NSA ANNAPOLIS TO REQUEST RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION PROPOSALS AT NAVAL ACADEMY DAIRY FARM

17 May 2024

From NSA Annapolis Public Affairs

NSA Annapolis released a Request for Proposals (RFP) 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, May 15, 2024. The RFP is available at SAM.gov.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – NSA Annapolis released a Request for Proposals (RFP) 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, May 15, 2024. The RFP is available at SAM.gov.

As part of the DoD’s proactive approach to achieving a more sustainable and secure energy future, NSA Annapolis is exploring renewable energy generation at the Dairy Farm that will help meet DoD’s Carbon Free Electricity (CFE) goals, which are part of the federal government goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In particular, the Plan directs the Government to transition to 100% CFE by 2030, at least half of which will be locally supplied clean energy to meet 24/7 hourly matched demand. Aligned with the Department of Navy’s Climate Action 2030 strategy and the objectives of Executive Order 14057, the Navy continues its commitment to drive energy innovation and prioritize environmental responsibility. The Navy has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from its shore installations by 2045 through investment in clean energy sources. These initiatives are detailed in the Department of the Navy’s Chief Sustainability Officer Memos, the latest of which covers Shore Energy, and can be read here.

“Energy security is mission success,” said Meredith Berger Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, and the Department of the Navy’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “We are looking to innovators and industry who know this community to get the best ideas about how to increase renewable, redundant, reliable energy for the Naval Academy, Naval Support Activity Annapolis, and the community. These inputs will be an important consideration as we drive towards a net-zero Naval Academy that expands the energy resilience of the surrounding community.”

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 has decided to proceed with an RFP to solicit more specific and complete project proposals.

“Our team was pleased with the potential identified at the Dairy Farm” said NSA Annapolis Public Works Officer, Cmdr. Billy Moiles. “Industry experts brought us a lot of great information about how we can maximize solar energy generation while exploring community benefits and agricultural uses.”

The 857-acre Dairy Farm, located approximately 15 miles from the USNA, in Gambrills, Maryland, was established in 1911 to provide future Naval Officers with a safe supply of milk. During its prime, the Dairy Farm maintained approximately 300 cows and a staff of 15, providing 700 – 1,000 gallons of milk a day. While the Dairy Farm no longer provides milk to the Brigade of Midshipmen, it is still owned by the U.S. Navy and is currently leased to Anne Arundel County.

NSA Annapolis is working closely with Anne Arundel County to discuss the future of the Dairy Farm and ensure it is best serving the needs of the Navy and the residents of the county.

“NSA Annapolis is committed to working with community partners throughout this RFP process,” said NSA Annapolis Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris Schwarz. “The vision of this project is to successfully integrate development activities with agrivoltaics with local crop cultivation, farming ventures, and the potential for use by local organizations or non-profits.”

The Navy is always committed to being a responsible community partner. As this RFP moves through the process, transparency and community involvement and input will be critical to meeting the needs of the Navy and the Anne Arundel County community. Current information regarding the Dairy Farm RFP can be found at Dairy Farm (navy.mil) and updates will be posted to NSA Annapolis Facebook and “X”/Twitter accounts.

The RFP will close July 29, 2024. NSA Annapolis will carefully review the project proposals received from the RFP, as well as important input from community partners and the public, before moving forward with any project at the Dairy Farm. Questions about the Dairy Farm RFP can be directed to NSA Annapolis Public Affairs at madelyn.d.flayler.civ@us.navy.mil.

NSAA

Google Translation Disclaimer

Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
Commandant, Naval District Washington, ndw.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
Commandant, Naval District Washington, ndw.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
Commandant, Naval District Washington, ndw.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commandant, Naval District Washington, ndw.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.