RFLP Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Development at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, and Clear Space Force Station
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is accepting proposals for the development of commercial Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers through a Request for Lease Proposal (RFLP). This opportunity involves leasing underutilized parcels of land at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER), Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), and Clear Space Force Station (SFS) in Alaska. The DAF is seeking monetary consideration for these leases. Proposals are due by June 29, 2026.
Scope of Opportunity
Offerors are invited to develop, construct, and operate commercial AI data centers on one or more of the specified installations. While the Government may purchase AI Data Center services or power, it is under no obligation to do so, and any such services would be negotiated separately. Properties are leased "AS-IS/WHERE-IS," and offerors are responsible for all environmental analyses, permits, and utility interconnections.
Key Requirements & Considerations
Proposals must demonstrate market demand and feasibility, ensuring compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, building codes, and DoD/DAF Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection requirements. Prohibited uses include activities adversely affecting military morale, discipline, or installation mission objectives. An integrated financial model capturing capital costs, operating expenses, and revenue is required. Offerors must estimate demolition costs.
Site-Specific Updates:
- Sites 2 and 5 are eliminated and no longer available for development.
- Site 4 has environmental considerations, including approximately 60 acres of vegetated/forested area requiring environmental assessment, potential timber sales, eagle nesting buffers, cultural resources, and wetlands. It also has approximately 9.6 acres of undevelopable land due to easements, an overhead electrical line, and a commercial cell tower.
- Site 1 contains several landfills.
- Clear SFS has a detected plume of PFAS compounds in groundwater.
- The Government is receptive to nuclear reactor power sources (e.g., Small Modular Reactors) for long-term power strategies but will not participate via equity investment. Offerors are responsible for securing their own power, as the Government has no capacity to provide it.
Contract Details
- Type: Request for Lease Proposal (RFLP)
- Lease Term: Not to exceed fifty (50) years, unless a longer term promotes national defense or government interest.
- Consideration: Must be paid in cash and not less than fair market value. A cash payment of up to $250,000 is required at lease execution to cover direct transaction costs. Offerors should propose a market-based rent escalation mechanism.
- Set-Aside: Small business concerns are encouraged to participate.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposals Due: 5:00 PM CT on June 29, 2026.
- Evaluation: A two-phase, best-value process will be used, based on four factors: Project Description, Return to the Government (more important), Organization/Experience/Capability, and Integrated Project Plan and Schedule (more important).
- Proposals can be submitted independently for each site and will be evaluated individually. The Government may make multiple awards at the installation level but a single award for a specific parcel.
Contact Information
Primary: Julia A. Cantrell (julia.cantrell@us.af.mil, 210-322-4699). Secondary: David Mairs (david.mairs@us.af.mil, 361-290-3400).