cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Ian Wade, Capital Projects Manager
DATE: November 25, 2024
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with Blink Network, LLC of Bowie, MD in the amount of $68,396.25 to furnish and install five (5) dual-port electric vehicle chargers at the new Public Works Facility and allow City staff to negotiate the installation of additional Blink electric vehicle chargers at other locations throughout the City to establish a single, standardized charging network and revenue collection system.
PURPOSE:
To obtain approval to install five (5) "Series 7" dual-port chargers at the new Public Works Facility and establish Blink Network, LLC as our preferred vendor and service provider for additional EV charging locations to be determined.
BACKGROUND:
The City is looking to establish a relationship with a reputable vendor of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, software, and service to support the anticipated expansion of demand for EV charging throughout the City of Aurora and its facilities. While the city-wide expansion is anticipated to occur over the next several years, City staff does need to identify this vendor now in order to include the installation of five (5) dual-port chargers outside of the new Public Works Facility. The timing at this location is most critical not only because this project is nearing the completion of construction, but also because City staff has been working with ComEd on securing the maximum allowable rebate being offered under their somewhat time-sensitive "Make-Ready" Electrical Infrastructure rebates, which can provide up to $8,000 per charging port for a maximum of 10 ports per location.
To start the selection process, a Request for Qualifications was sent in August 2024 directly to vendors holding Sourcewell and/or Omnia Cooperative Purchasing contracts. Following a review of the three sets of qualifications received, Blink Network, LLC was identified as the City's preferred vendor.
After hosting a kick-off meeting with representatives of Blink and the City's Engineering, Fleet, and Finance Departments/Divisions, City staff then met members of Blink's team at the new Public Works Facility to describe and layout the scope of EV charging requested for installation at that location. Based on that meeting, Blink provided the City with Sourcewell discounted pricing for that site, which is attached as Exhibit A. It should be noted that this pricing includes the cost of furnishing and installing the five (5) Series 7 dual port chargers (two (2) dual port chargers along the front of the building for public and staff (personal) vehicle charging and three (3) dual port chargers outside, behind the security fence for city-owned vehicle charging), as well as grant application support, and three (3) years of extended warranty, network service, and the Blink care program.
In anticipation of the installation of these chargers, the City requested that the necessary electrical panels, conduit, wiring, etc. be installed previously by the electrical contractor working on the building, Aurora Wire & Fixture (AWF), at an approximate additional cost of $94,520.00 (paid using contingency funds in RC Wegman's Construction Management contract, see attached Exhibit B). It should be noted that AWF's scope included installing conduit and panel capacity for up to five (5) dual port chargers at each of the two locations (or ten total dual port chargers), allowing ample room for future demand-based expansion.
DISCUSSION:
While the City anticipates contracting with Blink on the installation of other similar EV charging stations at facilities City-wide, the scope of services to be provided under this agreement will be exclusively for the five (5) Series 7 dual port chargers at the Public Works facility. This agreement will allow the City to install the maximum 10 charging ports eligible for ComEd's program and seek the maximum $80,000 rebate, which would reimburse almost half of the combined construction costs described above for Blink ($68,396.25) and AWF ($94,520.00).
The City has provided Blink with its standard services contract for review and final award will be contingent upon the subsequent final review and approval by the City's Legal Department.
The initial scope of work described in Exhibit A will be front funded as part of the new Public Works Facility and the 2024 City Budget provides funds for this project (CIP C114) using account number 355-4411-417.72-01 (Capital Outlay - GO Bonds).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Failure to bring an EV Charging consultant under contract will likely result in a missed opportunity to apply for the ComEd Make-Ready EV rebate program and install these chargers at a significantly reduced cost to the City.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure & Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with Blink Network, LLC of Bowie, MD in the amount of $68,396.25 to furnish and install five (5) dual-port electric vehicle chargers at the new Public Works Facility and allow City staff to negotiate the installation of additional Blink electric vehicle chargers at other locations throughout the City to establish a single, standardized charging network and revenue collection system.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, a Request for Qualifications was sent directly to vendors holding Sourcewell and/or Omnia Cooperative Purchasing contracts; and
WHEREAS, responses were received from three vendors by the established due date of August 23, 2024; and
WHEREAS, City staff reviewed the three responses and selected Blink Network, LLC of Bowie, MD ("Blink") as the preferred vendor to furnish and install electric vehicle chargers at City-wide facilities to be identified; and
WHEREAS, Blink provided initial pricing in the amount of $68,396.25 to furnish and install five (5) Series 7 dual port chargers at the new Public Works Facility; and
WHEREAS, funds will be provided in the budgeted CIP C114 account number 355-4411-417.72-01 (Capital Outlay - GO Bonds); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: upon final contract approval by the City's Law Department, the Director of Purchasing is authorized to enter into an agreement with Blink Network, LLC of Bowie, MD in the amount of $68,396.25 to furnish and install five (5) dual-port electric vehicle chargers at the new Public Works Facility and allow City staff to negotiate the installation of additional Blink electric vehicle chargers at other locations throughout the City to establish a single, standardized charging network and revenue collection system.