ANNAPOLIS, Md. – NSA Annapolis closed submission of proposals for a mixed-use energy generation project at the Naval Academy Dairy Farm (Dairy Farm) that not only provides energy generation but also enriches the local community, September 12, 2024. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is available at SAM.gov.
This RFP was informed by the results of a Request for Information (RFI) released by NSA Annapolis in February 2024. The RFI produced a variety of innovative ideas and concepts in solar energy generation, agrivoltaics, and community benefit. After thorough consideration of the ideas submitted by experts in the renewable energy industry, NSA Annapolis proceeded with an RFP to solicit more specific and complete project proposals.
“The Naval Academy Dairy Farm project provides another step forward to offset current electrical demand at NSA Annapolis, targeting a future net-zero Naval Academy,” said Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment and Chief Sustainability Officer Meredith Berger. “This helps achieve clean energy generation aligned with the Department of Defense Carbon Free Electricity goals and the Department of the Navy’s Climate Action 2030, setting the DON on a path to achieve the nation’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”
Over the summer, NSA Annapolis solicited questions, comments, and concerns from members of the public and local officials. NSA Annapolis held an information session and community conversation August 6, 2024, to engage the community in constructive conversation about the Dairy Farm. Community feedback and input has been a critical part of the process, leading to a modification on August 13, 2024, to reflect additional emphasis on the inclusion of community benefits in any proposal for a project at the Dairy Farm.
“The RFP urges developers to provide a holistic approach for the entire Dairy Farm property,” said NSA Annapolis Commanding Officer Captain Chris Schwarz. “As an example of such use, we provided a copy of the 2009 Hammonds Connection at the Dairy Farm Master Plan which presents a plan for the property that includes elements of preservation, recreation, and education.”
NSA Annapolis has begun the RFP Phase I Down Selection Process to review and consider the proposals received. During this source selection phase, specific details of the projects under consideration are procurement sensitive. At this time, the Navy will not be accepting any additional public comments or questions in order to preserve the integrity of the selection process. Additional opportunities for public review and comment will be available in the future, if a project is selected to move forward.
Following the conclusion of the Phase I review process in October 2024, the Phase II submission process is expected to begin promptly.
If a developer is selected in the Phase II review process, the project will be required to go through National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review on specific environmental impacts on resources such as air emissions, biological resources, water resources, noise, transportation, hazardous materials, cultural resources, and public health. The NEPA process includes multiple opportunities for the public to review the project and submit comments, both early on during the scoping process and later during the conclusion of the study.
NSA Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Navy have a long history of strong partnership and cooperation with the local community. The Navy is committed to being a responsible steward of the environment and a good community partner. NSA Annapolis has established a website to keep the public informed about the RFP status and public comment periods or opportunities for public participation in the process.
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