Enhanced use lease for commercial data centers

The Department of Defense (DoD) outlines its procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making. These procedures detail when NEPA review is required, how to determine the appropriate level of review (Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, or Environmental Impact Statements), and the processes for preparing and publishing these documents. Key aspects include page and time limits for EAs and EISs, public involvement, lead and cooperating agency roles, and methods for efficient environmental reviews such as tiering and reliance on existing documents. The document also covers specific procedures for applicant-prepared NEPA documents, classified actions, and emergency circumstances. The goal is to facilitate coordinated, consistent, predictable, and timely environmental reviews while reducing unnecessary burdens and delays.

Attachment E of RFP No. DACA27-1-26-102 details available properties at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for lease. Six undeveloped parcels, totaling 734 acres of mixed pine and hardwood forest, are offered across Cumberland and Harnett Counties. These parcels, currently used for non-kinetic training, are outside the cantonment area. Key considerations include height restrictions near Simmons and Pope Army Airfields, proximity to DoD and civilian areas, and existing training roads. Environmental concerns are significant, with federally endangered plant and animal species requiring surveys and potential mitigation. Parcel 1 has a PFAS contamination site and Cross Creek traversing it, while Parcels 2 and 3 contain archaeological sites with digging restrictions. Multiple parcels have rare plant sites, streams, and wetlands requiring specific permitting. The document also outlines Fort Bragg's utilities (electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, fiber) and its mixed legislative jurisdiction (proprietorial, concurrent, exclusive), emphasizing the need for Offerors to understand civil enforcement on the properties.

This Department of the Army Lease outlines the terms and conditions for leasing premises on a military installation. The lease, governed by 10 U.S.C. § 2667, grants the Lessee rights to develop, construct, operate, and maintain facilities, while the Government retains fee title and general access. Key provisions cover lease term, early termination, and renewal options. The Lessee must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, as well as Installation rules, including those for antiterrorism, cybersecurity, and access. Environmental matters are extensively addressed, requiring the Lessee to comply with environmental laws, maintain environmental plans, and indemnify the Government for any Lessee-caused environmental damage. The Lessee assumes all risks of loss and must maintain comprehensive insurance, including property and commercial general liability. The document also details utility services, alterations, maintenance, default and termination procedures, and dispute resolution. It emphasizes the Lessee's responsibility for all costs and compliance, with strict adherence to environmental and safety regulations.

The Department of the Army (DA) is soliciting proposals for Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) opportunities to develop commercial data centers on non-excess land at Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Bliss, and Dugway Proving Ground. This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks competitive bids from private, public, and non-profit entities for a 50-year lease, with potential for renewal. Offerors must finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain the data centers, providing consideration to DA through in-kind services, cash, or a combination. Proposals will be evaluated on project description, plan, financial capability, organizational experience, and proposed rent. Key considerations include environmental compliance (NEPA, ECP), infrastructure development, security, and adherence to various federal regulations. The deadline for proposals is January 15, 2026.

Amendment No. 2 to Request for Proposals (RFP) No. DACA27-1-26-102 modifies the Department of the Army's (DA) solicitation for competitive proposals concerning Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) opportunities for commercial data centers at Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Bliss, and Dugway Proving Ground. This amendment clarifies that Offerors proposing projects at multiple properties or installations must submit each proposed project as a separate proposal. Additionally, it extends the deadline for receipt of proposals to 5:00 P.M. (EST) on February 23, 2026. All other terms and conditions of the original RFP, dated December 15, 2025, remain unchanged.

Amendment No. 3 to Request for Proposals (RFP) No. DACA27-1-26-102 modifies the Department of the Army's (DA) solicitation for competitive proposals regarding Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) opportunities for commercial data centers at Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Bliss, and Dugway Proving Ground. This amendment primarily extends the deadline for submitting questions to February 13, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. (EST). Additionally, it announces a second round of Industry Days at each of the four installations in February 2026. Interested offerors must RSVP to lisa.grossman@usace.army.mil by specific dates, providing their name, organization, contact information, and intended Industry Day(s). The number of attendees per organization may be limited to four. All other sections of the original RFP remain unchanged.

Amendment No. 1 modifies Request for Proposals (RFP) No. DACA27-1-26-102, issued by the Department of the Army (DA) on December 15, 2025. This RFP seeks competitive proposals from private, public, and/or not-for-profit entities to lease non-excess DA land at Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Bliss, and Dugway Proving Ground. The purpose of these Enhanced Use Leases (EULs) is for the selected Offeror(s) to design, finance, develop, construct, own, maintain, operate, and decommission commercial data centers. This amendment extends the proposal submission deadline to January 22, 2026, and the question submission deadline to January 12, 2026. Additionally, it revises numerous sections, paragraphs, and attachments within the original RFP to provide clearer information to prospective Offerors. The amended RFP, with all changes tracked, replaces the original document posted on sam.gov.

The Department of the Army (DA) is issuing Request for Proposals No. DACA27-1-26-102 for Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) opportunities for commercial data centers at Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Bliss, and Dugway Proving Ground. The RFP seeks proposals from private, public, and not-for-profit entities to lease non-excess DA land for 50-year terms, with potential renewal. Offerors are responsible for financing, designing, developing, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning the data centers, ensuring project viability without DA financial contribution. Proposals must address project description, plan, financial capability, organizational structure, experience, and EUL consideration (rent), with a preference for in-kind consideration. Key deadlines include a proposal submission deadline of January 15, 2026, and a question deadline of January 9, 2026. The selection process involves evaluation of proposals based on equally weighted factors, with DA reserving the right to negotiate and select the offeror providing the best overall value. Selected offerors will enter into a Business Terms Agreement (BTA) to establish milestones before EUL execution. The RFP emphasizes compliance with environmental regulations, infrastructure considerations, and legal requirements, including liability and tax responsibilities.

Attachment D, associated with Request for Proposals No. DACA27-1-26-102, details a 207-acre undeveloped parcel (Parcel 1) available for lease at Fort Hood, Coryell, Texas. Fort Hood is a large military installation spanning 214,968 acres, primarily used for training and deploying heavy forces. The available property is open, partially eroded grassland, historically used for sparse rural housing and farming before Army acquisition in the 1940s. It is strategically located near major roadways like Tank Destroyer Boulevard, SH-9, and I-14, and is within an Approach-Departure Clearance Surface from Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport, imposing height restrictions (375-417 feet). The property benefits from existing utilities including electricity (ONCOR), natural gas (Atmos), water (Bell County WCID #1, supplied by Belton Lake), and wastewater services (Bell County WCID #1), with fiber connectivity nearby. Environmental considerations include Topsey Clay Loam soil, slow infiltration rates (Hydrologic Soil Group C), potential air permit requirements from TCEQ depending on project size, and the presence of endangered species like the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and Bald Eagle. There are no known chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats, though quality-distance arcs exist when ammunition is present at the Railhead. The property falls under concurrent federal legislative jurisdiction, meaning both state and federal laws apply, and the state retains taxation rights without interfering with federal functions. This document serves as an informational summary for potential offerors considering the lease of this parcel.

Attachment F of RFP No. DACA27-1-26-102 details available property at Fort Bliss, El Paso County, Texas, an Army installation spanning 1.12 million acres. The RFP offers a 1,384-acre undeveloped parcel not used for critical operations but potentially subject to past weapons firing. The property is near El Paso and private land, with access to US 62/180. It has various utility easements from companies like El Paso Natural Gas and Electric. Fort Bliss has robust utility infrastructure, including electricity from El Paso Electric, natural gas from Kinder Morgan and ONEOK, and water from wells and El Paso Water. Wastewater and fiber services are also available. Environmental considerations include sandy soil, the absence of wetlands or floodplains, and the need for air quality permits. Protected species like the Burrowing Owl and Texas horned lizard are present, along with potential hazardous materials and archaeological sites. Fort Bliss operates under proprietorial, concurrent, and exclusive legislative jurisdictions, requiring offerors to understand the legal framework.

The Fort Hood Industry Day Q&A from January 5, 2026, addresses key logistical and utility questions for potential offerors regarding a 207-acre parcel. Oncor is the local electric utility with transmission lines along I-14, while Atmos Energy provides natural gas, also paralleling I-14. Water and sewer services require coordination with the City of Copperas Cove, which also has some fire hydrants near the railhead. Access to the parcel is available from Tank Destroyer Road and SH-9, without being subject to an access control point. Easements on Fort Hood will be handled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with other easements being the offeror's responsibility. Fort Hood operates its own low-voltage distribution network, but privatized utilities may not service the data center, requiring offerors to acquire utilities independently. Fort Hood prefers infrastructure and facility-related in-kind projects, such as road upgrades. The document also clarifies that developing and operating a substation on the parcel is permissible from the Department of the Army's perspective. For specific details on electric lines, site history, and proposal evaluation, offerors are directed to coordinate with Oncor, refer to the RFP (Attachment B and Sections 2.2.6.a, 7.1, 7.3), and consult Amendment No. 2 on sam.gov.

Fort Bragg's Industry Day Q&A addresses critical operational and logistical aspects for prospective offerors, particularly concerning a new project or development on the Installation. Key points clarified include wetlands permitting handled by the state with Fort Bragg monitoring, and building permits issued directly by Fort Bragg, albeit with state and local environmental involvement. Fort Bragg will not provide utilities; offerors are responsible for arranging these, and while a Business Terms Agreement (BTA) must be executed within 90 days, utility arrangements do not need to be finalized by then. The division of Southern area parcels was done to avoid environmental obstacles and ease access. Fort Bragg is interested in in-kind considerations like roadway improvements. Timber clearing will be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The document also provides details on the building permit process, Fort Bragg's utility payment structure, and its ability to potentially enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under specific statutory requirements.

The Department of the Army (DA) addressed questions regarding Request for Proposals DACA27-1-26-102 for commercial data centers. Key points clarify that the project is for commercial use, with DA not obligated to purchase services. Offerors are responsible for identifying federal incentives for on-site generation and acquiring independent utilities, as Fort Hood's privatized system may not support the data center. The project, located on federal land, is subject to state and local regulations, including PUCT and ERCOT jurisdiction. Easements for utilities will be executed by the offeror and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. KMZ/shapefiles for property boundaries and encumbrances are unavailable. Offerors can propose initial operational data center capacity within 12 months. Environmental mitigation actions are the offeror's sole cost, with DA reserving the right to terminate negotiations if disputes arise. Questions about natural gas plants and incremental power demand were unaddressed or unclear. The RFP allows for redaction of confidential information and marking pages as confidential.

The Fort Bliss Industry Day Q&A addresses various inquiries regarding an RFP for a 1,384-acre land lease. Key points clarified include the availability of presentation slides on sam.gov, the reduction of available land from 6,000 to 1,384 acres due to cultural and environmental factors, and the definitive statement that only the 1,384 acres in the RFP are available. The document also notes the area's past use for maneuver training with no known unexploded ordnances, advises offerors to conduct their due diligence, and suggests quality-of-life improvement projects (e.g., renovated barracks, resurfaced roads) as preferred in-kind projects. Information regarding El Paso Electric Natural Gas Generation sites requires direct contact with El Paso Electric. An error regarding the site's inclusion in the El Paso City extraterritorial jurisdiction is being corrected. All proposals will be evaluated per the RFP terms, and there are no access control points for the property, meaning express authorization is not required for access, though retaining a copy of the lease agreement is recommended during construction.

The Department of the Army (DA) issued responses to questions regarding Request for Proposals DACA27-1-26-102, focusing on energy projects, specifically nuclear generation assets. The DA clarified it does not envision owning or operating nuclear facilities directly and prefers a contractor-provided solution, not anticipating the feasibility of nuclear facilities given project timelines. It has not prescribed specific technology attributes for nuclear assets and will not give preference to existing supplier relationships. The DA stated that installations procure their own energy and that offerors are responsible for due diligence regarding compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, including obtaining necessary permits. The RFP identifies properties at Fort Bragg available for a fifty-year lease, and a cover letter or executive summary may be included with proposals without counting towards page limits.

The document addresses questions regarding a 1,384-acre parcel at Fort Bliss for potential data center development. It clarifies that while the area was chosen for low probability of environmental and cultural constraints, offerors should anticipate potential development restrictions requiring further environmental/cultural review and mitigation at their sole cost. No Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) or Phase 1 Environmental Assessment (EA) has been conducted, but the probability of encountering unexploded ordnance (MEC) is low, and phased site characterization is permitted. Utility inquiries confirm a 345kV substation is approximately 6 miles away with adjacent connection points and easements to El Paso Electric (EPE), which should be contacted for further details. Natural gas connections are feasible without crossing military operations areas, and relevant companies can confirm connection points and capacity. Water service questions should be directed to El Paso Water. Archaeological surveys are available, and a Programmatic Agreement exists for cultural resource compliance, while biological surveys will be part of the NEPA process. Specifics on priority in-kind projects will be provided during lease negotiations. The lease will cover the entire acreage, with no options for additional acreage in a phased approach. Commercial vehicle traffic can access the property without military escort or security checkpoints via multiple city or county roads from US 62/180.

The document addresses specific questions regarding a proposed data center project at Fort Hood, covering various aspects of the Request for Proposal (RFP). Key areas include utility infrastructure, such as ONCOR transmission voltage and capacity, and the development of a substation on Parcel 1, which requires coordination with ONCOR and review by Fort Hood. Environmental concerns, including NEPA compliance and the presence of endangered species like the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and Bald Eagle, are clarified, with the parcel not known to contain endangered species’ habitat. Water and wastewater capacity, in-kind considerations for road improvements on Tank Destroyer Boulevard, and cybersecurity/antiterrorism requirements for a privately owned, off-network data center are also discussed. The document further addresses height restrictions near Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport, milestone timelines for the project, and the applicability of PUCT and ERCOT regulations to self-generation facilities. Finally, it confirms the acceptability of proposals from special purpose entities with financially capable parent companies and notes that Parcel 1 falls within the quality-distance arc for infrequent small arms ammunition operations at the railhead.

The Fort Bliss Industry Day Q&A addresses various aspects of a proposed Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) for a commercial data center. Key points include the ongoing negotiations with El Paso Electric Company (EPE) for a power plant EUL and EPE's role as the electrical provider. El Paso Water has indicated capacity to support the project, but direct confirmation is advised. The residential area is approximately 500 feet from the EUL site, and no expansion is currently planned. Community push-back is not anticipated to be major, though water usage is a consideration. The RFP specifies that proposals must be for a commercial data center, and multiple proposals may be selected. The property is underutilized and will not be used for training, with no known unexploded ordnance. Access can be from various routes, including Loop 375, and will not require an Access Control Point. In-kind consideration projects must be authorized under 10 U.S.C. 2667 and are at the sole cost of the lessee. DA aims for a source selection decision in late March, with no AI used for evaluation. Environmental studies for tribal involvement and endangered species are pending. The lessee is responsible for restoring the property to its original condition at the end of the lease.

Fort Bragg hosted an Industry Day Q&A on February 11, 2026, to address inquiries regarding an RFP. Key topics included building height restrictions, cultural considerations for parcels near the Rockefeller mansion, and community outreach plans for data center construction. Fort Bragg confirmed height restrictions, clarified the Rockefeller mansion's distance, and committed to community outreach. Fiber availability was noted, but exact locations require coordination with local companies. The government will not provide appraisal copies but can share the methodology. In-kind considerations are detailed in the RFP, with specific projects negotiable. The use of a dam for a water source would require a separate outgrant and repairs, with surveys possibly available. Utility information is in Attachment C. Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (HQUSACE), will be the main point of contact for the lease, with Fort Bragg Department of Public Works handling day-to-day operations. Building permits and annual requirements are outlined in the RFP and lease agreement. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will manage timber clearing, retaining the proceeds. Easements and environmental issues are addressed in Attachment C. Access to Parcel 3 from MacArthur Road may be possible, and Texas Lake intersects Parcels 1 and 2.

The Fort Hood Industry Day Q&A from February 5, 2026, addresses various concerns regarding the construction and operation of a data center. Key takeaways include no anticipated impacts on soldier training, but wind turbines are prohibited due to interference with Army Aviation helicopter operations. Solar panels are allowed, subject to glint glare analyses. The nearest residential area is 'The Homes at Copperas Cove,' approximately one mile away, with no new residential developments planned on DA property. Water supply is recommended to be secured from the City of Copperas Cove, as local aquifers are unreliable. The project must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and permitting requirements. Fort Hood's preferred Work In-Kind projects are infrastructure and facility upgrades, particularly road improvements. There are height restrictions, and while basements are permissible, construction plans require review and geotechnical testing. The Golden-cheeked Warbler, an endangered species, is present on post but not on the proposed outlease property. Questions regarding the RFP are due by February 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM (EST).

The Dugway Proving Ground Industry Day Q&A addresses various inquiries regarding an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) RFP. Key topics include consideration options, with the Department of the Army (DA) preferring in-kind consideration as per the RFP sections 1.b, 2.2.13, 6.5, and 7.3.5. Utilities available at Site A are detailed in Attachment E of the RFP, and while water from Dugway's wells is accessible, its sufficiency for specific projects cannot be confirmed. The document also clarifies the absence of a project-specific Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed project, directing offerors to RFP sections 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 for environmental compliance. Access to Dugway is available 24/7, and the closest transmission lines originate from Tooele, Utah, with Dugway having a 46 kb line.

Request for Proposals No. DACA27-1-26-102 (Attachment G) outlines the availability of three undeveloped properties—Site A (English Village), Site B (North Boundary), and Site C (West Dugway)—totaling 3,466 acres at Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) in Tooele County, Utah. DPG is a key test center for Chemical and Biological Defense. The document details the installation's purpose, land usage, access, and available utilities (electricity, natural gas, propane, water, wastewater, and fiber). Extensive environmental considerations for each site are provided, covering soil, topography, air quality, archaeological resources (including NRHP-eligible sites and the need for tribal consultation), migratory bird protections, endangered species surveys (kit fox, dark kangaroo mouse, pinyon jays, burrowing owl, golden eagle), wildland fire risks, and the absence of CBRN threats on the sites. Legislative jurisdiction at DPG is predominantly concurrent federal, with a small portion having exclusive federal jurisdiction. Offerors are responsible for understanding these jurisdictional nuances, particularly regarding civil matters.

This Business Terms Agreement (BTA) outlines the conditions for a Selected Offeror to enter into an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) with the Department of the Army (DA) for a data center at an Installation. The BTA, along with the Offeror's Proposal and an Agreed Milestone Timetable, establishes preconditions for executing the EUL. The Selected Offeror bears all risks of error in their proposal and is responsible for their own due diligence regarding the leased properties, including compliance with laws and feasibility. Failure to meet milestones or other obligations can result in termination of discussions by the DA, with no fees or penalties owed to the Offeror. The DA makes no warranties regarding the suitability of the properties. The Selected Offeror indemnifies the DA against claims arising from their participation in the RFP process. The Offeror must execute all transaction documents promptly and affirms compliance with all RFP terms, including ethical and anti-collusion provisions. Disputes are to be resolved under the Contract Disputes Act, and the BTA is not assignable without DA consent. Force Majeure events may extend performance deadlines. The BTA is binding upon execution by the DA and outlines notice procedures.

Section 2667 of the US Code allows military departments and Defense Agencies to lease non-excess real or personal property not currently needed for public use, provided it promotes national defense or public interest. Leases are typically limited to five years, though longer terms are possible if deemed beneficial. Key conditions include fair market value consideration (cash or in-kind), the option for the lessee to make property improvements as part of the payment, and a provision for the Secretary concerned to revoke the lease. The law also details types of in-kind consideration, such as property maintenance, new facility construction, and utility services, with an emphasis on energy resilience. Special rules apply to properties involved in base closures or realignments, allowing for leases at less than fair market value if a public interest is served. Proceeds from leases are deposited into special accounts for property maintenance, new construction, and administrative expenses, with at least 50% reserved for the originating installation. Competitive procedures are generally required for selecting lessees, with exceptions for public interest or specific renewals like those for naval oceanographic research ships or on-base financial institutions. The interest of a lessee may be taxed by state or local governments. The section excludes oil, mineral, or phosphate lands and allows for leases to educational agencies at less than fair market value. The overall purpose is to provide flexible mechanisms for the military to manage and utilize its property assets while ensuring public benefit and responsible financial practices.