There are, of course, some people who know about what follows … but not the public at large. And, very few taxpayers, large companies, media outlets, and citizens have heard the news. Strange as it may sound, even many public officials appear to have little knowledge of this.

Ready for it? Hang on … this may be surprising. Currently, $41.9 billion is sitting inertly in federal grant programs overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), and all this funding is earmarked for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects. Even more in funding is available from other federal agencies, and the government appears to be waiting for interested parties to find it.

In April 2021, USDOT released a memo diagramming how EV infrastructure projects were eligible to tap into that $41.9 billion in funds from 15 specific federal grant programs.

The U.S. Department of Energy is ready to provide funding for research related to sophisticated iterations of EV charging technology. This includes $10 million for research and development of EV charging equipment that can more efficiently serve a higher volume of EVs in the future. There’s also $20 million for accelerating commercial availability of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and for supporting public-private partnerships that highlight broader applications of PEV use.

Underscored by ample funding and encouragement, the federal government’s EV-related ambitions are now being adopted through more localized efforts.

California – The $6 billion airfield and terminal modernization project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) received authorization on October 7 to be presented to the City Council for final approval later this year.

Members of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (LAWA) signed off on the project that proposes airfield improvements that would enhance operational management and safety within the north airfield, new terminal facilities to upgrade passenger processing capabilities and enhance the passenger experience, and an improved system of roadways to better access the Central Terminal Area (CTA) and new facilities.

The airfield improvements include reconfiguration of the north airfield runway exits and taxiway intersections to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards, relocation and reconfiguration of the runway exits to enhance safety, and the westerly extension of Taxiway D from Taxiway P to Taxiway E17.

Construction of a new Concourse 0 and Terminal 9 would provide for new modern, spacious, and efficient terminal facilities that support the ability to accommodate the projected future growth in passenger levels at LAX.

These proposed improvements would improve the passenger experience, increase airlines’ efficiency, and reduce the busing activity on the airfield through the removal and replacement of 15 of the 18 West Remote Gates. Concourse 0 would contain 11 (nine of which are new) narrow-body aircraft gates. Terminal 9 would include up to 12 wide-body aircraft gates, or up to 18 narrow-body aircraft gates or various combinations.

Roadway improvements would provide landside access to the proposed Terminal 9 facility and to develop a network of roadway system improvements that would help separate and remove airport-related traffic from the local roadway system and support access to the Intermodal Transportation Facility-West that is linked to the new Automated People Mover system.

New York – Massive flooding and millions of dollars in property damage caused by Hurricane Ida prompted the Office of Management and Budget to fast track $1.5 billion in federal disaster supplemental aid to Ida-impacted U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) construction projects.

The funding will allow the USACE New York District to move the estimated $88.06 million Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers Flood Risk Management Project into the construction phase.

A combination of low channel capacity, small bridge openings, developmental encroachment along both rivers, urbanization, and a poor flow conveyance at the confluence of both rivers has contributed to significant and frequent flooding.

Disadvantaged residents living in the USACE project zone reported 14 feet of water flooding the area during Hurricane Ida forcing them to evacuate their homes and seek shelter. There were over 150 water rescues, 535 flooded homes, 1,000 people displaced, and 310 abandoned cars. The village has reported over $18 million in damages and over $75 million in residential and commercial damage.

The project was first imagined in response to a 2007 Nor’easter storm, which produced record flooding in the village of Mamaroneck, equivalent to a one percent flood event.

Severe flooding again occurred during hurricanes Irene and Lee in 2011. The flooding extended several blocks on both sides of Mamaroneck Avenue. The repeated disasters, including shoreline flooding from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, caused extensive damage and severely impacted the local economy.

Upon completion, the project would reduce flood risk for the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Basins and protect residents and business owners by constructing retaining walls and a diversion culvert.

The project also would enable the deepening and widening of river channels, elevate structures, and remove or replace two vehicular bridges that constrict flood flow. The plan is estimated to potentially reduce average annual damages by approximately 87 percent and help reduce the risk of loss of life.

Maryland – The state’s Department of General Services (DGS) soon will hire consultants to assist the Office of Design, Construction, and Energy with the planning, design, and construction phases in the redevelopment and modernization of the Baltimore City Pretrial Complex.

Estimated at $450 million, the center is projected to be completed over a 10-year period. The specialized facility will provide mental health and substance use treatment services and care to nonviolent offenders upon entry into the criminal justice system.

The initial design and construction phase for the center is anticipated to be approximately 325,000 square feet and includes a bed space capacity of 504 in-custody beds in three distinct housing communities.

In July 2015, Gov. Larry Hogan announced his plans to immediately shut down the Baltimore City Detention Center, due to unsafe conditions at the antiquated facility. In August, demolition of the detention center was completed. The 17-acre site, in the 400 block of East Eager Street, will now be used for the new center.

DGS will be managing and procuring this project using a design-bid-build approach to the project delivery.

Washington – The Port of Seattle is proposing a $700 million increase in its capital improvement plan (CIP) from $3.7 billion in 2021-2025 to $4.4 billion in 2022-2026 as it launches its annual budget process. 

Key 2022 initiatives include a targeted increase in spending for airport, maritime, and economic development projects to strengthen trade, improve customer experience, and create thousands of job opportunities.

In a briefing scheduled for October 12, the port’s Aviation Division presented an overview of its proposed operating budget for FY 2022 and capital budget for FY 2022-2026.

Starting in 2022, work will begin on the port’s estimated $800 million Main Terminal Improvements Program for Seattle International Airport. Current CIP funding of $396 million is planned for smoke control and sprinkler installation and improvements to ceiling, lighting, and mezzanine security. Additional upgrades include restroom renovations, ceiling signage, and sewer and domestic water improvements.

Another 2022 project will modernize HVAC infrastructure in concourses B, C, and D for $255 million. Project scope includes HVAC refurbishment requiring structural improvements and interior ceiling renewal and replacement.

Concluding a successful career in public education spanning four decades, Mike Crabtree will now be a valuable part of the Strategic Partnerships Inc. (SPI) Team of consultants.

Over the last 30 years, Mike has been a leader in education as director of gifted programs, federal projects administrator, principal, and assistant director of curriculum and instruction.

Mike’s experience includes leading teams and solving problems. His accomplishments include implementing a comprehensive digital conversion program and improving the literacy initiative for students that involved adding a deep, rich curriculum along with a tangible emphasis on literacy at every level.

He was also charged with leading efforts to embrace high-effect strategies, guiding a school district through a transition to a virtual learning environment during COVID and working with families dealing with poverty while striving to meet the unique needs required to succeed.

These accomplishments are just a few of the many efforts Mike was involved in to gain extensive experience and build skills related to planning, collaborating, communicating, training, implementing, monitoring, encouraging, and celebrating. Mike has a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education from Tennessee Technological University.

Illinois – The Bi-State Development division issued a request for information (RFI) for bids for electricity supply for state of Illinois facilities over five years.

Bi-State Development intends to procure electric energy from a certified retail electric supplier that can:

Period of performance will start after issuance of a Notice to Proceed (NTP) for a five-year period on or about January 1, 2022.

RFI submissions are due by 2 p.m. St. Louis time October 21.

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. government took action to guide schools in facing cybersecurity risks with the signing of the K-12 Cybersecurity Act on October 8.

This bill requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to study the cybersecurity risks facing elementary and secondary schools and develop recommendations that include cybersecurity guidelines designed to assist schools in facing those risks. The use of such recommendations shall be voluntary.

The study must evaluate the challenges that schools face in securing information systems owned, leased, or relied upon by those schools and sensitive student and employee records.

Further, the bill requires CISA to develop an online training toolkit designed for school officials and make it available on the Department of Homeland Security website along with the study’s findings and cybersecurity guidelines.

Bill co-sponsor Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada said she is working on legislation to safeguard the U.S. power gird and related infrastructure. Another bill under consideration would provide cyber training to the U.S. Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Iowa – Gov. Kim Reynolds is making up to $200 million in American Rescue Plan funds available for broadband expansion in Iowa.

The Office of the Chief Information Officer will hold a pre-application conference at 2 p.m. CDT October 14 to discuss a high-level view of the program, including the requirements prescribed by this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

The purpose of this NOFA is to solicit applications from communications service providers for broadband infrastructure projects that will have the greatest overall effect of reducing or eliminating unserved or underserved areas in Iowa through the installation of broadband infrastructure.

Funds shall be distributed to applicants proposing projects that will facilitate broadband at 100/100 or faster, or 100/20 or faster in eligible service areas. The total amount of federal funds that may be requested may not exceed 60 percent of the actual or originally estimated (whichever is less) total project costs.

Applications must be designed to provide last-mile broadband service to homes, schools, and businesses in unserved and underserved areas. For wireless projects, the proposed wireless network backhaul must be “future proof,” meaning that the network backhaul can facilitate 100 mbps upload/100 mbps download or 100 mbps upload/20 mbps download, whichever is applicable, to every home, school, and business within the project area upon project completion.

Projects proposing to facilitate 100/20 broadband must be scalable to 100/100 within three years of the project completion date.

The window to submit applications opens October 25 and closes November 22.

California – Three regional planning agencies in Northern California adopted the Megaregion Dozen, a list of transportation improvement projects totaling more than $2.89 billion that the group will advocate for with the aim to benefit quality of life, transportation, and commerce.

The Megaregion Working Group, comprising the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG), and Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), agreed to back the slate of 12 projects that entails highway improvements, passenger rail expansions, a new truck scale facility, and electric truck charging infrastructure.

MTC projects are:

SJCOG projects comprise:

Projects in the SACOG jurisdiction are:

These projects are in the Northern California Megaregion, which includes 16 counties and 136 cities with a total population of nearly 11 million.

Oregon – The city of Portland is assessing the feasibility of converting an existing arts center at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC) into a Black arts and cultural center.

The building was originally constructed in 1910 as a fire station and was in use until 1959. The renovated structure now contains a 99-seat theater, gallery, and rehearsal/dance studio.

In 1982, the original fire station bay doors were sealed off, with the internal conversion of the building to theater, gallery, office, and performance spaces. North and east of the building are limited on-site surface parking and loading areas, with driveway access onto both North Interstate and North Maryland avenues.

A small plaza area was constructed to transition the park and street access to the IFCC building entrance in 2007. The tower originally constructed for drying and hanging the firehoses is a landmark on North Interstate Avenue.

A 400,000-gallon elevated steel water storage tank is directly east of the IFCC building. The water storage tank is owned and managed by the city of Portland Water Bureau. The water tank has been decommissioned; however, the Water Bureau maintains active leases for cellular antennae devices on the tower as the property owner.

Portland Water Bureau is receptive to the possibility of the water tower removal, transfer of property to Portland Parks and Recreation, and conversion of the site area for parks use.

The reimagined IFCC facility and operations will honor and present the history of Portland’s Black community and its rich arts and culture contributions providing program offerings of multi-disciplinary performances, exhibits, classes, and activities designed for community members of all ages and orientations.

A 2020 test fit report identified a single test fit option for a future arts and culture facility that estimated a roughly 28,000-square-foot building with one level of underground parking of roughly 15,830 square feet.

The preliminary construction estimate for the facility was projected at $31 million with future escalation projected to $43.4 million.

Contract execution is expected in late 2021 or early 2022 with final report submittal in March 2023.

Pennsylvania – The Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) began accepting unsolicited proposals on October 7 for transportation projects from the private sector.

During this period, the private sector can submit proposals for PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure. The state is interested in innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across various modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Proposals also may include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.

Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through October 31. PennDOT holds an unsolicited proposal period in April and October each year.

The private sector also may submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, such as transit authorities, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round.

Pennsylvania’s P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.

Rhode Island – The Office of Energy Resources (OER) for the state of Rhode Island released a request for information (RFI) for solutions to automatically estimate energy consumption and costs for a residence by using publicly available information.

Building assessor data that could be used for the estimations are age of buildings, size of home, and recent improvements.

OER is interested in approaches that allow this automated estimate to be updated and refined with other user information, either manually or through an automated approach where data are available, from sources such as:

This RFI also requests information regarding automated approaches that would allow consumers to compare their energy costs to other residences. Metrics such as total annual energy costs, cost per square foot, or other metrics that detail energy usage between homes in a comparable manner should be detailed in the response.

The state is considering the issuance of a request for proposals from qualified vendors to support the delivery of building energy labels for residential homes that go through National Grid’s Rhode Island energy efficiency programs.

Increased transparency of this information is expected to increase market demand for more energy efficient homes, improve customer financial certainty, and support energy security.

By increasing demand for energy efficiency improvements, building energy information is expected to bolster Rhode Island’s clean energy economy, reduce tenant energy burdens, and support the state’s climate goals.

RFI submissions are due by 2 p.m. EST October 27.

Maryland – Charles County commissioners authorized a request for information (RFI) seeking industry input on e-procurement software systems.

The county intends to analyze the responses to identify appropriate and suitable solutions to meet its needs and to potentially develop specifications for a future request for proposals.

Charles County requires an e-procurement software that will safely and securely allow for the county to post bid opportunities, receive bid opportunity submissions, and vendor management.

It currently uses the County Bid Board and the state of Maryland electronic Maryland Marketplace advantage to post bid opportunity notices, but not to receive responses.

The deadline for RFI responses is 1 p.m. EST November 4.

Arizona – Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton began in the position on October 8 upon the retirement of City Manager Ed Zuercher. Barton had been serving as Phoenix’s assistant city manager since February. Prior to that, he served as deputy city manager and director of the city’s Budget and Research Department.

Idaho – Chief Deputy Scott Stokes will serve as the new director of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) beginning May 29, 2022. He will succeed current Director Brian Ness. Stokes has served as ITD’s chief deputy the past 15 years. He joined the department in 1991 and held several roles, including district engineer in the Coeur d’Alene area and the state bridge engineer.

Oklahoma – The State Regents for Higher Education selected Allison Garrett as the next chancellor of the Oklahoma state System of Higher Education. Effective November 8, she will take over from Chancellor Glen Johnson who is retiring. Currently president of Emporia State University in Kansas, Garrett served as executive vice president of Abilene Christian University and senior vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Christian University.

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Digital Service (USDS) named Mina Hsiang as its new administrator. Hsiang most recently was vice president of technology products and vice president of policy for a private health-care company. Before that, she was a member of the HealthCare.gov team and the Biden-Harris Transition as part of the Health and Human Services agency review team and COVID-19 Response team. She carried that work into USDS as a senior adviser for delivery.

California – Ventura County appointed Keith Freitas as director of airports over the county’s Camarillo and Oxnard facilities, effective November 8. Freitas has served at Long Beach Municipal, Mineta San Jose International, and Contra Costa County (Buchanan Field and Byron) airports.

Illinois – The Illinois International Port District named Erik Varela as its new executive director. Varela most recently served as senior director of public affairs for a national freight hauling railroad. Prior to that, he worked for 15 years at various levels of local government.

Mary Scott Nabers, Publisher

Devin Monk, Editor

Government Contracting Pipeline, a publication of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., is a free, weekly newsletter detailing important happenings nationwide and the premier source for federal, state, and local government news and contracting opportunities.