School Bus: Fleet Deployment

The School Bus Fleet Deployment program offers flexible funding to Massachusetts public school districts and eligible private school bus transportation contractors for electric school bus purchases, associated charging infrastructure, and depot upgrades. The program addresses barriers to school bus electrification including higher up-front costs for buses and charging infrastructure, depot upgrade requirements, driver and mechanic training during the transition, and coordination with third-party transportation providers.

Participating fleets work with MassCEC's consultant team to address technical knowledge gaps in areas including stakeholder coordination, equipment selection, procurement, and project implementation. The technical consultant provides comprehensive support through technical and financial electrification analyses, vehicle and charging needs assessment, site work planning, procurement support, construction management, equipment testing, technical training, and ongoing operational support. Applicants receive funding for depot site preparation, electric school bus and infrastructure procurement, and deployment assistance.

Key dates include RFP release on May 12, 2025, a webinar on May 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM, question submission deadline of May 23, 2025, answers posted by May 30, 2025, and proposal submission deadline of June 13, 2025 by 4:00 PM ET. Interviews of top applicants are scheduled for June 16-20, 2025, with award notifications expected in Fall 2025. Deployment timelines are typically anticipated at 24-30 months, with projects generally expected to be completed within a 36-month period including at least six months of vehicle operation.

Eligible applicants include Massachusetts public school districts with an NCES District ID (including charter schools), and private school bus transportation contractors, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and private school bus fleets that are eligible under the EPA Clean School Bus Program and apply on behalf of Massachusetts public school districts. Both EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program awardees and entities eligible for but not receiving EPA awards are encouraged to apply. Each school district may submit only one application, though third-party applicants may submit multiple applications (one per district). Funding requests up to $2.5 million per applicant are considered, with total available funding not yet finalized. Successful applicants must demonstrate commitment to operate electric vehicles in service for a minimum of five years.