# DLA Energy employees recognized by Department of Energy

/ Published Aug. 21, 2017
TAMPA, Florida, Three Defense Logistics Agency Energy contracting officers received the Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program first ever “Spotlight” award during a ceremony at the 2017 Energy Exchange Training and Trade Show in Tampa, Florida, Aug. 16.DOE Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Daniel Simmons and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment Lucian Niemeyer recognized Cynthia Obermeyer, Andrea Kincaid and Cynthia Ralph for their contributions to the principles of efficient and innovative energy management.“Thank you for your dedicated public service in support of the nation,” Niemeyer said. “You have made a significant difference in your agency over the past year by promoting energy, water and fleet efficient practices.”Energy Exchange is FEMP’s flagship event that brings together subject matter experts from a wide range of technical disciplines to share their knowledge of government best practices with the federal energy management community.“Obermeyer, Kincaid and Ralph truly embody the principles of efficient and innovative energy by connecting customers with suppliers, collaborating with federal colleagues and industry experts, and finding new and innovative ways to conserve our energy resources,” said DLA Energy Installation Energy Director Pam Griffith. “They have championed our efforts to deliver comprehensive energy efficient solutions and large-scale renewables to our Department of Defense customers.”Kincaid was responsible for executing the contract and overseeing the construction of the Army’s largest renewable energy project to date at Fort Hood, Texas. The 65 megawatt project is the first DOD ‘hybrid’ (solar and wind) renewable project and is expected to generate and supply more than 50 percent of Fort Hood’s electricity needs.“This project included installation of over 60,000 solar panels and 21 dedicated wind turbines, providing assured access to redundant and diverse supply sources,” Griffith said. “The Fort Hood project now serves as a model for other DOD service components that wish to pursue combined large-scale renewable projects.”Obermeyer served as the contracting officer and lead negotiator responsible for the largest energy savings performance contract award in Air Force history, and the single largest ESPC award across the federal government. The contract, valued at $649 million over 25 years, is expected to reduce energy and water consumption at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex located on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, by netting a 35 percent reduction in total energy consumption along with a 9 percent reduction in water usage.“It was this project that pushed DOD and the federal government over the Presidential Performance Contracting Challenge goal of $4 billion in energy savings awards,” Griffith said. “[Obermeyer’s] experience in this niche contracting area along with her ability to effectively connect and collaborate with multiple stakeholders on this complex project was key to the successful and timely execution of the contract.” Ralph awarded the Air Force’s largest solar project in January 2017. The project is expected to provide up to 35 percent of the electrical needs and more than $20 million in savings over the life of the contract to Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.“In addition to Vandenberg, she is also overseeing the performance and operation of two large-scale renewable energy projects for the Army, along with an ESPC at the Defense Intelligence Agency,” Griffith said. “[Ralph] regularly connects with suppliers and collaborates with federal energy representatives and leaders through her work on these projects and participation in various federal energy working groups and industry conferences.”FEMP works with its stakeholders to enable federal agencies to meet energy-related goals, identify affordable solutions, facilitate public-private partnership, and provide energy leadership to the country by identifying and leveraging government best practices.“It’s an honor to be recognized by your peers and leadership,” Kincaid said. “I am just doing my job.”