Davis-Monthan requests proposals for solar-power contract Published July 29, 2008 By 060708 DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Contracting Squadron here issued a request to prospective contractors today, inviting them to submit proposals to provide utility-grade renewable electric service to the base using a solar photovoltaic power system. The request offers between 10 and 330 total acres of suitable base land - over five separate areas - for use by the contractor to build a solar array that must produce at least one megawatt of electrical power - any additional power produced will be at the contractor's discretion, as a business decision. The 355th CONS expects to review all proposals and award the indefinite-term electric utility contract in November, together with a separate ground lease that will last for approximately 20 years. The total solar power system must be fully operational before the end of 2011. All Renewable Energy Credits generated by the solar power system will be the property of the contractor, who will be free to sell them to a third party. Davis-Monthan decided to go forward with the solar power system in accordance with federal directives encouraging the increase of renewable energy systems, including Executive Order 13423 and the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The Department of Defense goal is for renewable sources to supply at least 25 percent of energy used at every U.S. military installation by the end of the year 2025.