the existing van accessible space – effectively taking 2 of the existing standard sized parking spaces to make one new van EVCS space. This space (EVCS) will not allow parking – only charging, thus the reason to add a second van accessible space to the already existing van accessible “parking” space. Again, if this occurs in front of the community bldg, is it understood and acceptable (loss of one additional space for van EVCS)? To recap – to add 4 charging spaces, it will take 5 regular sized spaces as the van space takes the width of 2 spaces. A possible cost effective solution would be to install a van accessible parking space somewhere else on the property to fulfill the requirements of CBC-208.2.4 and use the one already existing at the community bldg as the new van accessible EVCS space (no longer a parking space).
A: For the purposes of this project, EVCSs will not be available to general public and intended for use by a designated vehicle or driver (example: public or private fleet vehicles and EVCS assigned to an employee) and therefore, will not require a van accessible space.

Q: Please confirm that none of the proposed sites require an ADA accessible space and that the Installation Sites notes are therefore corrected to eliminate the (1) ADA accessible parking space requirement for the five sites with 2 dual-port chargers?  [the question answered previously states: For the purposes of this project, EVCSs will not be available to general public and intended for use by a designated vehicle or driver (example: public or private fleet vehicles and EVCS assigned to an employee) and therefore, will not require a van accessible space.]
A: To clarify, a van accessible space is not required, but a standard accessible space at sites with 4 spaces dedicated to EV charging (1 of 4 should be ADA accessible) is desired.
Q: For the hardware, is ETL certified – UL compliant acceptable?
A: Yes, so long as the EVSE be Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) listed.
Q: There is no reference to payment schedule or terms in the RFP. May the vendor request a deposit or % down prior to commencing work?
A: No, Contractor will invoice as work is completed (this can be further discussed in contract negotiations).
Q: The permitting process as well as the approval for a TOU meter is not predictable. Is there a penalty for projects delayed due to external parties such as the County, SCE or PG&E?
A: There will not be a penalty for projects delayed due to external parties.
Q: Will Self-Help Enterprises provide utility bills for the purposes of determining load calculations (when)?
A: Self-Help can provide this upon request.
Q: We have a question regarding the PG&E service. Is this going to be a completely new service, or a new meter on the existing service? We are uncertain if this work with PG&E could be accomplished within the allotted time frame.
A: The required separate meter for each site will be on a new service. There will not be a penalty for projects delayed due to external parties (PG&E).
Q: Please clarify the requirements for the accessible EVSE space that is requested for 5 of the 6 sites. Will this accessible space be required to be permitted as an accessible space, have a path of travel and a ramp to access the sidewalk? 11B-812.8.1 states that for fewer than 4 EVSE spaces that no ISA needs to be stenciled, but that would be for public use charging spaces – this project is not for public use. Please detail what is expected to be installed concerning the accessible EVSE space.
A: Please do not include additional costs for ADA improvements in your proposal. Specific ADA requirements for private EV charging will need to be further investigated and discussed with the planning department for each site jurisdiction.

Direct all inquires regarding this RFP in writing, via email to:

Jennifer Khy

Sigala Inc., Assistant Project Manager

Jennifer@sigalainc.com