USCG - Response Boat, Small Third Generation (RB-S III)

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has an upcoming requirement to design, build, test, and deliver the Response Boat, Small Third Generation (RB-S III). This acquisition recapitalizes the aging fleet of 29-foot Response Boat-Small Second Generation (RB-S II) platforms approaching their end of service life. The contractor will provide the boats, trailers, full logistics support, technical documentation, configuration management, and supply support. The RB-S III will be a commercial product designed to execute multiple missions, including Search and Rescue (SAR); Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS); Migrant Interdiction (MI); and Other Law Enforcement (OLE).

The Government anticipates procuring up to 400 RB-S III boats for the USCG and an additional 100 modified RB-S III variants for other Federal Government agencies, subject to final requirements, availability of funding, and applicable ordering authority.

The Government anticipates awarding up to four (4) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. The resulting delivery orders are anticipated to utilize Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) and Fixed-Price with Economic Price Adjustment (FP-EPA) line items, as identified in the solicitation.

The anticipated IDIQ ordering period is ten (10) years, consisting of a five (5) year base ordering period and one five (5) year option ordering period.

Primary production will take place at the respective contractors' facilities. Delivery will take place at various USCG locations across the continental United States which will be specified in the solicitation.

The solicitation is anticipated to be released by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 26. The Government anticipates providing approximately 45 calendar days for submission of proposals. Formal Question and Answer procedures, including deadline for submission of questions, will be identified in the solicitation. Contract awards are anticipated in the second quarter of FY 2027. 

The Government anticipates conducting this competitive procurement using a two-phase acquisition methodology:

• Phase I - Offerors will submit initial technical, management, and conceptual design proposals. The Government will evaluate the Phase I submissions in accordance with the evaluation criteria established in the solicitation and anticipates award of up to four (4) IDIQ contracts. Each IDIQ awardee will proceed to Phase II.
• Phase II - Each Phase I IDIQ awardee will be issued an initial delivery order satisfying the minimum guarantee under its IDIQ contract to complete the detailed construction/production design, build one (1) demonstration vessel, and participate in a Government-conducted In-Water Demonstration. The Government will evaluate the results of each demonstration vessel in accordance with the Phase II evaluation methodology established in the solicitation. Following completion of the Phase II evaluation, the Government anticipates selecting one (1) IDIQ contractor to receive subsequent RB-S III production orders during the remaining ordering period. The final ordering structure and procedures will be established in the solicitation and resulting contracts.

The anticipated solicitation will provide the specific Phase I and Phase II evaluation criteria, evaluation methodology, and basis for selecting the IDIQ contractor anticipated to receive subsequent production orders.

The draft Statement of Work (SOW) and draft Specifications have been attached to this notice as follows:

1. SOW_RB-S_III_Draft
2. Specifications_RB-S_III_Draft

/// SPECIAL NOTICE / DISCLAIMER ///

This is a Presolicitation Notice only. This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). No proposals are being requested, and no contract will be awarded directly from this notice. This notice is issued solely for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment by the Government to solicit or award a contract for any supply or service.

All information contained in this notice, including anticipated quantities, contract structure, ordering periods, acquisition methodology, schedule, technical requirements, and draft documents, is preliminary and subject to change. The draft SOW and draft Specifications are provided for informational purposes and may be revised, replaced, or otherwise modified in the resulting solicitation.

The Government may consider feedback, questions, or comments received regarding this notice and the attached draft documents in the development of the resulting solicitation. The Government does not intend to provide individual responses to questions or comments received in response to this notice. Receipt of feedback does not obligate the Government to respond, revise the draft documents, incorporate any recommendations, or otherwise alter the anticipated acquisition.

Responses to this notice do not constitute offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any information, documentation, travel, or other costs incurred in connection with this notice. All costs associated with reviewing or responding to this notice are solely at the interested party's expense.

The Government reserves the right to modify, delay, cancel, or otherwise determine whether to proceed with this acquisition based on its requirements, acquisition planning, availability of funding, administrative considerations, or other relevant circumstances. Any subsequent solicitation, if issued, will be published on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Interested parties are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any updates, amendments, notices, and any official solicitation associated with this requirement.