CONCESSION CONTRACT FOR A STRATEGIC PARTNER TO DELIVER CHESHIRE EAST'S LOCAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE (LEVI) PROJECT

The contracting authority followed a process similar to an Open procurement process, under the Concession Contract Regulations 2016 to appoint a strategic partner for the installation, maintenance, and operation of electric vehicle charging points across the Borough, using LEVI funding for part of that. The chargepoints shall comply with the minimum specification set out in the LEVI Technical Schedule1. In addition to supplying and installing the chargepoints, the contractor shall be required to undertake groundworks and installation, operation and maintenance, and back-office administration, and liaison with CEC and relevant third parties. Because of the power output of the chargepoints it is expected that they will provide AC current to charging vehicles, although a range or solutions that are right for the location in which they are installed should be available and some DC charging may be required. The contractor will provide a range of solutions to suit different settings in the urban environment. The available LEVI grant funding for delivery of this project is £2,132,000. It is expected that the funding will predominantly be used to fund grid connections. The LEVI grant funding is for charging devices rated lower than 22kW and most chargepoints will deliver between 7kW and 22kW from each connection. Lower ratings than this will be accepted in some circumstances but are less preferable because they will be less suited to charging during the day, but may be required at some sites, particularly on-street. Some DC chargepoints may also be acceptable where standard chargepoints cannot satisfy the residential need. The contractor will invest its own funds in the delivery of the services which has been included in the value of the contract. Please note the current contract value excludes VAT. Additional information: The approximate contract value is £62million including inflation based on OBR forecasts, excluding VAT. This is based on the capital cost of delivery, combining LEVI grant funding and supplier investment, and the Councils forecast of revenue over the 15year contract term based on industry information available to it for chargepoint utilisation.