An Analysis of the United States Air Force Energy Savings Performance Contracts

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) within the Department of Defense, focusing on the United States Air Force's utility and energy acquisition. The significant value of the ESPC is its alternative financing mechanism that authorizes Federal facilities recapitalization without upfront investments. The paper focuses on Dyess Air Force Base's ESPC, as Dyess's benchmarking ESPC was selected for the Presidential Award recognition for Leadership in Federal Energy Management. The six major contracting processes within the three main management levels encompass many of the best-practice characteristics. The interviews referenced herein with the service end-users, both the regional and local contracting officers, allow the reader to further understand how the Integrated Product Team's significant efforts resulted in a successful ESPC.