RFI II - Special Purpose Craft - Heavy Weather Second Generation (SPC-HWX II)

Government Reply to Industry One-on-One Questions - 06 JUN 2024 Synopsis: The U.S. Coast Guard engaged in multiple one-on-one engagements with industry representatives interested in the upcoming SPC-HWX II acquisition. The Coast Guard is working to release a draft RFP within the next three months which will provide a preview of the RFP. In the interim, the following provides insight into some of the questions received, and the Coat Guards position on the more impactful issues that were discussed. One-on-One Discussions: We have closed the one-on-one industry discussions as we approach the RFP. Your prior feedback and discussions have been illuminating and appreciated. We remain open to direct communication for specific questions or concerns, we are just not scheduling additional meetings. Responses to questions received: Will you allow alternative propulsion configurations other than two marine diesel engines driving twin propellers? We are broadening the specification to allow for some alternative propulsion configurations. Primary propulsion must still be provided by two marine diesel engines driving twin propellers. However, the propellers may be controllable-pitch propellers (CPP) and power may be augmented by a hybrid drive system provided that the system does not introduce batteries (other than traditional lead-acid chemistry) into the system. At least one marine diesel generator and one secondary source (propulsion engine alternator or second generator, or similar alternative) must be provided for electrical power to auxiliary systems. Will you allow acceptance and/or delivery at a location other than the U.S. West Coast? Allowance can be made to complete preliminary acceptance testing at a location outside of the area specified by SOW-092-1.12, such as at the builder's facility. However, final acceptance will be at the delivery location which is at or near one of these four USCG Surf Stations: Grays Harbor and Cape Disappointment in Washington, and Coos Bay and Yaquina Bay in Oregon. The Coast Guard will not self-perform transfer to the West Coast. East Coast builders are required to deliver the boats to the West Coast in accordance with all applicable US Laws. What will be the requirements for a parent craft? Our market research and industry engagement findings are that a commercially available boat that is modified for government purposes will meet our requirements. Requiring traceability to an existing boat reduces technical risk and ensures that we comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulations to support a FAR Part 12 commercial item acquisition. We have revised the specification language and broadened it significantly. Revised Draft specification language: The SPC-HWX II shall be based on a parent craft with a mature, proven design. The design in terms of the hull-form shall be directly traceable to at least one boat of the same design or same family of designs with a minimum of two years of service and be between 40 and 85 feet in overall length. A parent craft design may be modified in material, arrangements, or dimensions to satisfy the requirements of this Specification. End of Questions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The U.S. Coast Guard received many inquiries for one-on-one meetings and hosted meaningful discussions with industry. Thank you to all who have participated in this market research. One-on-one meetings are now complete. A draft Request for Proposal (RFP) followed by an official RFP is anticipated to be released on sam.gov before the end of FY2024. The purpose of the draft RFP is to inform industry of changes to the specification that resulted from the Coast Guards combined market research efforts. No questions are being solicited at this time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The U.S. Coast Guard's timeline for this acquisition has been delayed. We are now targeting end of FY2024 release for an RFP. Because of this we are extending the period to host one-on-one meetings either virtually or at USCG Headquarters with interested parties until the end of April, 2024. If you are interested, please contact Paul Andron, contact@example.gov to coordinate a time for an in-person or virtual meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The U.S. Coast Guard received multiple responses to our SPC-HWX II RFI posted to SAM.gov on August 30, 2023. This post provides insight into the responses we received and answers questions that were posed in response to the RFI (See Attached). Some of the questions will require additional research for a more definitive answer - and where this is the case, it is indicated. An additional post will be made to provide clarity in the areas we are still researching. One-on-One Discussion: The Boat Acquisition Program Office (CG-9325) welcomes industry to contact us directly to have a one-on-one conversation about this acquisition. We understand that these requirements are complex and there may be value in this. If you are interested, please contact Paul Andron, contact@example.gov to coordinate a time for an in-person or virtual meeting scheduled prior to February 29, 2024. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The USCG has extended the RFI II until October 20, 2023. Please send all resposnes to the following emails: contact@example.gov contact@example.gov contact@example.gov ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) is conducting market research to purchase six boats to replace the previous 52 foot Special Purpose Craft - Heavy Weather (SPC-HWX) which have been taken out of service. The primary purpose of the SPC-HWX is to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) missions in extreme weather conditions to include surf and extreme seas, and be able to tow larger fishing vessels. Other secondary missions will include Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS) and law enforcement. The 52-foot SPC-HWX boats were built in the 1950s, became increasingly difficult to maintain, and have since been retired. The USCG plans to replace them with SPC-HWX II boats, deployed from four USCG stations in the Pacific Northwest (Grays Harbor and Cape Disappointment in Washington, Yaquina Bay and Coos Bay in Oregon). The previous RFI (11 Feb 2021) described a boat with a 25-knot top speed. This RFI represents a reduced top-speed requirement of 20 knots, and incorporates a 10% power reserve, with a range requirement of 500 nm (at 16 knots cruising speed). This change is intended to place additional emphasis on towing capability and responsiveness in surf operations. Additional planned requirements are summarized in the enclosed - Preliminary Requirements Table. This RFI includes a Narraitve and Questions, draft Specification (SPEC) and Statement of Work (SOW). Their entirety should be considered notional with several sections incomplete and denoted with language indicating that they are still a work-in-progress. The USCG welcomes comments and recommendations on any part of either document. Some sections of the draft SPEC and SOW have also been highlighted to represent areas where we are concerned we may be too specific or imposing requirements that are contrary to the goal of obtaining a well-balanced, capable, and sustainable asset. The USCG is interested in seeking industry input on feasibility and interest in providing this unique capability. Responses to this RFI shall be submitted by email to: William E. Lewis at contact@example.gov and Wendy L. Paulo at contact@example.gov This special notice is for market research and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award a contract from responses to this announcement. Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and no monetary compensation will be provided for response preparation. If the USCG elects to respond to questions asked by industry, responses will be posted publicly on SAM.gov.