The Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust is an independent fund established to ensure that the offshore wind industry in New Jersey is developed sustainably and inclusively. This Trust works in tandem with the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act (OWEDA) to help New Jersey reach 3,500 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity by 2030, strengthening its ability to fully transition to clean energy sources by 2050.

The Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust’s goal is to fund proposals from New Jersey-based businesses that would accomplish the following:

• Help New Jersey-based minority-owned businesses and women-owned businesses enter the offshore wind industry.

• Develop a reliable, sustainable pipeline of future workers to enter the offshore wind industry.

• Further the state’s port development for offshore wind energy production.

• Support coastal resiliency and grid reliability in the state. 

With this in mind, MAS Construction Services approached The Aubrey Group to prepare a formal expression of interest (a preliminary application, which would determine whether or not MAS Construction would be invited to submit a full application) to the grant program in 2023. To accomplish this, The Aubrey Group scheduled a series of routine meetings with MAS Construction to develop a competitive, job-building program. This program functioned through two tracks: enrolling current MAS Construction employees in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Commissioning Certificate program, where they would gain a Qualified Commissioning Process Provider Certificate that could be used in obtaining gainful employment in the offshore wind industry; and partnering with Rowan University to establish a paid apprenticeship program. This program would help connect students from underrepresented social groups with valuable skill development and educational opportunities. The skills developed in this program would have a direct, applicable impact on the offshore wind industry.

In 2024, Mas Construction was invited to submit a full application to the Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust and re-engaged services with The Aubrey Group. The full application required a much more detailed and intensive proposal than the expression of interest, including new narrative content such as biographies of key project personnel; descriptions of the economic opportunities and financial impact generated by the project; an analysis of how the project would contribute to New Jersey’s developing offshore wind industry; and a complete project budget. To accomplish this, The Aubrey Group conducted extensive research on New Jersey’s plans for clean energy production and a new offshore wind industry, and held regular meetings with MAS Construction and Rowan University to finalize all details of the proposed project and collect essential attachments such as an internship template for Rowan University students and a Letter of Commitment from Rowan University. MAS Construction’s proposal was formally approved by the Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor trust, which awarded the full $244,260.00 to carry out the proposed project. With the help of The Aubrey Group, MAS Construction and Rowan University are now able to create a reliable pipeline of workers that will help develop New Jersey’s Offshore Wind Industry, and help the state transition to clean energy.

About the Client: MAS Construction Services LLC is a leading specialist in providing construction services for mechanical, plumbing, and automatic temperature controls. MAS is certified as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise in New Jersey and offers its clients comprehensive services for energy usage and infrastructure. MAS’ commissioning services help clients maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their systems, and it has made a name for itself as a talented and reliable construction company.

Photo Credit: Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust Facebook Page