The U.S. Coast Guard Acquisition Directorate today released a draft technical package for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) project, the USCG news release said.
The package, available on the OPC project website, provides industry an opportunity to offer feedback on newly released OPC requirements and an update on the results of the industry response to draft system specifications released in May 2011. The Coast Guard requests all industry feedback on the draft technical package be returned by April 30.
This release continues the Coast Guard’s acquisition strategy of balancing OPC mission requirements with prudent cost-control measures by actively engaging industry early in the acquisition process. In addition to providing the draft OPC specification and technical data package for industry comment, the Coast Guard previously engaged potential offerrors during industry day events and one-on-one meetings to identify the best avenues for acquiring a capable and affordable OPC. The Coast Guard plans to acquire 25 OPCs to replace the Coast Guard’s aged medium endurance cutter fleet.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the US military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission (with jurisdiction in both domestic and international waters) and a federal regulatory agency mission as part of its mission set. It operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, and can be transferred to the Department of the Navy by the President at any time, or by Congress during time of war.