Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) Administrator

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is soliciting applications for a grantee to administer the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), a major state initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and buses across California. CARB, a regulatory agency within the State of California responsible for air quality and climate policy, oversees programs funded through mechanisms such as the Air Quality Improvement Program and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. HVIP is a central component of California’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, particularly in disadvantaged communities that experience disproportionate environmental impacts. The purpose of this solicitation is to select a qualified organization to implement HVIP by administering voucher-based incentives that reduce the upfront cost of zero-emission vehicles for fleet purchasers and lessees. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and includes targeted enhancements for fleets located in disadvantaged communities, with a goal that at least half of funding supports vehicles domiciled in these areas. Additional set-asides exist for specific sectors such as transit, school buses, drayage trucks, and small fleets. The program also supports commercialization and deployment of advanced vehicle technologies critical to achieving California’s climate goals. Funding for HVIP is derived from annual state appropriations and is not guaranteed for any fiscal year. While the majority of funds are distributed as vouchers for vehicle purchases, up to 10 percent of total funding may be allocated to the selected grantee for administrative costs and program support. CARB may also retain up to 5 percent for its own administrative purposes. The grant agreement is expected to run through June 30, 2033, with potential extensions tied to future fiscal year allocations. Advance payments may be provided to the grantee under specific regulatory and financial conditions to support program implementation. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to California-based public entities, such as local air districts, municipalities, counties, and special districts, as well as nonprofit organizations registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State. Applicants may submit only one application as the primary applicant and must disclose any subcontracting relationships. The selected grantee will be responsible for comprehensive program implementation, including planning, outreach, voucher processing, stakeholder engagement, data reporting, and coordination with other incentive programs and agencies. Applications must be submitted electronically via email and include all required components outlined in Appendix A of the solicitation. These include detailed forms, a proposed budget, implementation plan, organizational qualifications, and compliance certifications. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as organizational experience, budget clarity, implementation strategy, outreach capability, and ability to serve disadvantaged communities. The evaluation process assigns up to 100 points across multiple scoring categories, with the highest-scoring applicant selected as the proposed grantee. The application deadline is May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM Pacific Time. A solicitation workshop was held on April 14, 2026, to address applicant questions. Following submission, CARB will review applications, notify non-qualifying applicants, and conduct scoring. Preliminary selection is expected in June 2026. The selected grantee will enter into a formal grant agreement and begin implementation activities aligned with CARB’s funding plans and regulatory requirements. HVIP is expected to continue as a recurring program subject to annual funding cycles, making this a critical long-term administrative role in California’s clean transportation transition.

Emphasize prior experience with large-scale programs; clearly detail budget and implementation plan; demonstrate strong outreach to disadvantaged communities; ensure all required attachments are complete