Native-Led Joint Venture Secures $45M Army Contract for Fort Buchanan Microgrid

A strategic joint venture between a tribally owned enterprise and a specialized Native-owned energy developer has landed a significant federal contract to bolster critical infrastructure in Puerto Rico. Energy Resilience Partners LLC, a North Dakota-based partnership, has been awarded a $45 million contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design and construct a mission-critical microgrid at Fort Buchanan.

The project is designed to provide robust energy security for the installation, ensuring that military operations can continue uninterrupted for up to 14 days during commercial-grid outages. According to project details, the microgrid will incorporate a sophisticated blend of dispatchable power generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS), renewable energy integration, and advanced communications controls.

A Partnership Built on Tribal Expertise

Energy Resilience Partners is spearheaded by Chippewa Sustainable Solutions Inc., an SBA 8(a) company owned by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. They are joined in the venture by Indian Energy LLC, a 100% Native-owned firm recognized for its specialized expertise in microgrid development and operations.

The joint venture’s successful bid was bolstered by Indian Energy’s proven track record, most notably its work on the Viejas Enterprise Microgrid in California. That landmark project, located on the lands of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, integrates 15 megawatts of solar generation with 70 megawatt-hours of long-duration battery storage. The Viejas project achieved historical significance as the first initiative to close under the Department of Energy’s Tribal Energy Financing Program, supported by a $72.8 million loan guarantee and an additional $43.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission.

Strengthening Federal Infrastructure

The contract, designated as W912QR26CA025 and awarded by the Army Corps’ Louisville District, highlights the growing role of Native-owned businesses in securing federal 8(a) contracting opportunities.

The timeline for the Fort Buchanan project is set for 1,141 calendar days, commencing once the government issues a formal notice to proceed. By prioritizing energy resilience, the Army Corps is taking a proactive step in fortifying Puerto Rico’s only active-duty military installation against the increasing frequency of grid instabilities, leveraging the unique technical and operational experience of the tribal partners involved.