CFI Phase 1: Preconstruction ? Greater Minnesota EV Infrastructure Community Program

Location:	Minnesota
Posted:	Jan 12, 2026
Due:	Jan 30, 2026
Agency:	State Government of Minnesota
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	A - Research and development Y - Construction of Structures and Facilities
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Request for Proposals – Qualification Based Selection (QBS)

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

CFI Phase 1: Preconstruction – Greater Minnesota Infrastructure Electric Vehicle Community

Program

MnDOT Contract No. 1061244

Minnesota’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The State of Minnesota is committed to diversity and inclusion in its public procurement process. The goal is to

ensure that those providing goods and services to the state are representative of Minnesota’s communities and

include businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and those with substantial physical disabilities. Creating

broader opportunities for historically under-represented groups provides for additional options and greater

competition in the marketplace, creates stronger relationships and engagement within the state’s communities and

fosters economic development and equality.

To further this commitment, the Minnesota Department of Administration operates a program for Minnesota-

based small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and those with substantial physical disabilities. For

additional information on this program, or to determine eligibility, please call 651-296-2600 or go to

www.mmd.admin.state.mn.us/mn02001.html.

This document is available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities by calling Kelly Arneson at 651-366-4774 or

for persons who are hearing, or speech impaired by calling the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. For other

information on disability rights and protections, contact MnDOT’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator.

This RFP does not obligate MnDOT to award a contract or complete the project, and MnDOT reserves the right to cancel

the RFP if it is considered to be in its best interest.

A “Qualification Based Selection” method will be used to review proposals submitted in response to this RFP.

Responses to this RFP will be public information under the Minnesota Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter

13.

PROJECT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Project Overview

The office of Transit and Active Transportation (OTAT) at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is

preparing to launch the Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Community Program funded in part, by a

federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant (Round 1B) under the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act

(IIJA), aka the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, (BIL).

At the federal level, the IIJA allocated funds to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across the nation; $5 billion

was designated for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure implementation program (NEVI) to identify key charging

sites along alternative fueling corridors (AFC) and $2.5 billion for CFI. Under CFI, the funds are further divided into two

types of projects - a “corridor program” ($1.25 Billion) to add to AFC work in partnership with NEVI, and a “community

program” ($1.25 Billion).

(CSS/CM Last Updated 05/13/2025)

MnDOT’s – OTAT’s Mobility Management Unit applied for and received an $8 million federal award under the

“community program” to support infrastructure in publicly accessible locations throughout the state. The federal

highway administrations (FHWA) required the program to be launching in two phases; Phase 1: Pre-construction and

Phase 2: Construction. These funds are designated for the development of up to 42 EV charging sites in greater

Minnesota.

Greater Minnesota makes up the portion of Minnesota outside of the seven-county area of the Twin Cities and is a

geographically and demographically diverse region, representing extremely rural communities - hundreds of cities under

2,500 people, to highly urbanized areas like Duluth with a bustling Superior Harbor port, Rochester- home to the Mayo

Clinic, and the like. The need for EV charging infrastructure is high in Greater Minnesota due to large gaps in

infrastructure between in public charging locations. Accordingly, Tribal Nations and municipalities across the state

submitted letters of support for MnDOT’s federal grant application: Indicating interest in using CFI funding to build out

EV charging infrastructure in their community.

The program is designed to address this disparity by focusing on rural and tribal communities and other historically

underserved communities in small urban and suburban areas of greater Minnesota. Priority in funding will be given to

projects that include electrification of existing or planned new shared mobility services such as car share, van pools, ride

hail and taxis; along with microtransit options. By providing charging infrastructure to shared mobility project partners,

this program allows MnDOT’s OTAT office to incentivize shared mobility projects that use EVs in their fleet, while helping

to expand the charging network in Minnesota.

In addition, $3 million of the total budget will be reserved for projects in the Iron Range area of Minnesota in

partnership with the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) - a Minnesota state agency that

reinvests local taconite production tax dollars in Iron Range communities to foster vibrant growth and economic

prosperity in northeastern Minnesota. MnDOT and IRRR are working collaboratively to identify additional criteria for site

selection in the Iron Range that is consistent with other planning and regional investments.

Project Goal

MnDOT is currently seeking Proposals to assist with Phase 1: Pre-construction of the CFI program. The total project cost

is up to $1,294,500 to support the initial launch of the program (Phase 1). The funding structured for this RFP is as

follows: 80% of the funding will be provided by MnDOT’s pass-through grant from FHWA ($1,035,600).

The remaining portion (20%) of the CFI program funds are eligible for the Department of Commerce’s State

Competitiveness Matching Funds Grant. The grant is a legislatively created program intended to increase the

competitiveness of Minnesota clean energy projects that secure federal funding from the IIJA or the Inflation Reduction

Act (IRA). OTAT staff have held conversations with representatives from Commerce to verify that the CFI program is

eligible.

In October 2025, MnDOT applied for these funds on behalf of the CFI program. However, if a grant award is not obtained

in this grant round, the selected consultant will be directed to work with participating entities to secure the additional

20%. It should be noted that MnDOT’s October 2025 application will not preclude the participating entities, nor the

selected consultant from applying for these funds directly from the Department of Commerce independently in future

grant rounds. MnDOT staff will work with the selected consultant on aligning reporting and invoicing for funding.

Should MnDOT not received a grant award from the Department of Commerce, the consultant will be required to report

out on the full scope of work, even though the invoice request for reimbursement will be for only 80% from MnDOT (the

remaining 20% will come from another source). However, should additional matching grant funds be awarded directly to

MnDOT through the State Competitiveness Matching Grant, at that time 100% of the consultant’s reimbursement

request will be paid by MnDOT). The consultant’s reports will be used to complete progress updates required by

program/project funders at varying intervals

The Greater MN EV Community Program is designed to build the capacity of local project leaders interested in EV

charging. The selected responder will lead best practices in community-based planning and regulatory principles,

identify and secure publicly accessible sites, complete preliminary designs for up to 42 EV charging stations and lead the

environmental review process.

Designs will focus on up to 36 Level 2 Charges and 6 Level 3 DC Fast Chargers. Each installation site and corresponding

plan(s) are required to follow the federal 23 CFR 680 Rule that establishes the minimum standards and requirements for

EV projects and must be publicly accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A. Program Participant Eligibility: Tribal Nations, municipalities, public transit agencies, electrical utilities, along

with regional planning and development organizations.

B. Project Focus Areas: EV charging infrastructure funded under MnDOT’s Community Program proposal

focuses on three core areas: Multi-Modal Hubs and Shared-Use Fleets and Services, Rural Area Charging

Solutions, and Urban/Suburban Area Charging Solutions (language pulled from our grant application).

1. Multi-Modal Hubs and Shared-Use Fleets and Services: EV charging projects that include

electrification of existing or planned new shared mobility services will receive priority for funding

over other requests. Shared Mobility is a form of transportation in which transportation services are

shared among users. Users may use the service at the same time or independently of one another.

Examples of shared mobility services that may need EV charging infrastructure to provide electric

fleets include car share, van pools, ride hail and taxis, volunteer driver programs, and microtransit.

Locating shared mobility accessible EV charging infrastructure at or near public transit stops creates

mobility hubs, expanding the reach of public transit with first mile/last mile connectivity.

2. Rural Area Charging Solutions: Rural communities, defined as cities, towns, and unincorporated

areas less than 50,000 people, and Tribal Nations will be a priority for EV charging station site

selection. These communities are in greatest need of public funding support for EV charging

infrastructure. Lack of population density makes privately funded EV charging investment very

difficult. At the same time the residents of these communities must drive longer distances to reach

destinations like work, errands, and medical appointments.

3. Urban/Suburban Area Charging Solutions: While shared use and rural area projects will have the top

priority for project funding, small urban communities may receive funding for EV charging

infrastructure at or near multi-family housing that predominantly serves low income and

historically underserved populations.

MnDOT anticipates officially launching the program late 2025 or early 2026, with the anticipation that project designs

for each of the EV sites will be completed by July 2027 to remain eligible for priority funding consideration through CFI

Phase 2 - Construction.

Scope of Work and Deliverables

A successful proposal will propose a work plan completed by staff (and sub-contractors - if appropriate) that includes

two distinct areas of focus:

1) Building the capacity of local community leaders (eligible program participants) with strategies and resources to

successfully lead and facilitate conversations regarding EV projects within their community. The emphasis of this

work will be guiding, directing, and organization key stakeholders; including but not limited to potential site hosts,

utility providers, residents, organizations, funders, etc.

Capacity building of local leaders in greater Minnesota.

a) Conduct an EV assessment of program participants EV adoption readiness.

b) Outline a strategy for program participants to identify and prioritize site selection.

c) Develop customized training or other resources to implement EV adoption when deemed appropriate.

2) Extensive technical knowledge specific to EV charging project development, design in compliance with 23 Code of

Federal Regulations (CFR) 680 Rule, and environmental review.

Technical expertise resulting in preliminary designs and site plans for each EV charger

A. Preliminary Designs: Refine layouts and address regulatory requirements before final design and

construction.

B. Site Plans: Detailed drawings that show how structures will interact with the land’s natural features and

integrate with surrounding properties for zoning permit applications and project feasibility.

Essential components for creating a reliable and efficient EV charging station(s) that meets the needs of the

community and supports the demand for electric vehicles.

1. Site Selection: Choosing a location that is publicly accessible (24/7), visible and near power

infrastructure

2. Infrastructure planning: Consider the current electrical grid - along with circuit breakers and conduit

pathways, analyze future impacts to determine needs based on charging types, projected usage, and

site interest(s)

3. Equipment Choices: Selecting the appropriate electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) based on user

needs and preferences

4. Compliance with Standards: Ensure the design meets industry standards (federal rule 23 CFR 680)

and local codes

i. Obtain necessary permitting

ii. Support zoning updates (when necessary)

5. Environmental Review: Lead environmental review directed by the National Environmental Policy

Act (NEPA.

6. User Experience: Design each station to be user-friendly, with clear instructions and pricing

information

MnDOT will provide project oversight, support program participant (community) selection, and FHWA reporting and

compliance.

Quality Management Plan (QMP) and Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Procedures.

The successful responder will develop a project specific QMP that specifies how Contractor will perform QA/QC activities

throughout the duration of the project to ensure delivery of a quality product in a timely manner that conforms to

established contract requirements. The successful responder will be required to submit the project specific QMP to

State’s Project Manager for approval within five business days of Notice to Proceed.

Responders are encouraged to propose additional tasks or activities if they will substantially improve the results of

the project.

QUESTIONS

Responders who have any questions regarding this RFP must submit questions, by e-mail only, to the Contract

Administrator:

Kelly Arneson

Kelly.arneson@state.mn.us

IMPORTANT: Include the MnDOT Contract Number and solicitation title in the subject line of the email.

All questions and answers will be posted on MnDOT’s Consultant Services Web Page at www.dot.state.mn.us/consult

under the “P/T Notices” section. All prospective responders will be responsible for checking the web page for any

addendums to this RFP and any questions that have been answered. Note that questions will be posted verbatim, as

submitted.

Questions regarding this RFP must be received by MnDOT no later than 2:00 p.m. Central Time on December 15, 2025.

MnDOT anticipates posting answers to such questions no later than 2:00 p.m. Central Time on December 17, 2025.

No other MnDOT personnel are allowed to discuss this RFP before the proposal submission deadline. Contact regarding

this RFP with any personnel not listed above may result in disqualification.

PROPOSAL CONTENT

The following will be considered minimum contents of the proposal and must be submitted in the order listed.

1. Contact Information:

Responders must clearly identify the company’s full legal name, business address, contact person’s name, telephone

number, fax number and e-mail address (as available).

2. Project Understanding:

The purpose of this section is for the responders to detail their understanding of the project. Responders must clearly

state their understanding of the project objectives, goals, and tasks to show or demonstrate their view of the nature of

the project. Responders should demonstrate their understanding by using their own words rather than simply repeating

what is listed in the RFP.

3. Responder Experience & Qualifications (Company & Key Personnel):

The purpose of this section is for responders to provide information detailing the background and experience of the

company, and the project personnel.

Responders must:

a. Provide an outline of their background and experience, addressing any minimum requirements (if applicable) with

examples of similar work done.

b. List the personnel who will be working on this project, specifically detailing their training and work experience.

c. Resumes can be provided in a separate appendix. Refer to the Page Limits section for additional information.

If subconsultants are to be used on this project, responders must also outline their background and experience,

including examples of similar work done by each subconsultant. Responders must also provide a list of the

subconsultants’ personnel who will perform work on the project, detailing their training and work experience.

Note that no change in personnel assigned to the project will be permitted without the written approval of MnDOT’s

Project Manager.

Qualification and experience of the “firm” should be demonstrated by the experience of the personnel proposed.

4. Work Plan – Project Approach:

The purpose of this section is for responders to present their work plan. Responders must provide a detailed work plan,

which must identify the major tasks to be accomplished. Responders must be sure to not only describe what will be

done but explain how each task will be accomplished. These tasks will be used as a scheduling and management tool, as

well as the basis for invoicing. The detailed work plan must present:

a. The Overall Project Approach

b. A Breakdown of the Project Tasks, detailing the tasks, and how they will be completed

c. Deliverable Due Dates and an Overall Project Schedule

d. A List of Personnel Working on the Project, including details of each person’s role, by task

5. Deliverables:

Responders must provide a clear and detailed description, format, and schedule of the deliverables to be provided in

order to meet the needs of the project.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

CFI Phase 1: Preconstruction ? Greater Minnesota EV Infrastructure Community Program

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See also