USCG releases draft RFP for Offshore Patrol Cutter
The U.S. Coast Guard has released a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) project. The draft RFP contains new information for the shipbuilding industry and is available on the OPC project website. The draft RFP provides industry an opportunity to preview and submit feedback on contents and requirements that will potentially be included in the formal RFP for the preliminary design and construction of the OPC, MarineLog reported.
"The release of the draft RFP is another important step in the Coast Guard's effort to acquire an affordable and capable Offshore Patrol Cutter," said Rear Admiral Bruce Baffer, Director of Acquisition Programs and Program Executive Officer.
The Coast Guard will consider the feedback received as it finalizes the formal RFP, scheduled for release this fall. The Coast Guard requests all industry feedback on the draft RFP be returned by July 16, 2012.
The Coast Guard say that release of the draft RFP continues its acquisition strategy of acquiring an affordable ship that meets its mission requirements offshore by actively engaging industry early in the acquisition process. The Coast Guard previously engaged potential vendors during industry day events, one-on-one meetings, the release of the draft specification in May 2011 and draft technical package in March 2012 to identify the best avenues for acquiring a capable and affordable OPC. The Coast Guard plans to acquire 25 OPCs.