Feasibility Study for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Request for Proposals:
Feasibility Study for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Refueling Station and Vehicle Program
On Behalf of the Trumbull County Commissioners, the Trumbull County Engineer, the Townships of
Howland and Weathersfield, and the Village of Newton Falls (The Trumbull County Governments)
Background:
The Trumbull County Governments are interested in the building and/or planning locations of a (CNG)
refueling station(s) which would be accessible to not only the Trumbull County Governments fleets but
also the public. The Trumbull County Governments and other potential partners are also interested in
converting parts of their vehicle fleet from gasoline/diesel fuel to compressed natural gas (CNG). While
the Trumbull County Governments are very interested in the environmental aspects of the project,
economics will drive all decisions regarding the project.
Initially, the Trumbull County Governments envision the building of a refueling station over the next two
years in conjunction with the planning of additional public/private stations throughout the county
thereafter. Conversion of existing vehicles from gasoline/diesel fuel to CNG is a major part of this study
to determine if dual fuel for diesel and bi-fuel for gasoline engines is a viable option. Additionally, as the
existing fleet is retired, and new vehicles are purchased, the Trumbull County Governments do expect to
replace those vehicles with CNG capability vehicles.
The Trumbull County Governments are interested in hiring a Consultant on behalf of the Trumbull
County Governments to conduct and present a feasibility study. The feasibility study must have several
different aspects:
1. The technical evaluation of the fleets, station(s), maintenance and fuel use (hourly and daily),
and
2. The financial considerations on how the capital cost and O&M expenses may be handled and
3. The source of the natural gas used at the projected station(s) and
4. The costs to retrofit any existing buildings where CNG vehicles are stored that may be
affected by those vehicles and
5. Summary of potential private partners
The Trumbull County Governments expect the Consultant to analyze all relevant data and present the
final report by August 28, 2014
Scope of Work:
Using best practices and appropriate analytical tools, the Consultant will determine the feasibility of
using CNG to fuel various Trumbull County Governments vehicles. The Consultant will meet with
representatives of Trumbull County Governments to identify base line data. The Consultant will provide
a range of expected outcomes to include best case, worst case, and most probable outcomes. At a
minimum, the Consultant will:
1. Determine the feasibility of switching of the Trumbull County Governments fleet to
compressed natural gas and building CNG refueling station(s) to meet the needs of the fleet
and the public.
2. Estimate costs of new vehicle purchases, fuel and general vehicle maintenance
3. Develop project plans for the successful implementation of a CNG station(s) and replacement
of existing fleet with CNG fueled vehicles used in the operation of the Trumbull County
Governments business
4. Identify all equipment required for implementation of the project and project infrastructure
development costs
5. Outline the training that may be required for O&M of personnel for the conversion and use of
CNG vehicles and equipment.
6. Provide implementation and ongoing operational costs of the project
7. Provide income and expenditure projections for the project over a ten (10) year period
8. Provide cash flow projections for ten (10) year period
9. Determine the breakeven point (when we will realize a return on investment)
10. Define all assumptions used in identifying implementation plans and projections
11. Address the various methods for owning/operating/maintaining the station(s) and
recommend the best method(s) for the Trumbull County Governments to pursue
12. Include a description of leverage opportunities that the Trumbull County Governments
should pursue
13. Assist staff in preparation of Request for Proposals for the CNG project(s)
14. Develop a project evaluation instrument for use by the Trumbull County Governments in
determining the effectiveness of the project.
The consultant may also identify other opportunities for conversion of Trumbull County Governments
vehicles to CNG and project the most probable economic outcome if those opportunities are pursued.
All assumptions underlying the projected outcomes will also be identified.
Basis of Award:
Funding to support the activities of the Consultant are provided by the Local Government Innovation
Fund from the State of Ohio in the amount of $100,000.00. Contracts resulting from this grant will be
awarded to the Consultant whose proposal meets the performance requirements furnished by the
Trumbull County Governments to the Consultant, is deemed by the Trumbull County Governments to be
qualified considering the evaluation criteria stated above, and provides the Trumbull County
Governments with the best value among those considered technically acceptable. The Trumbull County
Governments reserve the right to meet or communicate with any Consultant to clarify the
responsiveness of its proposal and the responsibility of the Consultant’s organization and its
subconsultants, in order to ascertain technical acceptability.
Content of Proposal Package:
1. Cover Page
a. Consultant Information. Include consultant name, address, contact person, and phone
number, fax and email address.
b. Provide hourly rate schedule and breakdown of areas in which funds will be
expended.
c. Project period. Provide beginning and ending dates. (Make notation if August
completion date is of concern)
2. Project Narrative and Overall Approach
a. Work Plan
b. Qualifications (see Appendix A)
3. Budget Detail
a. Detailed budget including management fees
Due Date and Contact Information:
Consultants interested in being considered for selection should respond by submitting five (5) copies of
proposal by 4:00 PM on April 25, 2014 to the following address:
Randy L. Smith P.E., P.S.
Trumbull County Engineer
650 North River Road N.W.
Warren, Ohio 44480-2255
Responses received after 4:00 PM on the response date will not be considered; emailed responses will
not be considered. Electronic copies may accompany the five (5) required copies of proposal. Questions
should be directed to Jack Simon ([email protected] ) or Steve Papalas
([email protected]) of the Trumbull County Engineer office at 330-675-2640.
Appendix A
(Consultants Qualifications)
1. A list of all staff and consultants to be involved with the project, complete with description of their
role in the project, relevant work experience, certifications and experience. The list shall include
engineering, management, and service personnel that will be directly involved in the feasibility study.
The list will be accompanied by descriptions of qualifying disciplines, licenses, skills and experience.
2. Evidence of satisfactory performance and integrity on contracts in completing work on time and
meeting expectations of clients.
3. Supply the following information for all CNG refueling facilities and vehicle deployment feasibility
studies completed in the last 5 years:
a. Project name and description of services provided
b. Project location
c. Size of station and vehicle fleet in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM)
d. Project owner’s name and contact information
e. Project cost
f. Outcome of feasibility study
Attention is directed to all bidders that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Sections 307.86 and
307.87, effective September 23, 2003, this notice of bid will be published one time only, with the
condition that this notice has been posted on the County’s Internet Site on the worldwide web
and found at http://www.demandstar.com/. (This notice may also be found at
www.commissioners.co.trumbull.oh.us)
Attention is also directed to all firms that Trumbull County adopted a “Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace
Policy” on July 21, 2004, and the terms of this Policy also apply to any Contractors directly reimbursed
for services through the County.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF THE TRUMBULL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
Frank S. Fuda, President;
Paul E. Heltzel; Daniel E. Polivka
By: Paulette Godfrey, Clerk/Interim Administrator
Publish One (1) Time: Tribune Chronicle
April 7, 2014

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