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
Last Updated
Mar 24, 2026
3
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 the Homeland Security Cutter – Light Icebreaker (HSC-L) program. The USCG seeks industry feedback to inform the acquisition strategy for up to seven new light icebreaker vessels. Responses are due by April 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Opportunity Overview

This RFI supports a potential future acquisition to recapitalize the USCG's light icebreaking capability in the Northeast region, replacing aging 65-ft WYTL class icebreakers. The Government anticipates a requirement for the production-ready design, production engineering, construction, test, and delivery of up to seven HSC-L vessels. A Contract Design (CD) baseline has been developed, which will require further maturation by the selected contractor.

Scope of Future Work (Anticipated)

The future contract is expected to involve:

  • Developing a production-ready design from the USCG's provided contract design.
  • Producing seven fully operational and sustainable HSC-L vessels with a projected 30-year lifecycle.
  • Primary capability: Icebreaking to promote safety and facilitate commerce in U.S. waters.
  • Secondary capabilities: Aids to navigation, buoy maintenance, lift capability, vessel escort, command and control, communications, sensor employment, and search and rescue.
  • Special requirements include Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Production Readiness Review (PRR), procurement of long lead time materials, construction of lead and follow boats, technical data submissions, crew and OEM training, various acceptance and operational tests, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), configuration management, and Human Systems Integration (HSI).

Key Information Sought

The USCG specifically requests industry feedback 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.
  • High-level solicitation approach, including a potential two-phase advisory down-select process.

Future Acquisition Details

The Government anticipates a potential contract award in late 2026, likely utilizing FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 15 procedures. A two-phase advisory down-select process is contemplated:

  • Phase I Evaluation: Production Capability and Past Performance.
  • Phase II Evaluation: Design and Production Approach, and Price. Evaluation will use a best-value tradeoff, with non-price factors initially more important, but price increasing in importance as non-price factors become equal.

Submission Requirements

Respondents must provide feedback on the draft SOW, draft specification, contract design artifacts, and draft solicitation approach (Sections L & M). Submissions should be in two parts: a PDF narrative (max 10 pages) and an Excel comment matrix.

Important Notes

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. The USCG seeks industry input to improve requirement clarity, validate design maturity, and ensure the future solicitation reflects realistic, executable requirements. An amendment updated select RFI attachments for formatting, but no technical content or deadlines were altered.

People

Points of Contact

William E. LewisPRIMARY
Christopher A. WellonsSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

Version 2Viewing
Sources Sought
Posted: Mar 24, 2026
Version 1
Sources Sought
Posted: Mar 18, 2026
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Homeland Security Cutter – Light Icebreaker (HSC-L) | GovScope