Massachusett’s New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC) in partnership with Vineyard Wind has launched a new programme to maximise the impact of the latter’s 800MW US offshore project.
The Act Local programme is designed to encourage local business participation in the offshore wind industry in the New Bedford region.
The programme is part of Vineyard Wind’s commitment to Look Local First in support of its first offshore wind farm.
Manager of workforce & supply chain Jennifer Cullen said: “We are committed to seeing local and diverse businesses participate in the development of the offshore wind industry and want to ensure there is a clear path for engagement.
“Act Local creates a direct link between our major suppliers who need products and services, and the local companies who can support their efforts.”
The Act Local Programme, facilitated by global energy consultancy Xodus, is a streamlined matchmaking system designed to connect local businesses with offshore wind opportunities.
It seeks to take major Requests for Proposal (RFP) issued by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 companies, and break them down into well-defined work scopes using clear language.
This should allow local companies to more easily self-identify as potential bidders, and to recognise work scopes within the RFP that relate to their product/service offerings.
These work scopes are referred to as SMART opportunities-specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely-and will be recorded online through the NBOC Portal.
NBOC president John Bullard said: “Vineyard Wind is a true partner in the economic growth in the region.
“This innovative approach of directly connecting suppliers with opportunities highlights not only the strength of our local companies, but the commitment of Vineyard Wind to the region.”
Community leads from institutions such as local chambers of commerce and economic development organisations will distribute these opportunities to relevant local companies that are capable and qualified to bid.
Through this process OEMs and Tier 1s will be better equipped to “Look Local First”, and local companies will be informed of opportunities in the burgeoning offshore wind industry in a direct and timely fashion.
Meet the Buyer events will be regularly carried out in New Bedford to provide a forum where prospective local offshore wind industry entrants can meet OEMs and Tier 1s face-to-face, making valuable connections and ensuring that the benefits realised from offshore wind development in the region, stay in the region.
The Act Local Program is the result of collaboration between Vineyard Wind, NBOC, and Xodus.
It recognises the importance of local content in building out the offshore wind supply chain in the greater New Bedford region following the Record of Decision recently issued by the Bureau of Offshore Energy Management (BOEM) for the Vineyard Wind 1 project.
Act Local answers the call of both local businesses and major offshore wind OEMs and Tier 1 companies that seek to maximize local content, but recognize that the nascency of the industry means local companies are not yet fully aware of where they fit and what they can offer.
Phase 1 of the Act Local Programme will cover the Wind Turbine Generator, and Transportation & Installation packages of the Vineyard Wind 1 project, but may be expanded in the future to cover additional packages and projects.