Initiative launched by cross-government collaboration to speed up the process of installing public EV chargepoints
A new initiative to simplify the procurement of electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) for local authorities has launched today. The tools and guidance provided by Crown Commercial Services (CCS) will significantly reduce the burden on procurement teams, allowing local authorities to focus on delivering essential EV services for their residents.
As part of the Government’s commitment towards decarbonisation and to better support the transition to electric vehicles, the initiative is a result of a cross-government collaboration between CCS and the Department for Transport (DfT), with the LEVI Support Body (Energy Saving Trust, Cenex and PA Consulting).
EVI procurement can be a lengthy process for local authorities. Identifying what to procure to meet the requirements for complex projects is a challenge, as is setting effective contract terms and conditions and negotiating service level agreements with suppliers. The procurement tools and guidance will help local authorities meet these challenges and make better buying decisions.
Local authorities can now access customisable template documents to facilitate running an open market procurement for publicly available, on-street EVI services, as well as draft contract terms and conditions. These templates can be tailored by local authorities to create their own unique set of tender documents, ensuring each procurement meets specific local needs, best practice and provides the best fit for each authority area. This means local EV chargepoint infrastructure will better meet the demand of current and future EV drivers.
The template documents have been reviewed before release by both buyers and suppliers, ensuring they provide a good base for local authorities to develop their procurements, reducing the need for clarification questions, saving time and resources for procurement teams and suppliers.
Philip Orumwense, Commercial Director and Chief Procurement Officer for Technology at Crown Commercial Service, said: “This initiative exemplifies our dedication to providing local authorities with the tools and commercial solutions they need to efficiently and effectively procure EV charging infrastructure.
“By offering this service, we are reducing burdens on local government whilst supporting access to sustainable transport solutions across a rapidly growing supplier base.”
