Analysis of Air Force Base Energy Acquisition Through Third-Party Contracts

摘要

A new class of utility service contracts is examined for supplying energy to Air Force bases under which the Air Force agrees to purchase energy and the contractor agrees to finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain a dedicated power plant. Such agreements are often referred to as third-party contracts. Third-party contracting issues are identified and analyzed and background is provided for Air Force personnel considering or negotiating third-party contracts. Economic incentives available to contractors are explained, an overview of third-party contracting is presented and specific issues discussed. Current military activities and plans are summarized. A case study of an Air Force Academy project is presented. It is concluded that third-party contracting will require a different approach to energy procurement and that the opportunity should exist for a successful contractor to realize a reasonable return on his investment. Items for inclusion in contracts, topics for further study, and Air Force actions to encourage third-party contracting are recommended. (ERA citation 07:059645)