Homeland Security Cutter – Light Icebreaker (HSC-L)

SOL #: 70Z02326IHSCL1GHTSources Sought

Overview

Buyer

Homeland Security
Us Coast Guard
HQ CONTRACT OPERATIONS (CG-912)(000
WASHINGTON, DC, 20593, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611)

PSC

Special Service Vessels (1925)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Mar 18, 2026
2
Response Deadline
Apr 10, 2026, 6:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons
  • NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
  • Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
  • Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
  • Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is conducting market research through this Request for Information (RFI) for a potential future acquisition of up to seven Homeland Security Cutter – Light Icebreaker (HSC-L) vessels. This RFI seeks industry feedback to inform the acquisition strategy and solicitation development for recapitalizing the USCG's light icebreaking capability in the Northeast. Responses are due April 10, 2026.

Purpose & Scope

The USCG intends to acquire new HSC-L vessels to replace its aging 65-ft WYTL class icebreakers. The future contract will involve maturing a Government-provided Contract Design (CD) baseline into a production-ready design, followed by production engineering, construction, testing, and delivery of up to seven vessels. The primary capability is icebreaking, with secondary capabilities including aids to navigation, buoy maintenance, lift, escort, command and control, communications, sensor employment, and search and rescue.

Feedback Requested

The USCG specifically requests industry input on:

  • Draft Statement of Work (SOW) and Draft Specification (SPEC).
  • Contract Design (CD) artifacts.
  • Production feasibility, industrial base considerations, and execution approach.
  • Program risks, including cost and schedule drivers.
  • A high-level solicitation approach, including a potential two-phase advisory down-select process.

The objective is to improve requirement clarity, validate design maturity, and ensure the future solicitation reflects realistic, executable requirements aligned with industry capability.

Anticipated Acquisition Strategy (from Draft Documents)

The Government anticipates a potential contract award in late 2026, likely utilizing FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 15. The future solicitation may involve a two-phase advisory down-select process:

  • Phase I Evaluation: Focus on Production Capability and Past Performance.
  • Phase II Evaluation: Focus on Design and Production Approach and Price. Evaluation will be a best-value tradeoff, with non-price factors combined being significantly more important than price, though price importance increases as non-price factors become more equal.

Submission & Deadline

Responses are required in two parts: a PDF narrative (maximum 10 pages) and an Excel comment matrix. Responses are due no later than April 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Additional Notes

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

People

Points of Contact

William E. LewisPRIMARY
Christopher A. WellonsSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

Version 1Viewing
Sources Sought
Posted: Mar 18, 2026
Homeland Security Cutter – Light Icebreaker (HSC-L) | GovScope