ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --
The Department of the Air Force is moving forward with plans to transition on-base lodging at 58 installations across the U.S. and its territories to a commercial partner through the Commercial On-Base Lodging initiative.
The service is seeking a national hotel partner for a 50-year lease to ensure long-term sustainment and revitalization of these facilities.
A 2023 analysis by DAF leadership determined that commercialization of DAF lodging offers the best path to sustainment. Over time, evolving funding priorities and the transition to a fully nonappropriated funds model have presented challenges for facility upkeep and improvements. Addressing these challenges, the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is executing the COBL initiative to ensure the continued quality and availability of accommodations.
“Quality lodging is critical for Airmen, Guardians and their families,” said Robert Moriarty, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations. “Whether for training, relocation or temporary duty assignments, ensuring reliable, well-maintained lodging is vital to readiness, mission success and resilience.”
The COBL program management office will implement a phased approach to ensure financial stability, continuous lodging operations, and minimal disruption. The first group of 23 installations, Group A, slated for transition includes:
• Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma
• Barksdale AFB, Louisiana
• Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado
• Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona
• Edwards AFB, California
• Hurlburt Field, Florida
• Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
• JB Charleston, South Carolina
• JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
• JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey
• Little Rock AFB, Arkansas
• Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
• Shaw AFB, South Carolina
Installations were selected based on financial modeling using historical data, industry benchmarks, and projected recapitalization needs. The deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations will oversee the selection process.
Key dates for Request for Proposal process:
• RFP Release: expected Summer 2025
• RFP Responses Due: Fall/Winter 2025
• Partner/Applicant Selection: Summer 2026, followed by pre-planning activities such as environmental assessments and design charrettes
• Lease Finalization and Operational Transfer: Fall 2027
“The Department of the Air Force is focused on swiftly, yet effectively, selecting an industry leader as a lease applicant, then efficiently closing the Group A lease and transferring operations to the lessee,” said Benjamin Kindt, Commercial On-Base Lodging Program Management Office chief.