Spangdahlem AB releases notice of opportunity for ESPC

  • Published
  • By Jess Echerri
  • AFCEC Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Army Corps of Engineers in Huntsville, Alabama, recently released a notice of opportunity for an energy savings performance contract to significantly reduce energy use and water consumption at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

The goals of this ESPC are to convert the main fuel source from fuel oil to natural gas and maximize reliance on renewable energy sources where applicable. Both objectives will provide cleaner sources of energy to the base.

"Many of our buildings were built in 1953 with no modifications since then," said Daniel Thiel, the portfolio optimization energy manager for the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron at Spangdahlem. "The ESCOs seemed excited about this opportunity. They asked a lot of questions during the visit and we look forward to seeing what they come up with."

The notice focused on four energy conservation measures in four facilities, but it left the entire scope of the project up to each energy service company, or ESCO, to decide.

"We took the ESCOs to see four sample buildings at the installation," said Morgan Hurst, Air Force Civil Engineer Center program manager. "Each facility had a unique purpose with unique energy requirements, and the opportunities for energy updates look extremely viable."

An ESPC is a contract where the ESCO arranges financing, designs, implements, operates and maintains infrastructure improvements that increase the efficiency of energy consuming systems. The Air Force pays the ESCO back over the term of the contract, typically between 10 to 25 years, with cost savings accrued through more energy-efficient equipment and decreased utility consumption. In this way, ESPCs are a valuable and realistic tool the Air Force uses to meet energy-saving goals.

"An ESPC is the only way to get these kinds of energy savings," Thiel said. "We hope this can be used as a model for other overseas bases, or all bases, to use when they begin planning for ESPCs."

The Army Corps of Engineers partnered with the Department of Energy on this opportunity using DOE's indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract vehicle. This IDIQ ensures each ESPC has the core requirements, while allowing the contract officer to add requirements unique to each installation.