RB-S_Demo_Synopsis_Q_A_9-30-2025.pdf

Presolicitation No. 70Z02326R93250001 QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

No. Questions Response

1 Is it the USCG's intent that all cabin windows and doors will withstand continuous immersion in water?

No, The requirements are being revised and are expectd to be:

• Hull, hatches, decks, and watertight bulkheads shall meet watertightness degree 1.

• Doors, cabins, windows, and consoles shall meet a minimum watertightness degree of 2.

If so (related to question 1), what documentation or testing does the USCG expect to require to demonstrate compliance with this requirement?

Testing and documentation will adhere to ISO 12216 for watertightness degrees 1 through 3.

The Coast Guard anticpates use of a hose test with minor allowable leakage for watertightness degree 2, and no leakage for watertighnss degree 1.

3 Is it the governments intention to have a dedicated technician on hand M-F for the entire 3 months?

Yes, we plan to require the Offeror to provide a dedicated technician for a period of three months during the demonstration event.

This requirement is to keep the demo boats fully operational during the demo period.

4 Is the delivery and acceptance requirement 90 days from award?

Yes.

The delivery requirment is firm. Offerors who can deliver a boat within 90 days, that may not meet all of the other attributres are still encouraged to submit a proposal. Offerors that do not meet all of the attributes will be at a competetive disadvantage for a demo boat award.

5 Will the Coast Guard consider using or allowing diesel outboard engine. No. The requirment is for gasoline outboards.

The preliminary requirement specifies four (4) shock-mitigating seats in the cabin and a fold-down seat on the aft deck. The requirement also specifies a bow and stern gunner position. However, there is no requirement for the bow gunner to have access to seating on the bow.

Can the USCG confirm there is no requirement for a seat for the bow gunner?

There is no requirment for a seat for the bow or stern gunner.

The intent is for five required seats on the demo boats: four shock-mitigating seats arranged 2 x 2 in the cabin, and one seat on the aft deck to support monitoing a tow.

The aft seat is not intended for the stern gunner. For the RB-S demo, the gunner positions—both forward and stern—will not have seats.

Would the USCG permit the use of flotation elements other than low-density foam to meet ISO 12217-1 Section 6.8, Annex F, and Annex G requirements for the Response Boat Small – Demonstrator, given that a foam collar system alone cannot achieve the necessary flotation?

For the demonstrator boats, proposing other than low density foam may reduce the competetivensess of a proposal depending on what is proposed in place of the low density foam. A proposal that uses something other than low density foam would need to provide support for use of an alternative.

Can we propose a boat designed to ISO 12217-1, Design Category B, Option 3, with modifications, along with design features that will enable the boat to remain afloat even when there is damage to all hull compartments?

Yes, you are able to propose a boat that does not meet all of the intended attributes of the demo boats. Generally the more a proposed boat deviates form the intended attibutes, the less likely it is to recieve one of the anticipated four contract awards.

The Synopsis states that "Proposals will be required 45 days after RFP release. After the award, the boat will be required to be delivered within 90 days".

Can the Coast Guard give a timeframe for how long it will take the Coast Guard to evaluate proposals before award?

The timeframe the Coast Guard may take depends on several factors, including the number of proposals received, their context and quality, and the extent of trade-off considerations required for the award. The Coast Guard aims to receive proposals in sometime November, complete its review during the holiday period, and make an award within a month or so in the new calendar year (2026).

Preliminary Characteristics state: "Max height on trailer: 10 feet 6 inches to cabin top while on the trailer". Is this maximum fixed height? Can folding components (mast, antenna's, etc.) be above this height?

The Coast Guard will seek the following attributes for the RB-S Demonstrator:

• Maximum height on trailer: 10 feet 6 inches to the cabin top

• 11 feet 6 inches to the highest fixed point while on the traile

Lightship condition is defined as including weapons and ammunition. Can the USCG provide a notional breakdown of weapon and ammunition weight to be included in the lightship calcs?

Yes, the notional breakdown for weapons and ammunition is as follows: 30 lbs. for each weapon and 20 lbs. for each ammunition container.

Please note that the definition of lightship for the RB-S Demonstrator will be revised to the following:

Lightship Weight Condition – The weight of the boat with outfit, and system lubricants at normal operating levels. Lightship weight does not include fuel or people.

Full-Load Weight Condition – Performance weight plus six additional people (220 lbs each, seated in designated seats), two weapons (30 lbs each), and four ammunition/containers (20 lbs each).

Preliminary Information states that "Seating shall include a minimum of: Four full isolation shock-mitigating seats". What's the definition of full isolation? Does this mean that footrests are integral with the seat?

For the demonstrator boats the Coast Guard will seek the followign attributes for the shock-mitigating seats: two-by-two forward-facing configuration within the cabin with footrests (for occupants in a weight range of 110 to 300 lbs rated for up to 6Gs)

ICLS requires on-site support for 3 months and to provide any needed parts and consumables material.

Can the Coast Guard provide an estimated number of operating hours for this demonstration in order to cost the parts needed?

The Coast Guard plans to operate each demonstrator boat for approximately four hours per day during the demonstration period, totaling around 240 hours.

Also note that for the solicitation, the Stability standards referenced are the old standards. Please advise if the latest standards will be used.

The Coast Guard will review applicable standards prior to the release of the solicitation but advises any offeror to adhere to the standards, if required, as listed in the solicitation.

Q&Rs