On October 17, 2014, the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) issued a solicitation for the construction and operation of large-scale solar and wind projects at the Fort Hood military base. Fort Hood is the largest active military duty post in the U.S., located approximately 60 miles north of Austin, Texas.

The RFP, which is the latest renewable energy project under the landmark $7 billion Multiple-Award Task Order Contract overseen by the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives (previously discussed here), seeks one or more energy development firms to build, own and operate renewable energy capacity capable of servicing 100% of Fort Hood electrical energy requirements – where peak energy demand is approximately 110 MW. The RFP contemplates a fixed price contract for up to 29 years with minimum annual production of 30 GWh from on-site solar resources and 200 GWh from off-site wind resources, with excess generation from off-site resources available for contractor use (subject to the government’s first right of refusal to purchase). All necessary facilities will be constructed, owned, operated, and maintained by the contractor for the duration of the contract, and the government will retain a purchase option at its expiration or early termination. The scale of the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s continued emphasis on expanded onsite use and development of renewable energy resources (discussed here, here, and here).

For a list of additional projects and opportunities under the MATOC, follow the link.