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RB-M: Acquisition Strategy
The RB-M Acquisition Project is a two-phased procurement to quickly acquire and field an operationally effective and suitable craft to meet Coast Guard needs. The acquisition strategy takes advantage of the growing technology and maturing global design base for marine craft, and to select an effective and suitable boat.
First Phase
In the first procurement, the Coast Guard awarded three firm fixed price contracts for one test boat each, including associated technical data and support items. The three test boats were delivered on 29 October 2004 and subjected to a thorough test and evaluation by Coast Guard representatives from all corners of the Area of Responsibility (AOR). Testing successful. The Project was able to validate the RB-M requirements and verify that industry has the capability to deliver those requirements using state of the market technology at a reasonable price. All three test boats met the contract requirements but none were suitable for operational fielding.
The Coast Guard completed the solicitation and award process for the second procurement, a limited competition for a single production contract to design and build approximately 180 RB-M over a six to ten year period, subject to availability of funds and other factors. Each of the three test boat contractors participated in this limited competition.
Second Phase
The second procurement is primarily a firm-fixed-price type contract with options. The contract consists of a base period of five years and an option period of an additional three years. The base period will include an initial order for a detailed design review to establish a configuration baseline. Upon Coast Guard approval of a configuration baseline, Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) will begin, with delivery of the first RB-M in March 2008. LRIP will continue at a rate of approximately one boat per month until the successful completion of Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E). OT&E will begin with the acceptance of the first RB-M and will conclude approximately one year following the acceptance of the sixth boat, allowing the Coast Guard to validate the RB-M operational capability in all corners of the Coast Guard AOR and in all seasons. Upon successful completion of OT&E, the Project will request authority to proceed to full production. Full production of approximately 30 boats per year should begin in 2009 and run through 2015, depending on funding and other factors