Forum exposes private industry to business opportunities

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SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  More than 100 representatives from private industry joined Air Force representatives at the Enhanced Use Lease Program Industry Forum in Dallas, Nov. 8. The forum solicited feedback and highlighted potential EUL projects.

Through the EUL program, officials lease underused military assets, including real property, to private entities for development into office space, industrial or other facilities or renewable energy projects. During the forum, Air Force representatives answered questions and solicited feedback on how to improve EUL policies and procedures. Air Force officials also gave attendees the opportunity to discuss the program in one-on-one sessions.

"By working together with private industry, the Air Force expects to enhance the usefulness and shape the future of the enhanced use lease program" said Jeff Domm, deputy director of the Air Force Real Property Agency, the field operating agency that manages the Air Force's EUL program.

Kathryn Halvorson, director of AFRPA, gave a welcome presentation to more than 100 attendees from the private sector, including real estate developers, building contractors and subcontractors and private equity lenders.

"Enhanced use leases are win-win scenarios for all involved.  Private industry benefits because they gain access to underutilized military property for development, and the Air Force benefits because it unlocks the value of its underutilized property, which can be used to support the warfighter," said Ms. Halvorson. 

Air Force officials also are exploring the use of EULs for the development of renewable energy projects, which could help the nation reduce its dependence on foreign energy supplies.

Currently, AFRPA has more than 16 EUL projects in various stages of development. The first Air Force EUL project began in January 2006 at Kirtland Air Force Base, in Albuquerque, N.M., where the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology plans to build an educational and research facility as part of a larger facility called the Kirtland Technology Park. 

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