In this session we will present examples of implemented microgrids that successfully achieve on-site resilience. These Department of Defense and civilian federal agency case studies will include lessons learned and challenges overcome in the development, design, implementation, and operation of microgrids, and the benefits realized in both regular operations and disrupted operations.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate real-world examples of microgrids that enhance on-site resilience;
• Identify common challenges in designing and operating microgrids;
• Recognize key lessons learned from microgrid development and implementation;
• Compare how different organizations are applying microgrid solutions for resilience.

This session will delve into Federal Automotive Statistical Tool (FAST) data reporting and how to streamline the process to improve data quality. Attendees will learn effective strategies for identifying and resolving common data quality issues, as well as best practices to reduce errors and avoid operational headaches. By the end of this session, participants will have the tools and knowledge to ensure their agency is not only compliant but also efficient in handling and reporting data. This session is ideal for professionals looking to enhance their data management processes and maintain a high standard of reporting in their organization.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Identify mechanisms to streamline the process to improve data quality through FAST data reporting;
• Recognize effective strategies for identifying and resolving common data quality issues;
• Identify best practices to reduce errors and avoid operational mistakes;
• Recognize tools to ensure compliance and increase efficiency in handling and reporting data.

Learn strategies to optimize performance contracts, including the leveraging effect of combining funding streams. Examine the savings, costs, and other variables that generate the DOE eProject Builder financial schedules, including analysis of eProject Builder schedules and their relationship to the project's financial goals of contract maximum terms, project size, project risks, and more. This session will discuss performance contract cost reasonableness and identify federal and industry resources to help you get started. The session concludes with a discussion of the acquisition requirements from a contracting officer perspective for a performance contract task order award.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize strategies to optimize performance contracts by effectively combining funding streams and other strategies;
• Identify the basics of eProject Builder schedules and their relationship to project financial goals, including contract term limits, project size, and risk profile;
• Recognize the cost reasonableness of performance contracts using federal and industry benchmarks;
• Identify acquisition requirements and processes for awarding a performance contract task order from a Contracting Officer’s perspective.

Effective operations and maintenance (O&M) provides reliability, safety, and energy efficiency if planned and resourced properly. But achieving this is far more challenging than it appears due to the often-overlooked complexity of real-world implementation. This session provides an overview of O&M strategies ranging from best practices to innovative approaches. We will focus on condition-based (or predictive) maintenance (CBM) strategies, how they differ from other O&M activities, and the related benefits to overall life cycle cost and reliability of assets. Speakers will share case studies where reliability-centered maintenance concepts were applied to develop a CBM strategy and associated decision support tools to maximize the effectiveness of current resources resulting in a proactive and insightful workforce culture.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Identify potential O&M opportunities, including best practices and innovative approaches, that can be implemented in facilities;
• Recognize condition-based (or predictive) maintenance strategies and how they differ from other O&M activities;
• Identify useful O&M tools that facilities can use to maximize the effectiveness of current resources;
• Identify the related benefits of O&M to overall life cycle cost and reliability of assets.

The ability to dynamically manage building loads is an increasingly important strategy for reducing energy costs, supporting a resilient utility grid, and potentially reaping rewards in the form of utility incentives. There is an array of established technologies and control strategies to enable facility managers to temporarily shed load, and/or shift loads to time periods where energy costs are lower. Join this session to learn more about emerging load flexibility options for HVAC and lighting controls, battery storage, smart electric vehicle charging, and more. This session will explore the highest-potential solutions, lessons learned, and what options may be right for your building.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Identify key technologies and strategies for load flexibility, including for HVAC and lighting controls, battery storage, and smart electric vehicle charging;
• Recognize the benefits of demand flexibility in reducing energy costs and enhancing grid resilience;
• Compare emerging technologies and determine their potential applicability to specific building scenarios;
• Select appropriate load management solutions based on building type, operational needs, and utility rate structures.

The objective of this session is for attendees to understand the basics of energy performance contracting. Speakers will describe the various procurement-based mechanisms available to federal agencies and discuss best practices and strategies for evaluating and selecting the most appropriate performance contracting vehicle to pursue for your federal project. This session will provide a general overview of all performance contracting vehicle types and other procurement methods (power purchase agreements, enhanced use leases, utility privatization) available to federal agencies (owned and leased) that are evaluating different procurement pathways to implementing energy and water management projects at their federal sites.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Identify the various procurement-based mechanisms available for implementing energy and water management projects;
• Identify best practices and strategies for evaluating performance contracting options;
• Assess the suitability of different performance contracting vehicles for specific federal projects;
• Recognize alternative procurement methods such as power purchase agreements, enhanced use leases, and utility privatization.

Federal Contracting Officers (COs) and Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) play critical roles in the execution and oversight of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs). Unlike traditional acquisitions, these contracts require specialized knowledge of energy performance-based contracting, energy project financing, and long-term contract administration. This workshop is designed to equip COs and CORs, as well as other key stakeholders (e.g., energy managers, project facilitators, and ESCOs) with the expertise needed to successfully manage ESPCs and UESCs from project initiation to contract closeout. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and scenario-based exercises, participants will gain practical insights to confidently develop and evaluate cost-effective projects, execute task orders that minimize risk to the government and comply with federal laws, and ensure long-term project savings and success. Day 1 will start with an overview of foundational topics such as authorizing legislation, legal requirements, and key differences between traditional acquisitions and performance contracts, before moving into a discussion of pre-award activities and project scenarios. Day 2 will focus on post-award responsibilities and scenarios, from installation through the performance period and project closeout.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Understand key differences between traditional acquisitions and energy performance contracting;
• Identify unique responsibilities and specialized knowledge needed to successfully execute ESPCs and UESCs;
• Navigate scenarios encountered during pre-award project development and discuss strategies for evaluating potential solutions;
• Learn how to leverage FEMP resources and support to streamline contracting tasks. 

This session will provide an overview of fiscal year 2024 Federal Government progress on key statutory requirements to reduce energy and water use intensity in Federal buildings (42 U.S. Code §8253(a)), use electricity from renewable sources (42 U.S. Code §15852), invest in cost-effective efficiency measures in Federal buildings (42 U.S. Code §8253(f)), and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (42 U.S.C. §17143).

Learning Objectives:

• Key requirements for Federal agencies under law for energy and water management;
• FY 2024 progress made by the Federal Government and agencies on key statutory goals;
• Trends in Federal energy consumption by end-use sector and energy type over the last 50 years;
• Federal energy use trends over the last 20 years compared to national end-use sector trends;
• Role of cogeneration and on-site renewable generation in meeting energy use intensity goals;
• What sources of energy are considered renewable under the law;
• Approach for facility energy/water management required under Section 432 of EISA (42 USC 8253(f));
• Impact of facility energy efficiency investment over the years and realized returns;
• Scopes and categories of Federal greenhouse gas emissions and trends since 2008.

REopt® is a publicly available web tool to help federal agencies identify the most cost-effective on-site energy technology mix, sizing, and operations to achieve federal cost savings and resilience goals. This workshop will start with an overview of RE opts capabilities and then focus on hands-on exercises for attendees covering the basics for new users and introducing new and advanced capabilities for experienced users. Participants should expect to leave the workshop armed with knowledge, resources, and confidence to use RE opt effectively in service of site and agency objectives. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Describe RE opts capabilities;
• Identify how to use the RE opt Web tool to evaluate distributed energy resources for cost savings and resilience;
• Recognize how to interpret RE opt results;
• Identify additional resources to continue to learn about and use RE opt, including direct support from FEMP and NREL.