The RFP was informed by extensive industry engagement, including contracted industry studies with eight U.S. shipyards, an invitation to review and respond to a draft RFP and the establishment of an OPC technical library. The OPC technical library provides updated design information that reflects the current state of OPC acquisition activities to potential offerors.
“The OPC will typically conduct its primary missions beyond 12 nautical miles from shore, and will be employed around the globe; anywhere the national interests require the USCG’s unique blend of authorities and capabilities,” the document says.
The deadline to submit responses to the RFP is May 28, 2021. Contract award is scheduled to occur in the second quarter of fiscal year 2022.
The OPC acquisition program meets the service’s long-term need for cutters capable of deploying independently or as part of task groups, and is essential to stopping smugglers at sea, interdicting undocumented migrants, rescuing mariners, enforcing fisheries laws, responding to disasters and protecting ports and waterways.
The acquisition of up to 25 OPCs will complement the capabilities of the service’s national security cutters, fast response cutters and polar security cutters as an essential element of the Department of Homeland Security’s layered maritime security strategy.
In 2016, Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. (ESG) was awarded a the contract to design and construct the first nine Offshore Patrol Cutters marking largest-ever vessel procurement contract ever awarded in the history of the Coast Guard.
However, due to the widespread damage caused Hurricane Michael, the Coast Guard later divided program two stages and revised its cost and schedule goals, says Mike Schuler from gCaptain, quoting a U.S. Government Accountability Office study.
“Under the revised plan, ESG would build only up to four OPCs in the first stage, while the acquisition of the remaining 21 OPCs will be awarded under one or more new contracts starting in second stage in fiscal year 2022,” Schuler says.
ESG’s design includes the following features: Length 360 Feet; Width 54 Feet; Speed in excess of 22 knots; Capable of carrying an MH-60R or MH-65 Helicopter; Capable of carrying Three OTH small boats.
