Future opportunity

EV Expansion Project

  • Scottish Borders Council

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice reference: 2023/S 000-015560

Published 1 June 2023, 1:52pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

Scottish Borders Council

Council Headquarters

Newtown St Boswells

TD6 0SA

Email

procurement@scotborders.gov.uk

Telephone

+44 1835824000

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKM91 - Scottish Borders

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://www.scotborders.gov.uk

Buyer's address

https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00394

one.2) Information about joint procurement

The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Regional or local authority

one.5) Main activity

General public services


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

EV Expansion Project

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 65300000 - Electricity distribution and related services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

Introduction

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has recently developed and submitted a business case as part of an application to secure funding from Transport Scotland’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (EVIF). The purpose of the EVIF is to enable local authorities to expand public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) networks across Scotland.

SBC’s vision for EVCI is a comprehensive, resilient, accessible, customer focussed network that works for everyone. The aspiration is a network that will be designed to ensure efficiencies and maximise the level of private sector investment to enable expanded public charging network opportunities, in line with both local priorities, as well as the Scottish Government’s draft vision for public EV charging.

As part of these plans, SBC intends to develop new commercial models to encourage a transition away from a public EVCI network supported by government subsidy and unlock private sector investment.

Information gathered as part of this PIN will help design and shape the forthcoming tendering process to commence procurement of a concession-type contract in Spring of 2024 following confirmation of grant funding from Transport Scotland.

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 65300000 - Electricity distribution and related services
  • 65320000 - Operation of electrical installations
  • 31158000 - Chargers

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKM91 - Scottish Borders

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

Background to the Requirement

As part of the development of its business case, SBC has:

Reviewed existing EV demand, current infrastructure and network capacity.

Undertaken comprehensive stakeholder engagement to gauge regional demand.

Calculated charging growth estimates up to 2030.

Identified possible locations of new charge points.

Undertaken a ‘rural proofing’ check of potential charge points’ locations to ensure equitable coverage.

Considered commercial and delivery models appropriate for the procurement and operation of EVCI.

Suppliers may also find the following information of use:

The potential locations identified for new charge points are on SBC land holdings and as such will be less likely to experience issues with land ownership/planning permission.

SBC also functions as the gatekeeper to the new SPEN ‘Optimisers’ to help plan and deliver new infrastructure; ensuring the rollout of EV charging infrastructure aligns with wider network upgrades and Local Area Energy Plans.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

1 April 2024


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

The proposed programme is outlined below:

Responses to the PIN will be accepted until 7 July 2023 at 12:00am.

Formal procurement documents will be prepared from October 2023.

Full procurement exercise will commence in April 2024.

Responses to questions document attached should be returned to procurement@scotborders.gov.uk

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=733863.

(SC Ref:733863)