Request for Proposal:

In-Use Testing of BS6 Passenger and Light Commercial

Vehicles
October 1st, 2021

Reply deadline: October 25th, 2021

Contact Persons: Anup Bandivadekar (anup@theicct.org) and Bharadwaj Sathiamoorthy

(b.sathiamoorthy@theicct.org)

I. Proposed project elements

The ICCT is seeking proposals to test Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) light-duty passenger
and commercial vehicles in India. The testing data developed from this project will be
used for assessing the current emission performance of BSVI LDVs.

The project will consist of full vehicle testing using the Portable Emissions
Measurement System (PEMS) and the following testing criteria as possible:
• Testing using regulatory trip requirements
• Testing using non-regulatory trip requirements
Upon receiving the contractor’s proposal, the ICCT will evaluate the costs of each
potential testing area and then decide on the final scope of work for the project. The
program is categorized into three main tasks as listed in Table 1 below:

Task Number Description Task # for details

of
vehicles
tested
Vehicle 4 • 4 BS6 light-duty vehicles in M&N Task 1
Procurement category shall be procured.
Details, certification data, and data
specific to the vehicles procured
should be obtained.
PEMS 4 • The vehicles tested per trip Task 2
Testing requirements in AIS 137, Part 3,
Chapter 20: Verifying Real Driving
Emissions
• The vehicles will be tested without
any trip requirement constraints.

Data N/A The following requirements shall be met Task 3

Analysis and for equipment, data validation, and
Reporting reporting:
1. Data and PEMS equipment
validation per AIS requirements.
2. Raw datasets (corrected and time-
synchronized)

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 3. Data processing applying the CO2
reference method as listed in AIS
requirements.
4. Data reporting per “Task 3” of this
RFP.
Table 1. Project tasks and description

II. Task description, specifications, and requirements

Task I. Vehicle Procurement

Task I will be performed for the 4 test vehicles which will be part of this study. The
contractor shall identify for procurement one BS6 vehicle in each of the following
categories:

• M1 category GDI passenger car with engine size <1.2L

• M1 category diesel passenger car with engine size <1.5L
• M1 category diesel SUV with engine size
• N1 category diesel LCV-mini truck

The contractor shall propose at least 2 vehicles per category for consultation with
ICCT prior to procurement. At least one vehicle in the M1 class shall have
automatic transmission. The vehicles shall be picked to represent a significant
vehicle population and a common aftertreatment system in the market. At least 2
vehicles from the 4 categories should use lean NOx trap (LNT) as part of their
aftertreatment system. All test vehicles shall have at least 7000kms mileage
accumulation prior to testing and at least 2 test vehicles shall have more than
30000kms prior to testing. The contractor shall propose a brief plan on how they
plan to procure the test vehicles and outline the cost of vehicle procurement that
would incur in the proposal.

The following details regarding the vehicle are to be obtained at the time of
procurement as part of this study:
1. Vehicle’s date of registration.
2. All vehicle emissions and fuel economy certification data available at
purchase or procured through Form 22 under the CMV act.
3. Vehicle’s primary application of use should be recorded.

Task 2. PEMS Testing

Task 2 will be performed for the 4 vehicles procured under Task 1. This task is split
into two phases based on the trip requirements specified below. The primary intent
behind carrying out PEMS tests on these test vehicles is to assess the in-use
emissions from these vehicles. Each test vehicle will have two test runs per Chapter
20 in AIS 137 Part 3. All test runs shall measure all emissions listed in Table 4
(including cold start) from start to end of the test.

Test repeats: A minimum of two tests shall be conducted for each test vehicle as
defined in Task 2A and 2B.

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Engine/Vehicle selection: The contractor shall select the engine and vehicle per
Task 1.

Testing Conditions:
Vehicle Payload: The vehicle payload shall be:
Payloads for task 2A
• 2 of the 4 test vehicles shall have vehicle payload to reach a test vehicle
mass between 80% and 90% of maximum permissible mass for respective
vehicles. At least one of the two vehicles with high payloads shall be
equipped with LNT.
• The other 2 vehicles shall have vehicle payloads less than 15% of the
maximum permissible mass for respective vehicles.
Payloads for task 2B
• Payloads for each vehicle will be determined after evaluation of results
from 2A tests in consultation with ICCT.

Ambient Conditions: The ambient conditions during testing shall comply with section
5.2. of Chapter 20 in AIS 137 Part 3.

Engine Coolant Temperature: The vehicle shall be started “cold” without any
preconditioning and after at least 12 hours of soak time (from any previous runs) and
the test can begin with data recording without any lower limit on engine coolant
temperature.

Lubricating Oil, Fuel, Reagent: The vehicle shall only use fuel, lubricant, and reagent
(if applicable) within the specifications as issued by the manufacturer for vehicle
operation at appropriate intervals. Contractors shall also collect at least 3 liters of
sample fuel and a reasonable sample of lubricant in jerry cans and ship them to a
laboratory for analysis at ICCT’s direction.

PEMS, Analysers, EFM, and sensors set-up and calibration: The set-up of
equipment, vehicle, pre and post checks shall be per Appendix 1 of Chapter 20 in
AIS 137 Part 3. The calibration and validation of equipment shall be per Appendix 2
and 3 of Chapter 20 in AIS 137 Part 3.

The contractor may propose deviations or alternatives to these requirements and

shall implement them with ICCT’s approval of any such changes.

Trip Requirements: The primary intent of this study is focused on characterizing

how well the BS6 regulations and test requirements keep in-use emissions from light
vehicles in check. The contractor shall design the PEMS test cycle based on the
following criteria:

Task 2A:
The first test shall be conducted In compliance with Trip Requirements in AIS 137,
Part 3, Chapter 20, Section 5.5, 6.0, and Operational Requirements in Section 7
while maintaining the best representation of the vocational duty cycle of the test
vehicle application.

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 • Test will begin “cold” after a minimum of 12hr soak period without any pre-
conditioning.
• Total trip duration for each RDE test will be at least 105 mins.
• Shall contain a minimum of 5 stops/idle (gear in neutral), with at least 2
stops of minimum 2 mins.
• Urban driving shall never be less than 40% of total trip distance.
• Average urban shall not exceed 20kmph.

Task 2B:
The second test shall have no Trip Requirement restrictions (referred to as “non-
RDE”) and the contractor shall propose the most efficient way for best representation
meeting the requirements below:
• Payloads for non-RDE tests will be determined after each vehicle’s
respective RDE test in Task 2A.
• If the vehicle uses an automatic gearbox with user-selectable gearbox-
mode, all non-RDE tests shall be performed in “sport” or equivalent mode,
after consultation with ICCT prior to test start.
• The test will begin “cold” after a minimum of 12hr soak without any
preconditioning.
• Trip sequence:
o Start urban route for 1-2kms with maximum speed <=20kmph.
o Then stop with ignition-on and gear in neutral, acceleration pedal
released for 6 – 7 mins – this will be the first idling on the vehicle.
o Continue urban route for another 4-5kms with maximum speed
<=20kmph.
o Transition to motorway route for completing motorway portion of the
trip share. The vehicle shall operate above 112kmph for at least 1
min (cumulatively over the motorway operation) and over 100kmph
for at least 10% of total motorway operation.
o Then transition to rural route for completing the rural operation of
trip share.
o Then transition to the urban route for completing urban operation of
trip share. The urban trip share shall at least be 40% of total trip
and the average speed for the urban portion shall be <=20kmph
and a maximum speed <=35kmph.

The contractor is liable for performing valid tests per requirements in Task 2 and
shall be verified by ICCT upon completion of each test. The contractor shall discuss
the test plan, route, vehicle used with ICCT prior to conducting tests. Changes or
modifications to any requirements in Task 2 shall be made and agreed upon by both
parties in pre-test discussions.

Number of Test condition No of tests

Vehicles
4 RDE test 1
Non-RDE test 1
TOTAL 8
Table 2. Test matrix

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Task 3. Data Collection, Analyses, and Reporting

Data collection
The engine and vehicle data availability at the on-board diagnostic (OBD) interface
shall be verified prior to the PEMS test on all test vehicles. If data is inconsistent with
AIS requirements in Part 3 AIS 137, it shall be reported as non-compliant and cannot
be used as a test vehicle for the study.

The OBD parameters listed in Table 3 below shall be verified for accessibility and
recorded if available at a minimum rate of 1hz. If any of the parameters listed in
Table 3 below is not available for data recording, it should be notified to ICCT
immediately. The contractor shall record additional parameters available on the OBD
interface that they find to be relevant to the study. Freeze frame data should be
recorded and reported for any instance of malfunction during the period of testing.
The contractor shall also check the OBD of any active and stored codes upon
vehicle procurement and prior to testing.

Calculated load (engine torque as a percentage of maximum torque

available at the current engine speed)
Engine speed
Engine coolant temperature (or equivalent)
Barometric pressure (directly measured or estimated)
Reference maximum engine torque
Net brake engine torque (as percentage of reference max. engine
torque), or actual engine torque/indicated torque (as percentage of
reference max. engine torque, e.g. calculated from commanded injection
fuel quantity)
Friction torque (as percentage of reference max. engine torque)
Engine fuel flow
Driver’s demand engine torque (as a percentage of maximum engine
torque)
Actual engine torque (calculated as a percentage of maximum engine
torque, e.g. calculated from commanded injection fuel quantity)
Reference maximum engine torque as a function of engine speed
Time elapsed since engine start
Fuel level (e.g. percentage of the nominal capacity of the fuel tank) or
tank fuel pressure (e.g. percentage of the usable range of fuel tank
pressure), as appropriate
Engine oil temperature
Vehicle speed
Engine control computer system voltage (for the main control chip)
Absolute throttle position / intake air throttle position (position of valve
used to regulate intake air)
Diesel fuel control system status in case of a close loop system (e.g. in
case of a fuel pressure close loop system)
Fuel rail pressure
Injection control pressure (i.e. pressure of the fluid controlling fuel
injection)

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Representative fuel injection timing (beginning of first main injection)
Commanded fuel rail pressure,
Commanded injection control pressure (i.e. pressure of the fluid
controlling fuel injection)
Intake air temperature
Ambient air temperature
Turbocharger inlet / outlet air temperature (compressor and turbine)
Turbocharger inlet / outlet pressure (compressor and turbine)
Charge air temperature (post intercooler if fitted)
Actual boost pressure
Air flow rate from mass air flow sensor
Commanded EGR valve duty cycle/position, (provided EGR is so
controlled)
Actual EGR valve duty cycle/position
PTO status (active or not active)
Accelerator pedal position
Redundant absolute pedal position
Instantaneous fuel consumption
Commanded/target boost pressure (if boost pressure used to control
turbo operation)
DPF inlet pressure
DPF outlet pressure
DPF delta pressure
Engine-out exhaust pressure
DPF inlet temperature
DPF outlet temperature
Engine-out exhaust gas temperature
Turbocharger/turbine speed
Variable geometry turbo position
Commanded variable geometry turbo position
Wastegate valve position
Air/fuel ratio sensor output
Oxygen sensor output
Urea level
Urea demand and consumption
NOx sensor output (engine out and tailpipe)
PM sensor output (if present)
NOx and PM sensor active flag
Urea injection rate (if present)
Table 3. OBD data stream parameters

Other emissions test parameters that shall be measured and recorded are listed in
Table 4 below and the contractor shall propose the recording frequency and include
the details of sampling, measuring set up and analyser for each of the parameters in
the table below.

Parameter Unit Source

THC concentration (1) ppm Analyser

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CO concentration (1) ppm Analyser
NOx concentration (1) ppm Analyser
CO2 concentration (1) ppm Analyser
PN # Analyzer
Exhaust gas flow kg/h Exhaust Flow Meter (hereinafter EFM)
Exhaust temperature °K Sensor/ECU/EFM
Ambient temperature (2) °K Sensor
Ambient pressure kPa Sensor
Engine torque (3) Nm ECU or Sensor
Engine speed rpm ECU or Sensor
Engine fuel flow g/s ECU or Sensor
Engine coolant temperature °K ECU or Sensor
Engine intake air temperature (2) °K Sensor
Vehicle ground speed km/h ECU and GPS
Vehicle altitude Feet/meter GPS
Vehicle latitude degree GPS
Vehicle longitude degree GPS
1. Measured or corrected to a wet basis
2. Use the ambient temperature sensor or an intake air temperature sensor
3. The recorded value shall be either the net brake engine torque according to clause A1.2.4.4. of Appendix 1,
Chapter 7, AIS 137 Part 4 or the net brake torque calculated from the torque values according to clause
A.1.2.4.5 of Appendix 1, Chapter 7, AIS 137 Part 4.
Table 4. Emissions and test parameters required

PN shall be measured using equipment and sampling procedure in compliance with

the recommendations in Appendix 2 of Chapter 8 in AIS 137 Part 3. The contractor
may propose an alternative method with supporting data with their proposal. The
analyser specifications and measurement accuracy shall meet the requirements in
Appendix 2 of Chapter 20 in AIS 137 Part 3.

Data Analyses
Once all test data has been collected, the raw data shall be made available to ICCT
without any exclusions. The raw data shall be quality checked, emissions-corrected,
time-corrected for exhaust mass flow rate and aligned with OBD data.

The contractor shall then compile emissions for each test following the different
selection criteria as follows:
• All emissions will first be processed per requirements in Appendix 4 of
Chapter 20 in AIS 137 Part 3. Then,
• Emissions calculations per Appendix 5 of Chapter 20 in AIS 137 Part 3 (CO2
ref curve based MAW method). Results, all data analytics and full processed
emissions dataset (windows) shall be submitted to ICCT.
• Emissions calculations per Appendix 6 of Chapter 20 in AIS 137 Part 3 (power
binning method). Results, all data analytics and full processed emissions
dataset (windows) shall be submitted to ICCT.
• Emissions calculations using 50% of CO2 mass emitted during MIDC as
“reference mass” (MCO2, ref).
The dynamic boundary conditions for trip validity shall be evaluated as follows:

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 •
Using the AIS IRDE trip dynamic boundary conditions for V.apos (95) and
RPA.
• Using the EU RDE trip dynamic boundary conditions for V.apos (95) and
RPA.
• No selection restrictions to include all valid emissions data collected during
the tests.
Evaluation of windows shall be as follows:
• Per AIS 137 RDE guidelines.
• Using 1.2 correction factor (multiplier) for CO2 characteristic curve reference
points and including all idle points (< 1kmph) during emissions calculations
and while calculating reference CO2 threshold boundaries.
The data analytics based on each of the above trip dynamics shall be reported
separately. Deliverables and format of deliverables are listed in Table 5.

Data Reporting
The contractor shall prepare a timeline of tasks at the start of the program and
review activities with ICCT and deliverables at end of each phase of the program.
The contractor shall also prepare a final technical report and submit to ICCT which
shall show all the activities and results derived for the program. The final report
(apart from datasets) shall include at least all applicable information listed in
Appendix 8 of Chapter 20 in AIS 137 Part 3. If any information in this section is either
not applicable or not available, the contractor shall notify ICCT immediately.

III. Summary and project milestones

The overall objective of this project is to deliver high-quality test data from the PEMS
tests and the associated analyses conducted on the datasets following the
requirements set in the tasks listed above. The data generated and the analyses
conducted in this project will allow the ICCT to examine the BS6 vehicle’s real world
emissions and the in-use performance of state-of-the-art engine and emissions
technologies used in the test vehicle. The ICCT further intends to use the data
generated in this project to validate the efficiency of RDE requirements and
standards set in AIS 137 Part 3 in regulating real world emissions. The table below
itemizes the major elements associated with the completion of the project tasks. The
contractor should propose a detailed timeline for completion of the project,
and propose any modifications to the deliverables schedule. A project kick-off will be
via teleconference. Short check-in phone meetings at 30-60 minutes each between
the consultant and the ICCT on a weekly interval should be expected to help keep
ICCT apprised of progress and help foresee any issues in meeting the project
timeline.

Area Deliverables Expected date for

deliverables
Kick off 1. Contractor to submit detailed vehicle
procurement plan including vehicle
details.
2. The test location and tentative test routes
shall be proposed by the contractor.
Task 1 3. Pictures of all test vehicles in .jpg format, +14 days from
aftertreatment systems Kick-off

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 4. Schematic of the engine and
aftertreatment and measurement set up
from the contractor in .jpeg format.
5. The contractor shall also present all
emissions certification data (Form 22) for
the test vehicles in format .csv or .xlsx or
.xls format and in .pdf format.
6. Final test routes for the tests shall be
presented.
7. ICCT shall receive access to live vehicle
telematics (if available).
8. Full list of time-aligned data measured
and collected with a sample dataset in
draft template provided to ICCT in .csv
and .xlsx format.
Task 2A 9. Time aligned raw test data collected for +14 days from
task 2A in .csv format. Task 1
Task 2B 10. Time aligned raw test data collected for +14 days from
task 2B in .csv format. Task 2A
Task 3 11. QA/QC finished dataset using work- +21 days from
based selection method in .csv format. Task 2B
12. QA/QC finished dataset using CO2
based selection method in .csv format.
13. QA/QC finished dataset of all data
compiled for each test vehicle on its test
route in .csv format.
14. At least 5 pictures of enroute vehicle
testing pictures from each test in .jpeg
format with the sampling system and all
instrumentations.
15. Figures of the test routes with speed map
overlaid on GPS coordinates using
ArcGIS and submitted to ICCT in .jpeg
format.
16. Figures of pollutant emissions (HC, NOx,
PN, CO) overlaid on GPS coordinates
using ArcGIS and submitted to ICCT in
.jpeg format.
Final 17. Final report comprised of an introduction +14 days from
discussions to BS6 reference standards, details of the Task 3
test program (instrumentation, methods,
test routes, and summary of emissions
results from each test in .pdf format.
Table 5. Timeline and deliverables

IV. Proposal selection criteria

The bids will be evaluated primarily on their ability to deliver on the precise scope
and itemized tasks listed above, and the detail with which they demonstrate precisely
how they will accomplish the tasks described. After itemization of a scope that most
closely matches the proposed research task above, selection criteria will include the

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demonstration of a refined project management plan with internal reviews for quality
assurance and quality control, commitment to address ICCT input in the modeling
methods and write-up on the work, and whether all the guidelines of this RFP were
followed. Efforts to minimize the proposed cost, shorten the project timeline from the
one listed above, and add modeling features that go beyond the scope listed above
all will receive extra weighting. See the attached “Guidelines for Proposal
Submission” below for additional information about supporting information to be
included in any proposal.

Guidelines for Proposal Submission

The RFP responses should include the following:

Transmittal letter

The transmittal letter shall be in the form of a standard business letter on the
vendor’s letterhead, signed by an individual authorized to legally bind the vendor,
and shall include the name, title, address, email address and telephone number of
the individual(s) who can be contacted for questions regarding the RFP response.
Disclosure of any real or potential conflict of interest must be provided based on the
firm’s clients, proposals to pending clients, direct business, or significant personal
relationship with any ICCT council member, board member or staff member.

Methodology

• Describe your organization, its overall mission, customer service philosophy and
culture, current staffing, and other pertinent resources related to this project.
• Please provide brief biographical information (education and experience) of the
management group and key professionals that would be assigned to this
project.
• Provide a separate listing of relevant analyses and reports that were conducted
by the proposed researchers and are related to PEMS testing as proposed in this
RFP.
• Provide a detailed methodology describing how your research group will perform
the tasks detailed in this RFP, produce the requested deliverables, and achieve
the overall RFP objectives.
• Provide a detailed list of laboratory equipment/specifications as well as quality
control procedures.
• Describe the deliverables in detail in a manner that very closely matches those
described above, and the extent to which they will differ from the elements.
• Provide a timeline for the development of the tasks.
• Please provide key assumptions used in formulating your cost estimates of
delivering results and timelines.

Please do not include generic marketing materials.

Project management process

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• Describe your firm’s process for managing the project and dealing with clients,
including the frequency, and method of regular communications regarding project
status with the client.
• Describe your firm’s process for quality assurance and quality control, project
cost controls, and timeline adherence.

Fees

• Please provide a breakdown of all fee areas, hourly rates for individuals, and the
breakdown of person-hours by major task and deliverable.
• Describe the frequency and timing of your preferred fee payment requirements.

Terms and conditions

The written RFP responses and any subsequent bids made during the procurement
process will be considered binding commitments by the prospective vendors. The
ICCT may request additional information or clarification of any obligation if a contract
is awarded.

The bidder agrees to be bound by this RFP response for a period of 45 calendar
days from the RFP response due date during which the ICCT may request
clarification or correction of the RFP response if necessary for evaluation.

The cost of preparing the RFP response is the sole responsibility of the bidder,
whether or not any award results from the solicitation.

The ICCT reserves the right to add provisions to the contract consistent with the
contractor’s bid and to negotiate with the contractor other additions to, deletions
from, and/or changes in the language in the contract — provided that such addition,
deletion, or change in contract language would not, in the sole direction of the ICCT,
affect the evaluation criteria set forth herein, or give any bidder a competitive
advantage.

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