Interested in exploring opportunities to discuss fleet management and provide your services to the government? Cloverleaf AI delivers two to three opportunities weekly to its customers in the space by monitoring every government meeting in the United States. Interested in learning more? Book a demo with us.
Election season is approaching faster than anticipated, as Biden and Trump have agreed to debate on June 27 in the key swing state of Georgia. The outcome of this debate and the closely contested election will have significant implications for fleet management.
A Biden victory would usher in a substantial shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and zero-emission technologies. Biden’s Executive Order 14057 mandates 100% zero-emission vehicle acquisitions by 2035, with a more immediate target of 100% light-duty acquisitions by 2027—a timeline that would be firmly within his control during a second term. This transition would necessitate retraining fleet management teams to focus more on EV maintenance and tracking, ensuring vehicles remain in optimal working condition. Consequently, a Biden administration would likely need to hire, retrain, and partner with educational institutions to increase the number of maintenance workers skilled in EV technology.
In contrast, a Trump victory would likely alter these dynamics significantly. If past behavior is any indicator, Trump would rescind many executive orders, including 14057. Despite his praise of Elon Musk and Tesla, EVs and zero emissions would not feature prominently in his policy agenda. Instead, Trump’s administration would likely see a significant expansion in the armed forces’ fleets, particularly the Navy. During his previous term, Trump called for a 350-ship Navy, a substantial increase from the current fleet of approximately 300 ships. Moreover, an intensified “Buy American” focus could extend beyond the armed forces into civilian departments, potentially benefiting government contractors involved in fleet maintenance and tracking.
Preparing for Either Outcome
Government contractors must start preparing for both possible outcomes to ensure they are positioned to benefit from the respective policies of either administration.
Preparing for a Biden Victory:
1. Invest in EV Training and Infrastructure: Contractors should begin investing in training programs for EV maintenance and operation. Establishing partnerships with educational institutions to develop specialized courses can ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
2. Adopt EV-Compatible Technologies: Upgrading fleet management systems to support EVs, including software for tracking and maintenance, will be crucial. Contractors should explore and integrate EV-specific technologies to stay ahead.
3. Sustainability Initiatives: Contractors should align their operations with sustainability goals, which may increase their appeal in government contracts under a Biden administration focused on green technologies.
Preparing for a Trump Victory:
1. Expand Capabilities for Military Contracts: Contractors should prepare for an increase in military fleet demands, particularly for the Navy. This could involve scaling operations to handle larger contracts and more significant fleet expansions.
2. Strengthen “Buy American” Compliance: Ensuring that supply chains and operations meet stringent “Buy American” requirements will be essential. Contractors may need to reassess their procurement strategies and sourcing to maximize compliance.
3. Diversify Service Offerings: Beyond maintenance and tracking, contractors should consider expanding their service offerings to include more comprehensive fleet management solutions that cater to a growing and diversifying fleet.
By proactively preparing for both scenarios, government contractors can position themselves to thrive regardless of the election outcome. The June 27 debate will provide further clarity, but readiness and adaptability will be the keys to success in the evolving landscape of fleet management.
Interested in exploring opportunities to discuss fleet management and provide your services to the government? Cloverleaf AI delivers two to three opportunities weekly to its customers in the space by monitoring every government meeting in the United States. Interested in learning more? Book a demo with us.
Are you keeping up with all the developments in fleet management?
Over the past 90 days, there have been more than 394 government meetings tied to fleet management, green fleets, and driver management. These meetings include a board meeting in Kootenai County, Idaho, where legislators discussed contingency plans for various parts of their fleet, a meeting in Black Hawk County, Iowa, where they discussed moving forward with a search for fleet management software, and a meeting before the Boyle County Commissioners in Kentucky where $40,000 was allocated from the general fund to the fleet management fund.
Interested in seizing these opportunities to provide your services? Book a demo with Cloverleaf AI.
