
Procurement of HRS and FCBs: General Challenges and Best Practice Solutions
Challenges |
Best Practice Solutions |
Running separate but linked tenders for FCBs and HRS to time them to come online together |
PTOs know about buses; other players such as energy suppliers are more likely to know more about HRS equipment; PTA/PTO know about site works. |
The market for both HRSs and FCBs is immature |
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Finding a tender team that has the expertise to integrate FCB/HRS specifics in line with local tender and contract law |
Gather a multi-skilled team and involve them early – legal/technical/finance – purchasing/energy/mobility; ensure that relevant stakeholders are engaged in aspects of evaluation and set up a regular dialogue with them during the process |
Issues such as warranties and responsibility for maintenance and spare parts in a non-standardised supply chain; |
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Ownership of equipment can be complex |
Where there are multiple funders, ownership of the HRS and buses needs particular attention; ownerships arrangements can vary, e.g. one site arranged to become owners of the HRS after ten years when the H2 supply contract with the HRS supplier ends, to ensure they could continue to get a competitive H2 price |
Reliability and scalability cannot be assumed |
Negotiate for scalability and specifically address reliability requirements – the most essential factor for a public transport system (e.g. the length of the overnight windows during which the HRS will always be available) |
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Safety assessments require attention |
To address potential reservations by local authorities lacking experiences, be pro-active; consider resourcing an assessment for the HRS and the Bus Maintenance Facility; professional expertise can be beneficial to ensure compatibility |
Procurement of HRS and FCB – Useful Resources