Request for Proposals: Maritime and Aviation Decarbonization Sector Mapping

How should applicants interpret the scope with respect to vessels and aircraft, particularly beyond recommendations such as "purchasing electric boats or planes"? For example, is shore‑side power and other infrastructure within scope?

Purchasing an electric boat or plane may be the end result of these larger decarbonization efforts, but the purpose of this RFP is to look into the smaller, incremental steps that need to happen before the purchasing can begin, whether this is seeing that a specific sub-sector is primed for decarbonization right now, or a certain region of Massachusetts is where it should happen. MassCEC is looking for the recommendations that come out of this RFP to be clear pathways and actionable items for the near-term (0-5 years). To the specific question posed here, for example, recommendations related to shore-side power as it relates to charging infrastructure for vessels is within scope. More information on the scope is available in Section III of the RFP.

Given that most maritime vessels and aircraft are privately owned, how should applicants address recommendations related to public versus private owners?

The recommendations should be actions that MassCEC or other Massachusetts state agencies have authority or jurisdiction over, regardless of vessel/aircraft ownership. For example, agencies can influence policies or create incentives to make it easier for these private owners to acquire an electrified vessel or aircraft.

How does the initiative scope address maritime trips and flights that leave the state, including internationally?

Exact scope of emissions calculations will be decided during contracting with the selected consultant and in coordination with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affair's 2035 Clean Energy and Climate Plan emissions modeling process. MassCEC anticipates that there may be some form of coordination with other regional or national, specifically other New England state entities, over this question.

What level of effort for the analysis of current maritime and aviation emission is expected? Are you looking for detailed facility-based inventories or higher-level emission estimates?

We are looking for a higher-level, statewide emissions estimate. It is outside of the scope to do a facility-based inventory. Overall, MassCEC is looking to get a sense of the scale of current maritime and aviation emissions and the potential scale of emissions reductions from the recommendations.

Early on in the initiative, MassCEC will facilitate an introduction to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to ensure close alignment with the development of the 2035 Clean Energy Climate Plan (CECP) emissions modeling.

What role will MassCEC have in this initiative, such as making introductions to stakeholders or coordination?

MassCEC will be a close partner throughout this initiative, with coordination largely taking place during monthly meetings with the selected consultant. MassCEC will make introductions to other state agencies to coordinate the quarterly taskforce meetings. MassCEC is also able to help make introductions to stakeholders in these sectors already contacted during the RFP drafting process, but it should be noted that demonstrated experience or relationships in the MA maritime and aviation sectors are encouraged. For more detail on MassCEC's role in the Initiative, please refer to the Scope of Work in Section VI of the RFP.

Can you provide guidance on which meetings, roundtables, and stakeholder engagements are expected to be in person versus virtual?

Prospective applicants can assume that monthly meetings with MassCEC will be held virtually. Roundtables are expected to be held in person to facilitate robust conversations. Stakeholder interviews will likely be virtual, though MassCEC anticipates there may be some exceptions depending on stakeholder preference.

Are travel expenses considered allowable costs?

Yes, travel expenses are considered allowable; please refer to Section IX of the RFP. These should be included in the applicant's budget.

What are some helpful qualities that MassCEC sees in their ideal applicant?

Section IV of the RFP lists the following qualities of a successful applicant:

Experience with program management;

Technical knowledge of the maritime and aviation sectors;

Demonstrated existing relationships with stakeholders in these sectors is a plus.

Experience with engagement and facilitation across a broad group of stakeholders; and

Ability to handle and analyze large quantities of quantitative and qualitative data and synthesize and present results effectively.

Academic institutions or technology providers would be helpful sub-vendors, however, MassCEC seeks a lead applicant with larger-scale project management experience.

Would prior work in other sectors, such as Heavy-Duty Trucking, be considered relevant experience for this proposal?

While there certainly could be some parallels between these sectors, MassCEC would prefer an applicant with experience in the maritime and aviation industries. For more information on relevant experience for this solicitation, please see "Proposal Requirements" under Section VII of the RFP

Is MassCEC open to modifications to the sample agreement included in the RFP, such as changes in wording, or inclusion of terms if needed?

Yes, MassCEC is open to changes to the sample agreement attached to the RFP. Applicants should submit a red-lined sample agreement with their proposal. Upon award, MassCEC and the selected consultant will enter into contract negotiations. Please note: MassCEC has limited ability to change our standard legal contract terms. Requesting changes to these terms (if selected) will impact timelines for contracting.

Will there be a scoring rubric that is shared with applicants?

The selection criteria can be found in Section VII of the RFP.