USCG selects three firms for OPC preliminary and contract design phase

The US Coast Guard has placed three firm fixed-price contracts for preliminary and contract design (P&CD) for the offshore patrol cutter (OPC) acquisition project.

The three contracts, which have a total value of approximately $65m, have been awarded to Bollinger Shipyards, Eastern Shipbuilding Group and General Dynamics, Bath Iron Works.

The US Coast Guard commandant admiral Bob Papp said that the contract awards marks a significant milestone in sustaining the offshore capability needed to protect the nation’s maritime borders.

"Affordability will be the central consideration as this acquisition moves closer to production," Papp added.

In January 2013, the Coast Guard received responses for the P&CD request for proposal (RFP), issued in September 2012, and conducted a thorough evaluation of proposals based on technical, management, past performance and price factors.

Prior to releasing RFP, the Coast Guard engaged industry through one-on-one meetings and providing opportunities for potential offerors to review and comment on OPC draft technical packages, specifications and solicitation language to support the effort to acquire an affordable OPC.

In addition to meeting Coast Guard and the US Department of homeland Security (DHS) offshore mission requirements, the OPC will replace the aging 210ft and 270ft medium endurance cutters while providing capabilities between the Coast Guard’s fast response cutter and national security cutter.