United States Coast Guard (USCG) Response Boat – Small Third Generation (RB-S III)

The Response Boat – Small Third Generation (RB-S III) represents the USCG's recapitalization of the 29-foot Response Boat-Small (RB-S II). The RB-S fleet consists of approximately 400 boats designed for a 15-year service life, with a top speed exceeding 40 knots, and exhibiting exceptional maneuverability. As the USCG’s primary asset for Search and Rescue (SAR), Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS), and Law Enforcement (LE) missions in coastal areas, the RB-S needs to be capable of towing vessels up to 10 tons displacement. The RB-S III will maintain the primary mission requirements of its predecessor, with potential expanded roles in Drug Interdiction (DI) and Migrant Interdiction (MI) operations. The USCG plans to acquire up to 400 boats, with the option for other Government agencies to order up to 100 additional modified variants. In addition to the boats and trailers, the program will include delivery of the following support elements:
Technical Data: Drawings, 3D models, Bill of Material (BOM), and commercial manuals to support the development of maintenance instructions. Interim Contractor Logistics Support (ICLS): ICLS (labor and material) to sustain the boats until organic Coast Guard Support has been established. Spares: Initial provisioning spares for the first year of operation and system insurance spares (e.g., fenders, spare engines).
The USCG plans to award up to four (4) contracts in FY2027, each with a minimum order quantity of one (1) boat, and order one (1) boat from each contract. These boats will be operated to verify the delivered boats align with the previously submitted and evaluated paper proposals. At the conclusion of this process, a single boat builder will be selected to produce the RB-S III fleet.
All information in this forecast is for planning purposes only and is subject to change pending approval of the acquisition strategy and supporting acquisition documents. This forecast does not constitute a solicitation, presolicitation notice, or Government commitment.