In a bid to unlock potential growth opportunities, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the 96th Test Wing will host an Industry Day on February 7, 2024, at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The event aims to pave the way for developing a mixed-use technology and research park on a 98-acre parcel of non-excess, underutilized land surrounding the Research Engineering and Education Facility.

Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Time at the Research Engineering and Education Facility, located at 1350 North Poquito Road in Shalimar, Florida, the Industry Day will serve as a forum for private sector developers, public entities, and the local community to delve into the possibilities offered by the Air Force’s Enhanced Use Lease program.
The Air Force is actively seeking private and public interest in leasing all or part of the 98-acre parcel for financing, permitting, developing, constructing, owning, maintaining, and operating commercial buildings. This venture is part of the Enhanced Use Lease program, which involves lease agreements between the Air Force and private developers and/or public entities to foster commercial ventures on federally owned land under the control of the Secretary of the Air Force.

Projects under consideration for the Eglin Air Force Base development include hotels, business parks, solar photovoltaic arrays, sports complexes, wastewater reclamation facilities, and commercial mixed-use developments. The lease opportunity will be subjected to a Federal Acquisition Regulation-like source selection process, ensuring fair competition.

To kick off the process, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center will release a draft Request for Lease Proposal, AFCEC-24-R-0001, on or before January 18, 2024, available at SAM.gov. Interested parties have until March 29, 2024, at 5 p.m. Central Time to submit their proposals.
Industry Day is anticipated to be a collaborative platform, bringing developers and the public together to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and seek clarification on the proposed Enhanced Use Lease opportunity at Eglin. For registration and participation, interested parties are encouraged to send an email to EglinAFB.EUL@Specprosvcs.com.
This initiative marks a strategic move by Eglin Air Force Base to engage with the private sector and local community, fostering economic development and creating opportunities for innovative projects that align with the Air Force’s mission and goals.