CALSTART is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to support the implementation of CALSTART’s Global Commercial Vehicle Drive to Zero program and campaign (Drive to ZeroTM) in India. The consultant will provide subject matter expertise and work closely with government officials, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders to accelerate the growth of zero-emission commercial vehicles (ZECVs) in India.
BACKGROUND
CALSTART is a US-based clean transportation non-profit headquartered in California, working nationally and internationally with businesses and governments to develop clean, efficient, and equitable transportation and mobility solutions. CALSTART’s 300+ member firms and agencies include vehicle fleets, manufacturers, suppliers, technology firms, alternative fuel providers, electric utilities, government agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), financial institutions, and other businesses interested in the future of sustainable transportation.
Launched in September 2018, Drive to Zero is CALSTART’s global, multi-stakeholder collaborative program aimed at accelerating the uptake of zero-emission commercial vehicles[1] (ZECVs) in key regions, connecting stakeholders to develop and share actions that spur faster adoption of clean commercial vehicles and drive global demand for similar vehicles and components. Drive to Zero’s vision is for ZECV technology to be commercially viable and cost-effective in first-success applications (referred to as “beachhead” segments) and first-mover regions by 2025 and to dominate new vehicle sales worldwide by 2040. The program has gained incredible momentum since its initial launch and currently counts on more than 150 pledge partners worldwide and several strategic regional and global partnerships. In partnership with the Netherlands, CALSTART/Drive to Zero recently launched a Global Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-MHDVs) at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, currently signed by 27 countries and endorsed by over 70 subnational government and industry partners, to enable 30% sales of new ZE-MHDVs by 2030 and 100% sales by 2040.
India is the 6th largest market for commercial vehicle sales (after the United States, China, Europe, Canada, and Japan), with roughly 855,000 vehicles sold in 2019. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (trucks and buses) represent about 5% of the on-road fleet but consume roughly 70% of on-road fuel and emit over 70% of on-road particulates that negatively affect air pollution and human health. Promoting ZE-MHDT adoption thus represents an effective target for emission control. Progress in this area will help India achieve three of its national priorities, namely air quality, energy security, and industrial competitiveness, in addition to supporting its greenhouse gas emissions targets established under the Paris Accord.
DELIVERABLES
To support the implementation of the Drive to Zero India work plan, CALSTART is seeking an independent contractor based in India with relevant subject matter expertise and a strong network of established government and industry relationships. We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter to support all aspects of Drive to Zero India implementation, including but not limited to the following tasks:
Encourage Indian State and Central Government Participation in Global MOU Implementation and ZECV Policies:
- Cultivate relationships with relevant government agencies at the national, state, and city levels to promote awareness and adoption of the Global MOU and ZECV policies.
- Monitor relevant policy and regulatory developments in India and provide regular updates and analysis to the Drive to Zero India team.
- Participate in relevant forums and stakeholder engagements to represent the initiative’s interests and promote ZECV implementation.
Identify First-Success Applications for ZE-MHDTs and Develop an Indian “Beachhead” Strategy for ZECV Technology Implementation:
- Conduct research and analysis on technology readiness, market potential, and regional factors to identify priority beachhead segments and regions for ZECV implementation.
- Work with OEMs, fleets, and infrastructure providers to develop implementation plans and roadmaps for priority beachhead segments and regions.
- Collaborate with government and industry stakeholders to promote the adoption of the beachhead strategy and facilitate the implementation of ZECV technology in targeted markets.
Engage Industry and Mobilize Support for ZECV Implementation:
- Build and maintain relationships with a wide range of industry stakeholders, including OEMs, fleets, users, and infrastructure providers.
- Promote awareness and adoption of the Global MOU and Drive to Zero India’s objectives among industry stakeholders.
- Provide support and guidance to industry stakeholders to help them develop effective go-to-market strategies for ZECV technology in India.
Monitor, Evaluate, and Refine:
- Establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and measure the impact of Drive to Zero India implementation activities.
- Regularly assess stakeholder attitudes and behaviors towards ZECVs and identify opportunities to refine and improve engagement strategies.
- Share progress updates and impact assessments with the Drive to Zero India team and key stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a brief proposal (not to exceed five pages) containing the following information, at a minimum, to the contact email provided below:
- A cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications
- A detailed work plan that includes proposed timelines, methodologies, and deliverables for each task
- A budget that outlines all costs associated with completing the work, including fees, expenses, and any other charges
- References from three clients or partners who can speak to your experience and qualifications
EVALUATION CRITERIA
CALSTART will assess proposals received on the basis of factors including:
- The relevance of education, experience, knowledge, and skills of the respondent and the individual(s) who will be available to provide these services
- Recognition of and demonstrated familiarity with the technical concepts presented in this RFP
- The expertise of the individual or firm working on similar projects
- The competitiveness of cost of services
TIMELINE
The deadline to submit proposals is June 6, 2023 at 5 pm EST.
TO APPLY, PLEASE SUBMIT A PROPOSAL THAT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
Proposals should be submitted to:
Stephanie Kodish
Global Sr. Director, Drive to Zero
CALSTART
[1] “Commercial vehicles” refer to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles including many types of trucks and buses (USDOT FHWA Class 2b-8)