Framework for the Provision of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure and Managed Services

Preliminary Market Engagement Notice for the Framework Agreement for the Provision of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure and Managed Services to the University of Birmingham.

Procurement description

The University of Birmingham ("the University") is procuring a Framework for the provision, installation, ongoing operation and support of a single, integrated EV charging infrastructure and managed service at the University of Birmingham.

The scope of the Framework shall include, but not be limited to:

1. The provision of the following services:

• Design, supply, installation, commissioning and ongoing operation of EV charging infrastructure across University car parks, covering staff, student and visitor charging

• Migration and consolidation of the University’s existing EV charging network (40 connectors) across 33 charge points, plus a further 6 connectors in development, from its current single-operator arrangement

• Proactive, automated fault monitoring and response, delivering a material improvement in network reliability against current service levels

• Capture and management of University fleet vehicle charging data, which is not currently captured

• Working in partnership with the University to deliver an ongoing Feasibility Study, identifying growth opportunities, and assessing further expansion sites, electrical capacity, and income-generation opportunities across the campus.

• Supporting the resilience and future-proofing of the University’s charging network and its underlying operating model as demand for EV charging grows

• Inclusion of our Edgbaston Park Hotel site, who’s EV charging requirement is an additional scope line

The University of Birmingham is seeking to award to a single contractor/operator who will provide all the services required from this Framework contract.

The University of Birmingham is seeking Expressions of Interest in the following operating models, and is open to alternative or hybrid models where a contractor/operator considers this would better serve the University’s objectives:

Model 1 – Revenue share / concession model

Infrastructure is funded, installed, operated and maintained by the contractor at its own cost. The contractor retains the charging revenue, with an agreed share of income paid to the University. May suit higher-footfall, commercially facing charging use cases, such as a proposed visitor-facing fast charging hub.

Model 2 – Host-owned managed service

Reflects the University’s current arrangement; may continue to suit the core, currently lower-utilisation campus network.

The University welcomes views from respondents on which of these models, or a hybrid combination applied by use case, they consider most viable and invites proposals for alternative commercial models not described above. Responses to this notice will directly inform which commercial model(s) the University carries forward into the formal tender specification.

The terms of awarded contract shall be fixed and firm for a period of three (3) years commencing 1 January 2027 until 31 December 2029, with an option to extend one (1) period of one (1) year up to a maximum extension period until 31 December 2030.

Engagement

The University of Birmingham is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from contractors/operators in relation to this upcoming tender opportunity.

Interested parties are required to provide the following as part of the EOI:

a. Three (3) case studies demonstrating experience of delivering EV Charging infrastructure and managed services, ideally within the higher education or wider public sector

b. Views on the operating models set out above, including a stated preference (if any) and rationale, or a proposal for an alternative or hybrid commercial model

c. A high-level outline of how the respondent would approach delivering an ongoing Feasibility Study in partnership with the University

Following the initial EOI stage, the University intends to conduct contractor engagement in the formation gathering and shortlisting, following which a select number of contractors/operators will be invited to partake in the tender.

If you are interested in engaging with the University for this project, please register to our E-Tendering Portal (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofbirmingham/aspx/Home) if you are not already, and express interest as directed.

Note: the University of Birmingham is operating as a Non Contracting Authority and any process associated with this tender opportunity will be conducted outside of the Procurement Act 2023.