Coast Guard Releases Request for Proposal for Next-generation Cutter Boats

By U.S. Coast Guard News Release - August 18, 2020

Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger, deputy commandant for operations, gets under way in an over-the-horizon cutterboat to conduct training with a boarding team of the CGC Bernard C. Webber Sept. 25, 2012. The over-the-horizon capabilities of the FRCs’ cutterboats are a major step forward. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jon-Paul Rios

The Coast Guard released a request for proposal (RFP) Aug. 13, 2020, for the next generation of over-the-horizon capable cutter boats (OTH-V). The RFP is available here.

Proposals are due by noon (EDT) Oct. 12, 2020.

Following on the success of the OTH-IV program, the OTH-V is viewed as an evolutionary step in providing capability for the Coast Guard’s major cutter fleet. The program is designed to expand the service’s mission readiness and meet the Coast Guard’s cutter-based surface prosecution needs for the next decade. With an estimated production of close to 200 boats, the OTH-V will be the primary cutter boat for the Coast Guard’s major cutters.

The acquisition is being conducted in two phases. In the first phase, evaluation of the submitted proposals will result in up to four individual awards. Each awardee will produce a single boat that will be used to demonstrate the boat’s capabilities in selected scenarios. The second phase will update the initial evaluations based on the demonstration, leading to selection of a single best-value boat to move into production.

OTH-V notional characteristics include a top speed of 38 to 42 knots powered by a diesel engine with waterjet and a range of 150 to 200 nautical miles. The boat will carry up to 13 people, with dimensions limited to 26 feet long by 8.5 feet wide, and a performance weight of approximately 8,700 pounds.

The OTH-V will continue to consolidate boat classes, generating efficiencies in training and supportability. The delivery schedule calls for production and deliveries of 12 to 24 OTH-Vs per year starting in 2023.

Cutter boats deployed aboard cutters facilitate mission accomplishment in almost all mission areas, with emphasis on search and rescue, drug interdiction, alien migrant interdiction operations, living marine resources, defense readiness, and ports, waterways and coastal security.

For more information: Boat Acquisition program page. Previous industry engagement materials can be found under the resources tab at the bottom of the page.