Inergy Awarded $1.83M TACFI Contract by US Air Force to Advance Renewable Energy for Special Operations

Orem, Utah – August 20, 2024 – Inergy, a leader in advanced energy solutions, today announced that the U.S. Air Force / AFWERX has awarded it a $1.83 million Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract. This funding will extend the scope of Inergy’s previously successful Phase II project, completed in September 2023 with the 28th Mission Support Group at Ellsworth Air Force. The TACFI award will support Inergy in advancing the development, certification, and deployment of the Flex Tactical—a ruggedized, solar-powered generator system tailored for use in austere environments by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Building on Success: Expanding Capabilities for AFSOC

The original Phase II project focused on the initial adaptation of Inergy’s commercially proven 1500 watt solar-powered generator into a purpose-built, expeditionary system, resulting in the Flex Tactical. The TACFI project will now enable Inergy to obtain official MIL-STD certification through the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) processes. Additionally, Inergy will incorporate further capabilities identified by AFSOC’s Mission Sustainment Teams (MST) to enhance the Flex Tactical’s operational performance in challenging environments.

Strategic Deliverables: Meeting Military Standards and Supporting AFSOC’s Mission

Over the next 24 months, Inergy will deliver MIL-STD certified Flex Tactical systems to AFSOC’s 1st Special Operations Wing, specifically adapted to meet both the defined MIL-STD requirements and the unique operational needs identified by the Mission Sustainment Teams (1st SOMST). The final deliverables will include comprehensive testing results, formal MIL-STD certifications, a robust U.S. manufacturing plan, and a detailed transition strategy.

This strategy will facilitate the integration of best-in-class renewable energy technologies within AFSOC’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) response units, directly supporting key objectives outlined in the Air Force Science & Technology Strategy, the Air Force Climate Campaign Action Plan, AFDN 1-21 Agile Combat Employment, and AFSOC’s 2023 Strategic Guidance.

Leadership Perspective: A Commitment to Innovation and Resilience

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Air Force through this TACFI contract,” said Sean Luangrath, CEO of Inergy. “The Flex Tactical represents a significant leap forward in renewable energy technology, tailored for the most demanding military applications. This award enables us to deliver a fully certified, game-changing solution that meets the rigorous standards of AFSOC and supports their critical missions.”

Major Michael Gonyo on the Strategic Impact

“The collaboration with Inergy is a prime example of how innovation can enhance our operational capabilities,” said Major Michael Gonyo, Director of the 1st Special Operations Wing (SOW) Innovation Cell. “The Flex Tactical system is more than just a power solution; it’s a force multiplier that provides our teams with the resilience and autonomy needed to operate effectively in the most challenging environments. We look forward to integrating this technology into our mission sets.” 

Looking Forward: Enhancing Military Capabilities with Renewable Energy

Inergy’s collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and AFSOC underscores the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the military. The TACFI award not only enhances Inergy’s leadership in renewable energy but also aligns with broader defense priorities by providing resilient, sustainable power solutions in support of national security objectives.

Note: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

About Inergy
Inergy manufactures and distributes products that help individuals worldwide improve their quality of life with adaptable, clean, renewable power. The company’s line of products provides its customers with power anywhere, any time; so they can enjoy the good times, prepare for hard times, and rise above any obstacle life may throw at them. Inergy is leading the renewable power revolution with a bottom-up approach by making modular, plug-and-play solar power and home energy solutions available to individual consumers, families, and businesses.

About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com. 

About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,100 new contracts worth more than $4 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com.  

Company Press Contact:
Zane Hardin
VP of Marketing
zane@inergysolar.com