Homeland Security Cutter – Light Icebreaker (HSC-L)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
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.
- Response Due: April 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Contact: William E. Lewis (William.e.lewis3@uscg.mil) or Christopher A. Wellons (christopher.a.wellons@uscg.mil).
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.