The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is seeking innovative solutions to generate continuous, resilient, carbon-free electricity at its installations, primarily through geothermal energy. This approach aims to reduce reliance on off-site electricity and mitigate risks associated with electrical grid outages due to extreme weather and cybersecurity threats. The DAF recognizes the potential of advanced and enhanced geothermal technologies but notes their current lack of application at a utility scale. To determine the technical and economic feasibility of these technologies, the DAF is soliciting vendors to conduct a prototype project, which will involve geoscientific exploration, resource mapping, engineering design for a utility-scale facility, and proposal of a deal structure for electricity and green hydrogen sales. The successful completion of the prototype could lead to a follow-on contract for facility construction, which would be operated by a third party while DAF provides land and access. The desired solutions must address technical exploration plans, provide case studies for facility designs exceeding 5 megawatts, outline full project financing, and include environmental impact analyses. Moreover, collaboration with various project team members for construction and operational roles is essential. This initiative reflects DAF's commitment to energy resilience in support of national security missions.

The document addresses a government Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding geothermal energy projects for electricity and green hydrogen production at Travis Air Force Base, CA. The RFP invites vendors to submit case studies demonstrating experience with geothermal projects producing over 5 MW of electricity, allowing discussions on various project sizes with the Air Force and other military departments if proposals are successful. Vendors can suggest project locations based on technical viability and fiscal considerations beyond Travis AFB. The project financing structure permits vendors to utilize their own resources or seek grants and loans, and while there is no cost recovery for unsuccessful projects, a viable prototype may lead to future utility-scale developments. The Air Force will not own the facilities constructed post-prototype but will instead engage a third-party to manage them. Overall, the RFP aims to explore sustainable energy solutions through geothermal technology, emphasizing flexibility and collaboration with vendors to optimize project strategies and locations while adhering to regulatory constraints.

The request for proposals (RFP) regarding geothermal energy production at Travis Air Force Base in California seeks innovative vendors to propose projects producing at least 5 megawatts of electricity. While the Air Force is primarily considering this base, other installations may also be viable depending on technology and resources. Vendors are allowed to use various funding sources and will receive assistance from the Air Force in identifying financing opportunities. There is no cost recovery mechanism in place if the prototype project fails. The Air Force aims to explore advanced geothermal technologies, although conventional methods may also be considered. Upon successful completion of the prototype, a follow-on contract will be negotiated for potential utility-scale development, with third-party ownership of facilities. The timeline for project awards is within a month, involving flexible discussions to establish prototypes and timelines. The project could involve geoscientific exploration on adjacent lands, provided statutory requirements are met. The aim is to encourage creative solutions while adhering to federal and state regulations concerning energy production and resource allocation.

The Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA4427-24-S-C002, issued by the 60th Contracting Squadron at Travis AFB, focuses on addressing the Department of the Air Force's reliance on off-site electricity, which poses risks from outages and cyber threats. The CSO invites submissions for innovative solutions specifically targeting "Geothermal for Electricity and Green Hydrogen Production." The submission period opens on September 23, 2024, and closes on November 7, 2024. Prospective submitters must use the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace to provide a video pitch, following a structured submission process consisting of four steps. Submitted videos must address five key elements: the identified problem, proposed technological solutions, potential impact, differentiation from existing solutions, and a comprehensive pricing model. The feasibility of the electricity production prototype may lead to future utility-scale projects, although long-term electricity and hydrogen purchases by the DAF are not guaranteed. Successful prototypes may expand to other DAF installations across the U.S., with third parties expected to own and operate any constructed facilities. This CSO reflects the DAF's initiative to enhance energy security and sustainability in military operations.

The Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA4427-24-S-C002, issued by the 60th Contracting Squadron at Travis AFB, seeks innovative solutions to mitigate electrical vulnerabilities impacting the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) mission. Set to open on 09/23/2024 and closing on 01/03/2025, this RFP focuses on developing geothermal energy solutions for electricity and green hydrogen production. Submissions must follow specific guidelines, starting with a video pitch outlining problem identification, the proposed technological solution, its impact, differentiation from existing solutions, and a pricing model. The DAF emphasizes that successful prototypes could lead to the construction of a utility-scale facility, specifying that the government would not own these facilities. Potential awards may further allow scaling successful projects across other DAF installations, indicating a strategic approach to enhancing energy independence. Participants must adhere to submission protocols via the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace to ensure proper evaluation of their proposals, highlighting the importance of the traditional procurement process in developing defense capabilities while addressing environmental considerations.

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA4427-24-S-C002 to address its reliance on off-site electricity, which poses mission risks due to potential outages from extreme weather and cyberattacks. This opportunity invites submissions focused on developing geothermal technologies for electricity and green hydrogen production. The submission process involves four key steps, beginning with a video pitch on the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace. Proposals must articulate the identified problem, describe the proposed solution, detail potential impacts, differentiate from existing technologies, and outline a comprehensive pricing and financing model. If successful, the prototype project may lead to a larger-scale facility for energy production, with third-party ownership. The DAF will not enter a long-term contract until after confirming the project’s feasibility, with the potential for scaling to other installations in the future. This initiative highlights DAF’s commitment to enhancing energy security and sustainability in support of national security operations.