Utilities Modernization

The Utilities Modernization Program (UMP) focuses on those utility systems that are either exempt from privatization or pending exemption from privatization. Modernization, as part of the Department of Defense Recapitalization program, is defined as alteration of facilities to implement new or higher standards, to accommodate new functions, to increase the efficiencies of components or the overall system and to replace building components that are at or beyond their service life. Modernization may be required due to a new mission or a change of capacity requirements at a particular location. Modernization may be accomplished through any of the following:

Incremental upgrades or replacements of a facility over the facility service life
Full modernization or refurbishment of a facility at the end of its service life, or
Replacement of a facility at the end of its service life.

The expectation for a Utility Modernization project is to raise the utility performance to a level higher than original performance or design level. The primary focus of the UMP is on central energy plants, thermal distribution systems and water distribution systems.

Renewable energy utility systems will be considered when modernization or replacement is required for failing utility systems. The Army recognizes the need for more secure, dependable and reliable energy and water systems. Availability and economy of energy sources is primary to Installations development of UMP projects.

This program resulted in significant efficiency and cost savings, and thus contributed toward meeting energy reduction goals. Current UMP efforts are focused on utility systems that the Army is unable to privatize. UMP projects compete for funding resources in SRM programs based on the criteria below:

ISR cost estimates for bringing systems to Q1 level rating
Reported environmental (air or water) Notices of Violation (NOVs)
Impact on mission dependency due to changes in mission requirements
Energy savings, in terms of energy per square footage reduction, and water consumption reduction

Process

Installations define their own site-specific utilities modernization plan, which requires garrisons to identify non-privatized utility systems projects that have ISR ratings below satisfactory condition/quality levels. These utility systems will then be prioritized against established selection criteria.
After projects are prioritized by HQDA, they are entered into a POM budget cycle.
A UMP Support Team performs technical and economic evaluations. This may include site visits and assessments at selected installations, reviews of utility source availabilities, environmental regulations, visual inspections of plants and distribution systems, design reviews, utility options for modernizing the systems (e.g., building a new plant, decentralization, refurbishment), and project validation.

UMP projects must be entered in the Project Prioritization System (PPS). All utilities systems with Q4/Black and Q3/Red ratings must have a project or projects in PPS to bring the systems to Q1/Green.

Entries must include building number, building use description, energy/water savings calculations, ISR improvements, mission impacts, measurement and validation methodology, pre-project energy and water use baselines, project justification and impact if not constructed.
The project originator will update their projects in PPS whenever design status, scope and cost changes occur.
Projects no longer required will be cancelled.
Once funding is approved, projects cannot be substituted without the approval of HQ IMCOM.

Resources

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