RFLP Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Development at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, and Clear Space Force Station

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) issued Request for Lease Proposal (RFLP) No. AFCEC-26-R-0006 to solicit proposals for developing commercial Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers on underutilized land at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, and Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. The RFLP seeks monetary consideration for leasing the parcels, with proposals due by May 29, 2026. The selection process is a two-phase, best-value approach, evaluating proposals based on Project Description, Return to the Government, Organization/Experience/Capability, and Integrated Project Plan/Schedule. The DAF's objectives include optimizing land use, maximizing financial returns, minimizing mission impact, ensuring commercial viability, and supporting community relations. Offerors must adhere to statutory and executive order requirements, provide detailed project plans, financial pro formas, and demonstrate organizational and financial capability. The properties are leased "as-is/where-is," with the selected lessee responsible for all development costs, environmental analyses, and compliance with all applicable laws.

The Alaska AI Data Center Request for Lease Proposal (RFLP) No. AFCEC-26-R-0006 addresses questions from an Industry Day, clarifying key aspects for potential lessees. The lease commencement date is to be determined (TBD), with negotiations starting approximately 30 days after lessee selection, pending National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. Proposers can develop projects across multiple plots on one base if approved and must submit separate proposals for each unique project, whether it involves one or multiple parcels. The government may select multiple offerors for projects on an installation but only one per parcel. Decisions on sites like Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's training areas will be based on proposal merits. Emergency services will be charged on a "per call" basis, with costs determined during negotiations. Offerors must submit an integrated financial model covering both power generation and data center activities, and are responsible for estimating demolition costs. The government will grant easements for utility access. Proposals can utilize only a portion of a parcel, even if it's not the entire land area. While multiple awards are possible at the installation level, only a single award will be made for a specific parcel. The government currently does not intend to use the AI data centers for its own workloads.

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is soliciting proposals for the development of commercial Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers on underutilized land at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, and Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. This Request for Lease Proposals (RFLP) aims to optimize the use of DAF assets, secure fair market value consideration, and support national defense. Proposals are due by May 29, 2026, and will be evaluated based on the project description, return to the government, organizational experience and capability, and an integrated project plan. Offerors must demonstrate commercial viability, financial capability, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including environmental regulations and security standards. The government seeks proposals that minimize mission impact and support positive community relations. Site visits and a virtual Industry Day are scheduled for April 2026.

The Department of the Air Force's Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) Alaska AI Data Center Request for Lease Proposals (RFLP) outlines responses to 46 questions regarding the development of AI data centers. Key points include the Air Force's willingness to consider nuclear reactors as a power source and nuclear generation technologies (e.g., SMRs) but not equity investments. Proposals will be evaluated independently by site, with a preference for top-line participation structures over bottom-line due to lower risk. Fair Market Value (FMV) can be met through fixed rent, participation rent, or a combination. The government will not define minimum development timelines or required COD for Phase 1, expecting offerors to propose reasonable timelines and CODs. Rent will be required during the development period. The government will support utility easements, but obtaining power and interconnections are the offeror's responsibility. The government is liable under CERCLA for pre-existing hazardous substances if not exacerbated by the offeror. All RFLP-described parcels are available, with no preference. Dedicated access points for lessees are possible. The government's lease provides lender protections. Site-specific proposals are preferred. Cash consideration is required, not in-kind. Drone usage for surveying is unauthorized. Lessees are responsible for acquiring all necessary certifications. Emergency service costs are expected to be de minimis. A 30-year lease is permitted with government approval. Financial statements are not required if an explanation and documentation of capitalization are provided. The government expects a return commensurate with project risk and at least FMV. Offerors should propose market escalation mechanisms for rent. The lease includes government termination rights. Lessees must adhere to national security provisions. Specific questions for JBER AFB, Eielson AFB, and Clear SFS address jurisdiction, current site uses, environmental concerns (e.g., burn areas, endangered species), power and water availability, and the use of on-site materials.

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is soliciting proposals for the lease and development of commercial Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers on underutilized land at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, and Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. This Request for Lease Proposals (RFLP) seeks qualified entities to lease parcels for private commercial data center use, with the DAF seeking monetary consideration for the leasehold interest. Proposals must demonstrate market demand, project feasibility, a comprehensive development and operational plan, and a return to the government that is not less than the fair market value. The selection process is a two-phase, best-value approach, evaluating project description, financial return, organizational capability, and an integrated project plan. The DAF emphasizes adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and requires offerors to be responsible for all project costs, including environmental assessments and utility infrastructure. Proposals are due by June 29, 2026.