GFO-24-609 – Charging Interoperability and Collaboration Yard (“Charge Yard”)

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced the Charging Interoperability and Collaboration Yard (“Charge Yard”) funding opportunity under the Vehicle-Grid Integration Program. This competitive grant solicitation aims to provide up to $4 million in funding for projects that establish an open and neutral space for industry collaboration, knowledge sharing, interoperability testing, and conformance testing for electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. The Charge Yard initiative seeks to address key challenges in EV infrastructure by ensuring that various charging equipment, vehicles, and grid technologies can seamlessly integrate and communicate. The project will facilitate industry collaboration through real-world testing environments that support the deployment of reliable, user-friendly, and widely compatible EV charging solutions. Grantees are expected to create facilities that provide interoperability and conformance testing while promoting stakeholder engagement. Eligible applicants must apply through the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) portal, and all interested parties must create a user account to submit their proposals. To assist with applications, the CEC will hold a Pre-Application Workshop on April 4, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM (remote access only). Applicants must also submit any questions regarding the solicitation by April 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Responses will be published on the solicitation page. The submission deadline for applications is June 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM, and the funding awards will be determined based on a competitive review process. The solicitation manual and required attachments, including project narrative, scope of work, budget template, and past performance reference form, are available for download from the CEC website. Applicants should refer to the solicitation manual for full details, including evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, and funding restrictions. The official contact information for inquiries is available within the solicitation manual, and applicants are encouraged to reach out to the CEC Agreement Officer for guidance. The California Energy Commission is headquartered at 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.