Demonstrations are sought for solutions to integrate microgrid design with virtual test, evaluation, and data and asset management capabilities for improved microgrid performance and lifecycle management. The goal is to demonstrate how advanced digital models or “digital twins” (digital tools), could be used in the design and acquisition process for DoD microgrids and provide ongoing support for managing the operation and sustainment of the asset over the lifecycle.   

The DoD intends to provide information and data (real or anonymized) from an actual microgrid currently in the acquisition process, or operating, for project teams to evaluate their proposed solutions. Demonstrations should be designed to evaluate how the digital tools can provide value within the lifecycle of the microgrid. This could include, but is not limited to, the following: 

• Lifecycle cost reductions.
• Generation siting, sizing, and design capability.
• Interoperability with existing microgrid design tools.
• Ability to accommodate design iteration/refinement and conduct high-fidelity testing to meet all applicable standards and safety requirements.
• Configuration management and sustainment management capability.
• Testing of cybersecurity controls and hardware configurations before implementation in the operational system.
• Hardening planning (analysis of thermal loads, underground cables, economic implications), infrastructure expansion, and impacts of changes in electrical load requirements due to increased electrification of heating and transportation systems.
• Operations training for contingency scenario training.
• Fault detection and diagnostics. 

Solutions should consider costs for developing, maintaining, and operating the digital tool throughout the lifecycle of the microgrid and how the solutions will integrate with the DoD acquisition process and contracting methods. Proposed digital tools need to have an actionable plan for integrating with existing DoD databases and model management tools and processes. 

Proposals need to address the following points: 

• What are the use cases for the proposed solution?
• Who are the expected users and what skill sets do they need?
• How will users be trained to operate the proposed solution and what documentation will be provided?
• What is the value proposition to the DoD?
• What is the verification and validation plan for the proposed solution? 

Successful project outcomes will improve the performance of microgrids on military installations and reduce the cost to the DoD to operate and sustain these systems. Microgrids are complex systems that require significant engineering to design and construct. Each microgrid is unique and will likely undergo several updates and modifications over the life of the asset. Effective use of digital tools will ensure these investments are performing as originally intended and avoid significant costs for re-engineering system upgrades and modifications over time. Digital tools will also enable better cybersecurity practices by de-risking software and firmware updates before they are fielded on operational microgrids. 

The DoD currently does not require the development or use of digital tools for microgrid design, acquisition, operations, and sustainment; however, digital twins are widely used by the DoD in weapons system acquisition. Digital tools are often used in the design phase of microgrid acquisition; however, once the microgrid is developed, these tools/models are often not transitioned to government ownership or periodically updated and therefore offer very little value for the operation and sustainment of the microgrid.