United States – The New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC), in collaboration with Vineyard Wind 1, has launched Act Local, a program aimed at maximizing the positive economic impacts of the Vineyard Wind 1 project in the greater New Bedford region by encouraging local businesses to participate in the offshore wind industry.
In support of its Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind has committed to Look Local First. The Act Local Program, run by global energy consultancy Xodus, is a simple matchmaking mechanism that connects local businesses with offshore wind possibilities. It aims to break down major Requests for Proposal (RFP) issued by OEMs and Tier 1 companies into well-defined work scopes using clear language, allowing local companies to more easily self-identify as potential bidders and recognize work scopes within the RFP that relate to their product/service offerings. These task scopes will be documented online through the NBOC Portal as SMART opportunities—specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely.
“Look Local First”
Community leaders from organizations such as local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, who have in-depth knowledge of the local business environment and represent various sectors of the greater New Bedford region, will distribute these opportunities to qualified local businesses. OEMs and Tier 1s will be better positioned to “Look Local First” as a result of this procedure, and local businesses will receive direct and timely information about opportunities in the developing offshore wind industry. Meet the Buyer events will be held on a regular basis in New Bedford to provide a forum for potential local offshore wind industry entrants to meet OEMs and Tier 1s in person, allowing them to make valuable connections and ensuring that the benefits realized from offshore wind development in the region stay in the region.
Act Local Program
Vineyard Wind, NBOC, and Xodus joined forces to create the Act Local Program. Following the recent release of the Bureau of Offshore Energy Management’s (BOEM) Record of Decision for the Vineyard Wind 1 project, it recognizes the importance of local content in developing the offshore wind supply chain in the broader New Bedford region. Act Local responds to the demands of both local businesses and major offshore wind OEMs and Tier 1 companies, who want to maximize local content while also acknowledging that the industry is still in its infancy, and local businesses aren’t yet fully aware of where they fit or what they can offer. The Act Local Program’s first phase will cover the Vineyard Wind 1 project’s Wind Turbine Generator and Transportation & Installation packages, but it could be expanded in the future to include other packages and projects.
