How to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) PDF form

Applicants are asked to respond to the relevant and necessary questions as part of the EOI application. Based on the responses provided to questions in the EOI form, only the subsequent required questions in the application form will allow the applicant to provide a response. A red highlighted box indicates that a response is required.

Applicant

• Using the text box, provide the applicant organization’s legal name as show on the certificate of incorporation/registration. If you are applying on behalf on an eligible recipient, provide the legal name of the eligible organization.

Organization Type

• Select from the options provided, the ‘eligible organization type’.
• If an Indigenous governing body/Organization with mandate to improve Indigenous Community/Indigenous Development Corporations is selected above, please specify in the text box provided.

Fleet Information

• Indicate Province/Territory where current bus fleet is located
• Select from the options provided

• Name of local/regional government, service district, reserve or settlement where current bus fleet is located
• Using the text box, provide the name of the local/regional government, service district, reserve or settlement where the current bus fleet is located

• Sector
• School transportation
• Public transit

Each EOI application must follow one stream: School transportation or Public transit. If you are applying for both school transportation and public transit, two separate EOI applications must be submitted

• Provide a brief overview of your existing fleet including the number of buses, class of bus, remaining life expectancy, and propulsion technology.
• Using the text box, provide an overview of your existing bus fleet. Supporting documents with information about the existing bus fleet may be submitted as an email attachment with the EOI form. 

Please complete the questions below that are relevant to the sector you are applying for. The “Fleet Transition Planning” questions relevant to Transit agencies follow the “Fleet Transition Planning” questions below for School transportation.

Fleet Transition Planning

(School transportation)

• Have you undertaken any planning to date on transitioning to a zero emission fleet?
• Please select “Yes” or “No”.
• If you selected no, and would like to undertake Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) planning activities, complete sections A & B below.
1. Using the text box, provide a brief overview of the proposed planning project you would like to undertake, including the scope of work and how it meets the objectives of the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF). Provide all relevant information or supporting documentation available for your proposed planning project.
2. Using the text box, provide the total estimated cost for the proposed planning project and the amount of federal funding requested under the ZETF.

Note: If you have not already undertaken any ZEB planning activities and have completed sections A & B above, you are not required to complete the following sections of the form. Please submit the completed EOI form and you will be directed to the application process for the ZEB Planning Component. 

• If you selected yes, and have previously undertaken ZEB planning activities, complete sections C & D below and proceed to the following question.
3. Using the text box, provide an overview of the description and status of ZEB planning efforts undertaken to date, including the planning objectives and activities, the dates and organizations involved, as well as their status or an overview of the outcomes if completed.
4. Select from the options provided which studies, assessments or planning activities were undertaken to support the development and advancement of a ZEB fleet transition project. Select all that apply and if ‘other’ is selected, please specify the ‘planning activity’.

Note: All supporting documentation demonstrating the extent of the planning activities should be provided with the EOI. This information will assist Infrastructure Canada in ensuring sufficient planning activities were undertaken, or in assessing potential planning needs to proceed to the Capital Project application stage. The information provided will not impact your ability to receive capital funding and is only used to assess potential planning needs. 

• Would you benefit from additional planning activities to increase your state of readiness to transition to zero emission fleet prior to submitting a full application for a capital project under the ZETF?
• Please select “Yes” or “No”.
• Select yes, if you would like to undertake additional ZEB planning activities in order to further advance your ZEB transition project prior to submitting an application under the ZEB Capital Component.
• If you selected yes, and would like to undertake additional ZEB planning activities, complete sections A & B below.
1. Using the text box, provide an overview of the proposed planning project you would like to undertake and how it meets the objectives of the ZETF. Provide all relevant information or supporting documentation available for your proposed planning project.
2. Using the text box, provide the total estimated cost for the proposed planning project and the amount of funding requested under the ZETF.

Note: If you would like to undertake additional ZEB planning activities and have completed sections A & B, you are not required to complete the following sections of the form. Please submit the completed EOI form and you will be directed to the application process for the ZEB Planning Component.

• Select no, if you have completed all the required planning activities and are ready to apply under the ZEB Capital Component.
• If you selected no and your organization has completed all the necessary planning activities and is ready to proceed to the application process for the ZEB Capital Component,you must respond to the questions below.

Capital Project Scope

(School transportation)

• Please select all asset types for which you will be seeking funding for as part of your ZEB Capital Componentapplication. Select all that apply and if ‘other’ is selected, please specify the ‘asset type’ or ‘project component’.
• Provide a brief overview of the capital project and how it meets the objectives of the ZETF. The project description must include, at a minimum, information concerning the number of new ZEBs, a description of the equipment, infrastructure, facilities and upgrades/retrofits required to support the deployment and future operation of ZEBs.
• Using the text box, provide an overview of your project objective and a detailed description of the scope of work. The scope of work must include information about the new ZEBs (quantity and selected technology), associated works (e.g. charging infrastructure, facility/civil works, utility upgrades etc.) and all other relevant components of the project necessary for the implementation and deployment of ZEBs.

Note: All supporting documentation (e.g. maps, RFP/RFQ’s, design plans etc.) may be submitted with the EOI.

• Is the project located on federal lands?
• Please select “Yes”, “No” or “Unsure”.
• If you selected unsure, further consultation may be required with Infrastructure Canada following the EOI submission.
• If you selected yes, indicate whether or not the project will be taking place on Indian Reserve lands. If the project will be taking place on Indian Reserve lands, indicate in the text box the name of the reserve and land code (if applicable).

• Project schedule:
• Using the text box, provide the estimated date that you anticipate the procurement process to begin. This may be a fixed date or the target date to launch the ZEB procurement process (RFP or RFQ). Provide any other relevant information concerning the timelines of planned procurement activities.
• Using the text box, provide the estimated dates that you anticipate the ZEBs to be delivered and deployed. The delivery date is the anticipated date on which the ZEBs will be received and the deployment date is the anticipated date on which the ZEBs will be in operation. Provide any other relevant information concerning the timelines for the planned delivery and deployment of ZEBs.

• Project Financials
• Provide the total estimated project costs broken down by key project activities.
• Using the text box, provide the total estimated project costs, the estimated eligible project costs and a breakdown of eligible costs for each component of the project (e.g. ZEB procurement, charging infrastructure, facilities etc.).
• The total project costs is the overall cost of your project, including both eligible and ineligible costs.
• Refer to the list of eligible and ineligible expenditures in the Contribution Information section of the Zero Emission Transit Fund Applicant Guide.
• Provide the status of all anticipated funding for the project, including any formal or informal financial commitments or sources of funding from private or public sector organizations.
• Using the text box, indicate each source of funding and the financial support (funding amount) anticipated.
• Include all anticipated funding from other federal departments for the project.
• Include the “Applicant Share” of funding which is the balance of funds you will be contributing to the project (‘Applicant Share” would include all ineligible costs).
• Indicate the estimated amount of funding requested under the ZETF for the project and the percent (%) of eligible costs the amount represents.
• Using the text box, indicate the amount of federal funding requested for the project under the ZETF as well as the percent (%) of eligible project costs this amount represents.

Note: Refer to the Projects Eligible for Funding and Contribution Information sections of the Zero Emission Transit Fund Applicant Guide for detailed information concerning federal cost share, maximum payable contributions and eligible and ineligible expenditures.

• Current Operational Costs – Existing Fleet
  Provide the following information based on your existing fleet.
• What is the average bus route length where you plan to operate the ZEBs?
• Using the text box, indicate the average route length of the buses which are part of your existing fleet, where you plan to operate the ZEBs (i.e. routes where currently operating buses will be replaced with ZEBs).
• The average route length should be provided in kilometers (km).
• If your planned ZEB fleet consists of more than one type or class of bus (i.e. Type A and C), provide an average route length for each type or class of bus.
• What is the average number of years the buses in your existing fleet are expected to be in service? Will the current planned use of the existing bus fleet change with the deployment of ZEBs?
• Using the text box, please indicate the total number of years the buses in your existing fleet are expected to be in service (i.e. average life expectancy), and if you anticipate replacing buses which are part of your current fleet before the end of their useful life.
• If buses that are part of the existing fleet will no longer be in operation following the introduction of the ZEB fleet, indicate the planned use of these buses and if they will be sold, decommissioned etc.
• Information can be presented in groups (e.g. class of bus, age) for ease of sharing.
• What is the average annual expenditure per bus on maintenance costs (excluding mid-life refurbishment costs)?
• Using the text box, provide the average annual maintenance cost (per bus) for your existing fleet grouped my make and model. Indicate the basis for the estimate of the average annual maintenance cost provided, and if the estimate is an average over the lifecycle of the bus, or the average over a specific timeframe (i.e. last 5 years).
• What is the average total expenditure per bus on mid-life refurbishment costs?  
• Using the text box, provide the average total expenditure per bus on mid-life refurbishment costs for your existing fleet grouped by make and model. Indicate the basis for the estimate provided.

• Forecasted Operational Costs – ZEB Fleet
  Provide the following based on your projects scope of work and the anticipated ZEB fleet.
• What is the average forecasted annual expenditure per bus on maintenance costs (excluding mid-life refurbishment and battery replacement costs)
• Using the text box, indicate the forecasted average annual maintenance cost per bus for the new ZEB fleet. Cost estimates must be based on estimates from the planning studies.
• What is the average forecasted total expenditure per bus on mid-life refurbishment costs (excluding battery replacement and maintenance costs)?
• Using the text box, indicate the average total expenditures on mid-life refurbishments (per bus) for the new ZEB fleet. Cost estimates must be based on estimates from planning studies.
• What are the estimated costs anticipated for battery replacements throughout the expected lifecycle of the bus and how many battery replacements do you expect to require per bus?
• Using the text box, provide the anticipated frequency and timing of battery replacements per bus, the estimated cost of battery replacements, and whether or not battery replacements are included in the purchase agreement of the new ZEB fleet.
• What is the expected energy cost (electricity rate $/kWh, hydrogen rate $/kg)?
• Using the text box, provide the expected energy cost for the planned ZEB operation.
• The basis including references for the expected rate(s) must be provided..
• What is the expected energy consumption rate for the planned ZEB fleet (electricity rate kWh/km, hydrogen rate kg/km)?
• Using the text box, provide the expected energy consumption rate of the planned ZEB fleet in (kWh/km) or (kg/km).
• If your planned ZEB fleet consists of more than one type or class of bus (i.e. Type A and C), provide the expected energy consumption for each type or class of bus.
• The basis including references for the expected consumption rate(s) must be provided.

Fleet Transition Planning

(Transit agencies)

• Have you undertaken any planning to date on transitioning to a zero emission fleet?
• Please select “Yes” or “No”.
• If you selected no, and would like to undertake Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) planning activities, you are not required to complete the following sections of the form. Please submit the completed EOI form and Infrastructure Canada will contact you to discuss the options available to support additional ZEB planning efforts under the ZETF.
• If you selected yes, and have previously undertaken ZEB planning activities, complete sections A & B below and proceed to the following question.
1. Using the text box, provide an overview of the description and status of ZEB planning efforts undertaken to date, including the planning objectives and activities, the dates and organizations involved, as well as their status or an overview of the outcomes if completed.
2. Select from the options provided which studies, assessments or planning activities were undertaken to support the development and advancement of a ZEB fleet transition project. Select all that apply and if ‘other’ is selected, please specify the ‘planning activity’.

Note: All supporting documentation demonstrating the extent of the planning activities should be provided with the EOI. This information will assist Infrastructure Canada in ensuring sufficient planning activities were undertaken, or in assessing potential planning needs to proceed to the Capital Project application stage. The information provided will not impact your ability to receive capital funding and is only used to assess potential planning needs. 

• Would you benefit from additional planning activities to increase your state of readiness to transition to zero emission fleet prior to submitting a full application for a capital project under the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF)?
• Please select “Yes” or “No”.
• Select yes, if you would like to undertake additional ZEB planning activities in order to further advance your ZEB transition project prior to submitting an application under the ZEB Capital Component.
• If you selected yes, and would like to undertake ZEB planning activities you are not required to complete the following sections of the form. Please submit the completed EOI form and Infrastructure Canada will contact you to discuss the options available to support additional ZEB planning efforts under the ZETF.
• Select no, if you have completed all required planning activities and are ready to apply under the ZETF Capital Component.
• If you selected no and your organization has completed all necessary planning activities and is ready to proceed to the application process for the ZEB Capital Componentyou must respond to the questions below.

Capital Project Scope

(Transit agencies)

• Please select all asset types for which you will be seeking funding for as part of your ZEB Capital Componentapplication. Select all that apply and if ‘other’ is selected, please specify the ‘asset type’ or ‘project component’.
• Provide a brief overview of the capital project and how it meets the objectives of the ZETF. The project description must include, at a minimum, information concerning the number of new ZEBs, a description of the equipment, infrastructure, facilities and upgrades/retrofits required to support the deployment and future operation of ZEBs.
• Using the text box, provide an overview of your project objective and a detailed description of the scope of work. The scope of work must include information about the new ZEBs (quantity and selected technology), associated works (e.g. charging infrastructure, facility/civil works, utility upgrades etc.) and all other relevant components of the project necessary for the implementation and deployment of ZEBs.

Note: All supporting documentation (e.g. maps, RFP/RFQ’s, design plans etc.) may be submitted with the EOI.

• Is the project located on federal lands?
• Please select “Yes”, “No” or “Unsure”.
• If you selected unsure, further consultation may be required with Infrastructure Canada following the EOI submission.
• If you selected yes, indicated whether or not the project will be taking place on Indian Reserve lands. If the project will be taking place on Indian Reserve lands, indicate in the text box the name of the reserve and land code (if applicable).

• Project schedule:
• Using the text box, provide the estimated date that you anticipate the procurement process to begin. This may be a fixed date or the target date to launch the ZEB procurement process (RFP or RFQ). Provide any other relevant information concerning the timelines of planned procurement activities.
• Using the text box, provide the estimated dates that you anticipate the ZEBs to be delivered and deployed. The delivery date is the anticipated date on which the ZEBs will be received and the deployment date is the anticipated date on which the ZEBs will be in operation. Provide any other relevant information concerning the timelines for the planned delivery and deployment of ZEBs.

• Project Financials
• Provide the total estimated project costs broken down by key project activities.
• Using the text box, provide the total estimated project costs, the estimated eligible project costs and a breakdown of eligible costs for each component of the project (e.g. ZEB procurement, charging infrastructure, facilities etc.).
• The total project costs is the overall cost of your project, including both eligible and ineligible costs.
• Refer to the list of eligible and ineligible expenditures in the Contribution Information section of the Zero Emission Transit Fund Applicant Guide.
• Provide the status of all anticipated funding for the project, including any formal or informal financial commitments or sources of funding from private or public sector organizations.
• Using the text box, indicate each source of funding and the financial support (funding amount) anticipated.
• Include all anticipated funding from other federal departments for the project.
• Include the “Applicant Share” of funding which is the balance of funds you will be contributing to the project (‘Applicant Share” would include all ineligible costs).
• Indicate the estimated amount of funding requested under the ZETF for the project and the percent (%) of eligible costs the amount represents.
• Using the text box, indicate the amount of federal funding requested for the project under the ZETF as well as the percent (%) of eligible project costs this amount represents.

Note: Refer to the Projects Eligible for Funding and Contribution Information sections of the Zero Emission Transit Fund Applicant Guide for detailed information concerning federal cost share, maximum payable contributions and eligible and ineligible expenditures.

• Current Operational Costs – Existing Fleet
  Provide the following information based on your existing fleet.

• What is the average bus route length where you plan to operate the ZEBs?
• Using the text box, indicate the average route length of the buses which are part of your existing fleet, where you plan to operate the ZEBs (i.e. routes where currently operating buses will be replaced with ZEBs)
• The average route length should be provided in kilometers (km).
• If your planned ZEB fleet consists of more than one type or class of bus (i.e. 40 and 60 foot), provide an average route length for each type or class of bus.
• What is the average number of years the buses in your existing fleet are expected to be in service? Will the current planned use of the existing bus fleet change with the deployment of ZEBs?
• Using the text box, please indicate the total number of years the buses in your existing fleet are expected to be in service (i.e. average life expectancy), and if you anticipate replacing buses which are part of your current fleet before the end of their useful life.
• If buses that are part of the existing fleet will no longer be in operation following the introduction of the ZEB fleet, indicate the planned use of these buses and if they will be sold, decommissioned etc.
• Information can be presented in groups (e.g. class of bus, age) for ease of sharing.
• What is the average annual expenditure per bus on maintenance costs (excluding mid-life refurbishment costs)?
• Using the text box, provide the average annual maintenance cost (per bus) for your existing fleet grouped my make and model. Indicate the basis for the estimate of the average annual maintenance cost provided, and if the estimate is an average over the lifecycle of the bus, or the average over a specific timeframe (i.e. last 5 years).
• What is the average total expenditure per bus on mid-life refurbishment costs?   
• Using the text box, provide the average total expenditure per bus on mid-life refurbishment costs for your existing fleet grouped by make and model. Indicate the basis for the estimate provided.

• Forecasted Operational Costs – ZEB Fleet
  Provide the following based on your projects scope of work and the anticipated ZEB fleet.

• What is the average forecasted annual expenditure per bus on maintenance costs (excluding mid-life refurbishment and battery replacement costs)
• Using the text box, indicate the forecasted average annual maintenance cost per bus for the new ZEB fleet. Cost estimates must be based on estimates from the planning studies.
• What is the average forecasted total expenditure per bus on mid-life refurbishment costs (excluding battery replacement and maintenance costs)?
• Using the text box, indicate the average total expenditures on mid-life refurbishments (per bus) for the new ZEB fleet. Cost estimates must be based on estimates from planning studies.
• What are the estimated costs anticipated for battery replacements throughout the expected lifecycle of the bus and how many battery replacements do you expect to require per bus?
• Using the text box, provide the anticipated frequency and timing of battery replacements per bus, the estimated cost of battery replacements, and whether or not battery replacements are included in the purchase agreement of the new ZEB fleet.
• What is the expected energy cost (electricity rate $/kWh, hydrogen rate $/kg)?
• Using the text box, provide the expected energy cost for the planned ZEB operation.
• The basis including references for the expected rate(s) must be provided.
• What is the expected energy consumption rate for the planned ZEB fleet (electricity rate kWh/km, hydrogen rate kg/km)?
• Using the text box, provide the expected energy consumption rate of the planned ZEB fleet in (kWh/km) or (kg/km).
• If your planned ZEB fleet consists of more than one type or class of bus (i.e. 40 and 60 foot), provide the expected energy consumption for each type or class of bus.
• The basis including references for the expected consumption rate(s) must be provided.