FY26 G3 Aviation Solar Generator

1 April 2026, ammended to allow for monthly invoicing

The National Training Center (NTC) requires a comprehensive leasing service for one commercial, portable solar generator to support sustained, critical operational requirements at Bicycle Lake Army Airfield (BLAAF), a remote, off-grid location at Fort Irwin. The service is not for a product purchase but for a turn-key power solution, ensuring a reliable, stand-alone power source for a 12-month period.

This requirement is driven by the need for uninterrupted mission readiness in an environment lacking permanent power infrastructure.The generator lease must meet specific performance and durability requirements essential for success in the Mojave Desert. The leased unit must deliver a minimum continuous power output of 10kW and include an integrated propane-fueled secondary power source to guarantee 100% operational continuity.

This redundancy is critical during periods of low solar generation, overnight missions, or any primary system failure. Furthermore, the equipment must be environmentally hardened and proven capable of long-term performance despite exposure to extreme heat, abrasive sand, and high winds. The contractor bears full responsibility for all maintenance, servicing, and repairs to ensure maximum uptime throughout the lease period.

Without this reliable power source, critical operations at BLAAF would be jeopardized.The service is required for a 12-month period of performance, from 16 June 2026 to 15 June 2027. The contractor will be responsible for the timely delivery, installation, and subsequent removal of the generator from Fort Irwin, California. No unique environmental or storage requirements are levied on the government; all such considerations are the responsibility of the contractor.

1. Can offerors supply a gas or diesel generator as a back up to the solar portion, instead of the propane generator? While other generator types may be technically feasible, propane is the preferred solution for this application. It is highly reliable for remote sites due to its indefinite fuel shelf life and minimal maintenance requirements. Propane's clean-burning nature and closed-system refueling process also eliminate the risks of fuel system degradation and environmental spills, which are concerns with gasoline and diesel.

2. How often does the current propane generator have to turn on and run as a back up? According to the system's performance report for 2023, the backup generator recorded zero hours of runtime. The solar array and battery bank were sufficient to handle 100% of the load, even during periods of overcast weather. Generator use is exceedingly rare and would only be anticipated during prolonged periods (e.g., 3+ days) of extreme weather with no sun.

3. What is the running wattage of the load? Our field observations show a consistent baseline load of approximately 120 Watts (1A at 120V). This does not include ancillary equipment like the heater or fan, which cycle on periodically.

4. What is the peak wattage of the load? The peak wattage occurs when the unit's internal heater or lens-clearing fan activates.