February 11, 2014
The U.S. Coast Guard today awarded three firm fixed-price contracts for preliminary and contract design (P&CD) for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) acquisition project. The contracts were awarded to Bollinger Shipyards Lockport LLC (Lockport, La.), Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. (Panama City, Fla.), and General Dynamics, Bath Iron Works (Bath, Maine). The total value of the award is approximately $65 million.
Awarding multiple design contracts ensures that competition is continued through to a potential down-select for detailed design and construction, establishes a fixed-price environment for the remainder of the contract, and incorporates a strategy to maximize affordability. This strategy was developed by analyzing lessons learned from other major government shipbuilding programs and through collaboration with industry on how to best design and produce the most affordable OPC.
"I thank the President, Secretary Johnson, and Congress for their continued support in recapitalizing our aging fleet of cutters. These contract awards today are an important milestone in sustaining the offshore capability needed to protect the nation's maritime borders," said Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Bob Papp. "Affordability will be the central consideration as this acquisition moves closer to production."
The Coast Guard issued the P&CD Request for Proposal (RFP) Sept. 25, 2012. Responses were received in January 2013, and the Coast Guard conducted a thorough evaluation of proposals based on technical, management, past performance and price factors. To support the effort to acquire an affordable OPC, the Coast Guard engaged industry prior to RFP release through industry day events, one-on-one meetings and providing opportunities for potential offerors to review and comment on OPC draft technical packages, specifications and solicitation language.
The OPC will fill Coast Guard and DHS offshore mission requirements and provide capabilities between the Coast Guard's Fast Response Cutter and National Security Cutter, while replacing the aging 210-foot and 270-foot medium endurance cutters.
For more information on the OPC acquisition project, visit: http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/opc
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, II applauded Panama City, Florida's Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., for being named one of three finalists competing for a $10.5 billion contract to build the U.S. Coast Guard's next generation of offshore patrol cutters. Eastern Shipbuilding was awarded more than $21 million to design its prototype for the new vessel.
"As one of America's leading innovators in maritime construction, Eastern Shipbuilding Group is well positioned to deliver the cutting edge, technologically-advanced vessels the Coast Guard is seeking," said Southerland. "Should Eastern Shipbuilding win this contract, it will provide a tremendous boost to Northwest Florida's economy and bring hundreds of well-paying, highly-skilled construction jobs to our community."
Eastern Shipbuilding Group is competing with shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana and Bath, Maine for the final Coast Guard contract.
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PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Eastern Shipbuilding Group has been selected as a top finalist among bidders for two dozen new U.S. Coast Guard cutters.
The Panama City, Fla.-based company is one of just three left in the running for a $10.5 billion contract that U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says could bring 2,500 jobs to the area.
Nelson is a senior member of the Senate's Armed Services Committee and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Guard. Better equipping the Coast Guard for offshore patrols has been a personal priority, he said.
"I think Eastern makes a lot of sense given its facilities, capabilities of its workforce and solid track record in this industry," Nelson said.
The other finalists are in Louisiana and Maine. The Guard announced yesterday the finalists were selected from eight shipbuilders. It wants 25 new cutters with production as early as 2016.
Here's a link to the Guard's announcement: http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/updates/opc021114.asp
The first release is from the United States Coast Guard and it was released Tuesday. The remaining releases were sent Wednesday by Rep. Steve Southerland's Office and Sen. Bill Nelson's Office
