Sunrise in Maryland: EITF Post First RFP

The much anticipated first RFP for Renewable Energy under the auspices of the Army Energy Initiatives Task Force hit the streets recently.  Run over to FedBizzOpps and look up solicitation SP0600-13-R-0402 for the solar opportunity at Fort Detrick, Maryland.  The minimum array size is 10 MWs.  The Defense Logistics Agency – Energy is requesting proposals to purchase the power output in a long term, firm fixed price contract.

Interestingly enough, this is being done outside of the Huntsville MATOC which, to the best of my knowledge,  has not yet been awarded. Haven’t heard anything about the due date on that but will keep my ear to the ground.

This is an Enhanced Use Lease coupled with a potential 30 year Power Purchase Agreement.   The provisions of the EUL require the lessee to provide in kind services and, in addition to any proffered in kind services, there is a requirement to build 50K sqft building AND provide "other" in kind services in the form of a PPA rate discount.  Seem like you get caught coming and going! 

60 days over the holidays will be tight for this kind of proposal with proposals due in early January.  This didn't come in the form anticipated and it begs the question, “If installations can do it this way, why the MATOC?”, but, hey, it is the season for giving and this looks like a gift that will keep on giving…..for 30 years!  Go unwrap it!  Dan Nolan