Attachment 2 - Questions and Government Responses v1.pdf

RFP No. 70Z02326R93250001 Questions and Gov Responses v1 Attachment 2

Date: 07 October 2026

Number Reference Questions Response 1 233 Will the USCG consider any fuel source other than gasoline for the outboard engines for RB-S III?

No. (Spec 200-1.1)

2 582-5.1 Section 582-5.1 calls the towline "¾-inch circumference," but Table 600-1 and 582-1.2.2 say ¾" diameter. Which is correct?

3/4 inch DIAMETER is accurate. The RFP spec has been updated (Spec 582- 5.1)

3 070-3 Where are the 8 full-load passengers located, and must they be seated?

The location of the 8 full-load passengers is a contractor decision and there is no requirement for dedicated seats for these passengers.

4 The SOW sections referenced throughout (040–097, and the "angular correction mandate" in 100-2.4) were not provided.

Specification section 100.2.4 references SOW section 085-7.1.4.1, which discusses the angular correction.

5 582-2.2 582-2.2 cites ABYC H-40 Table I, but H-40 is not in the 042-2 reference list.

ABYC H-40 has been added to the Spec (Spec 042-2.1.1.17)

6 310-1.1 Is 310-1.1's idle alternator requirement intentional, given typical outboard output at idle?

Yes, It is intentional. (Spec 310-1.1)

7 402-1.2 Does 402-1.2 permit engine data on the MFDs through an isolated gateway?

No. The propulsion system (engine data) shall not be connected to the navigation system. (Spec 402-1.2)

8 100-2.6.3 What criteria will the KO use to approve bent-plate structure under 100-2.6.3?

Use of bent plate below deck will require information to support the reason bent plate is being used, the required strength of the detail, and the strength of the bent material and surrounding structure.(Spec 100-2.6.3)

9 070-2.2 Does 070-2.2's 37' "on trailer" length include the trailer tongue?

Yes. (Spec 070-2.2)

10 079-1.1.1 For the application of ISO 12217-1, paragraph 6.8, Annex F, Table F.3, and Annex G, Table G.2, are integral watertight air chambers considered “flotation elements” and subject to the restriction in paragraph 079-1.1.1

Yes, Watertight air chambers are subject to the restriction of 079-1.1.1.

11 079-1.1.1 The restriction in paragraph 079-1.1.1 will discourage watertight subdivision.

The USCG acknowledges the air chamber restriction makes watertight subdivision less useful for calculations. The requirement is not intended to discourage watertight subdivision.

12 079-1.1.1 Is the Coast Guard aware of an operational incident in which progressive flooding of the entire vessel resulted in the loss of an RB-S or demonstrated that watertight subdivision and reserve buoyancy was inadequate.

The RB-S III acquisition team is not aware of an incident.

13 079-1.1.1 How does the Government intend to account for changes between the RB-S Demonstrators and the RB-S III resulting from the 079-1.1.1 requirements.

The USCG understands the RB-S Demonstrator requirements were different than the RB-S III requirements and the Demonstrator boats may not have met the RB- S III Spec 079-1.1.1 requirements.

14 079-1.1.1 If the required safety and survivability objectives can be demonstrated through ISO 12217-1 compliant designs, would the Government consider allowing the flotation methodologies recognized by that standard

The Coast Guard requirement limits the methods that can be used to meet the ISO requirements. The Coast Guard will not entertain alternatives that do not meet the specification requirements.

15 073-1.1 Would the USCG conduct a sound level test on an RB-S Gen II to establish a baseline and provide objective data to validate the RB-S III 85 dB requirement.

The requirement has been revised to 'below 86 dBA', consistent with performance observed on Coast Guard boats. (Spec 073-1.1)

16 261-1.3 Please confirm the definition of "fire safe"? Does the USCG use of ‘fire safe’ mean the definition according to API (American Petroleum Industry) 607 requirements for use in applications and environments where the valve may be exposed to fire and combustibles, or does the requirement call for temperature actuated automatic shut off valves?

The valve shall meet API-STD-607 requirements and does not need to automatically shut off. (Spec 261-1.3)

Spec 261-1.3 will be revised to “… shall be fitted with a fire-safe shutoff ball valve complying with API-STD-607...”

17 332-1.2 Does the blackout requirement apply to alarms, for example bilge pumps. If the bilge pumps automatic operation is activated while in blackout mode due to water ingress, can the dash mounted warning LED illuminate or should this be included in the black out requirement?

Yes, the blackout requirement applies to and includes visual alarm indicators. In the example, the LED should not illuminate while in blackout mode. (Spec 332- 1.2)

18 332-4.3 Do all four flood lights require individual dimming function or can they be grouped to a single switch?

All four floodlights are independently controlled and shall be independently dimmed. (Spec 332-4.1 through 4.3)

19 405-2.3 Can antennae be mounted to additional frames/masts/structures which are through bolted to the cabin structure. Example: Antenna through bolted to a radar arch. Is the purpose of this requirement to ensure

The antenna mount may be bolted to frames / masts / structures. The purpose is to provide a secure mount for the antenna that is resistant to the antenna or antenna mount coming loose during operations. (Spec 405-2.3) the antenna mount can be easily replaced or is the focus on the specific mounting location.

20 565 Will the USCG re-consider the use of automatic trim control for the RB-S III?

No, an active automatic trim control system is not allowed (Spec 565-1.1)

21 114-2 Is a hand-held power tool (e.g. drill) considered a hand tool.

Specification 114-2.1 will be revised to include the use of hand held power tools.

22 131-1.1 Would deck stiffeners near the perimeter of the deck opening satisfy this requirement in lieu of an insert plate or coaming?

No, covers may be stiffened near the perimeter, openings shall be reinforced at the opening. (Spec 131-1.1)

23 191-1.1 Will the Coast Guard consider foam blocks instead of bags if they are stowed, labeled and secured in the same manner described in 191-1, replacing the word bag with "block".

Specification 191-1.1 allows blocks (unbagged foam) in limited situations. The specification will be revised to only allow unbagged foam in voids. The other allowance for unbagged foam will be removed from Spec 191-1.1.

24 332-3.1 Does the Coast Guard require towing lights in accordance with Rule 24?

Yes, Spec 332-3.1 requires towing lights and was revised to allow them to be removable.

25 634-2.1 634-2.1 requires a "non-skid surface meeting MIL-PRF- 24667C, Type XI, Composition PS" which uses a self-adhering ("peel-and-stick") installation method. 634-3 states the interior cabin deck covering requirements but does not address its installation. Can this be bonded to the deck surface similar to 634-2.1 or is it required to be removable?

The interior deck covering may be a bonded installation if installed IAW OEM requirements for installation on an AL boat.

26 634-2.1 634-2.1 requires a "non-skid surface meeting MIL-PRF- 24667C, Type XI, Composition PS" which uses a self-adhering ("peel-and-stick") installation method. Can insulation be installed using a similar method if the insulation meets the requirements of 073-1.4?

Self-adhering (peel-and-stick) methods may be used to attach insulation mounting hardware (e.g., hangers or stand-offs). Adhering insulation material directly and semi-permanently/permanently to plating with adhesive is prohibited.

Spec 073-1.3.1 will be modified to prohibit installation of sheet materials on plating that hinder inspection and a new section will be added for insulation material used for other than Noise and Vibration.

27 078-7 & 634-2.1 634-2.1 requires a "non-skid surface meeting MIL-PRF-

24667C, Type XI, Composition PS" which uses a self-adhering ("peel-and-stick") installation method. Can this type of adhesive be added to the list of acceptable adhesives and coating systems by 078-7?

Spec 078-7 was revised and allows use of PSA adhesives

28 441-4 Please clarify if one user must monitor multiple radio circuits simultaneously.

Is selection/listening/transmission on one radio circuit at a time acceptable?

Spec 441-4 was updated to add the simultaneous transmit and receive over the intercom and one other selected radio voice circuit for each BCCS station.

29 070-2.2, 070- 2.4, 070-2.5

Measurement conditions for the principal dimensions: (a) length overall in water is measured with the engines fully tilted down at rest, the taffrail in place and the fender in its normal operating condition; (b) draft at full load is measured with the engines fully down and any trim devices retracted; (c) height on trailer is measured on the contractor-furnished trailer with hinged masts and arches lowered.

(a) See spec section 070-2 – length is with the fender deployed (meaning fully inflated), lowered engines, and taffrail in place.

(b) Draft is measured with the engines lowered and at full load weight condition. Trim devices are not mentioned – if they extend below the lowered engines – they increase draft.

(c) Yes – height is measured on the Contract Line Item X0001 provided trailer, and consistent with Spec 170-1.2 with the mast secured in the lowered position.

30 042-1.19, 051- 7.1

Trailered weight condition includes boat outfit and operational spares carried aboard, the fender in its trailering (deflated) condition, and the trailer's spare wheel, stowage box and accessories required by 910- 1.1.20.

The trailered weight is the RB-S III lightship weight condition plus fuel and trailer. Lightship weight condition includes outfit (i.e., Table 600-1, SPEC 670-

3.1 tool kit, Table 670-1). Trailer includes mounted accessories and stowage

(SPEC 910-1.1.20).

31 078, 100-1.1, 100-2.6.3, 150

Specification 100-1.1 requires the hull structure material to be aluminum. Please confirm the scope of the term hull structure as used in 100-1.1 and 100-2.6.3, specifically whether it comprises the shell plating, transom, main deck, watertight bulkheads, frames, longitudinals and machinery foundations, and whether the material selection for the cabin, console, hatches, doors, masts and similar structures above the main deck is governed by

The Coast Guard will not define hull structure. Your definition looks accurate but should not be considered limiting. The hull structure shall be aluminum.

Material selection for the items identified is identified in the sections you reference. Materials should be selected based on suitability for the RB-S III operating environment and service life.

Sections 078, 150 and 167 and by ISO 12215-5 for the material used.

32 114-1.2, Q&A

Q&A 11 permits an air bladder as part of the fender.

Please confirm (a) that Is 114-1.2 is satisfied by a fender whose primary energy absorption is closed-cell foam with an integral air chamber; (b) whether the 8 ft 6 in deflated beam is measured with the chamber fully deflated or at a stated residual pressure; (c) that the inflated beam may be used for both the ISO 12217-1 stability assessment and the ISO 12215 structural calculations; and (d) whether the required pump may be electric and powered from the boat's electrical system.

(a) Yes (Spec 114-1.2)

(b) The beam requirement of 8’ 6” is measured with the air chamber deflated.

(Spec 070-2.3.1)

(c) The inflated beam may be used for stability and structural calculations. The air in the chamber shall not be used as a flotation element to meet ISO

12217-1. (SOW 085-7.1.2.3.1)

(d) The required pump shall be appropriate for maintaining the collar inflation and may be manual or electric, and may be powered from the boat’s electrical system (Spec Table 600-1)

33 079-1.1, 079- 1.2, 079-1.3

For the ISO 12217-1 Category C Option 4 assessment with twelve persons at 100 kg, please confirm (a) whether persons are placed at the designated seating positions or distributed across all accessible areas including the working decks, side decks and cabin top, given that 079-1.3 excludes only the surface over the fender from the crew area; (b) which tests the Government will require to be performed physically on the demonstrator and which may be shown by calculation; and (c) whether the 8CL and 80 + 20CL test weights of 079-1.2 apply to the flotation tests only or to all tests using those quantities.

Personnel are specified at 220 lbs (100 kg). (Spec 079-1.2)

• Location of personnel may be specified in the ISO requirement. If not specified, location of personnel other than crew (in seated locations) is at the contractor’s discretion.

• SPEC 079-1.3 restricts the contractor from limiting what is considered crew area for ISO 12217-1. The language “over the fender” will be revised to “the fender”.

• Table 2 in ISO 12217-1 can be shown by calculation or by test, the Government does not require any of them to be shown by test.

• The 8CL applies to F.3 Swamped stability test, and 80 + 20CL applies to the F.4 Swamped buoyancy test. (Spec 079-1.2)

34 073-1.1, 513 Please confirm the measurement method for the 85 dBA limit in 073-1.1 (reference standard, microphone position at head level of each seat, sea condition, whether the ventilation fans of 513-2 are operating, and whether the limit applies at maximum continuous engine speed or at 45 knots).

Spec 073-1.1 provides the requirements for the noise level measurement. Which equipment is in use during the test is at the contractor’s discretion and should be identified in the test procedure. (Spec 073-1.1, SOW 092-5.2)

35 565-1.1 Please confirm that both interceptors and trim tabs are acceptable under 565-1.1, and whether the requirement for manual adjustment to a neutral position on failure means adjustment without electrical power, or adjustment by a separate manual control that does not rely on the primary trim controller.

Both interceptors and trim tabs are acceptable.

Adjustment to neutral position should be manual (unpowered).

36 Acquisition strategy, Phase I and Phase II

Please describe the Phase I evaluation factors and their relative weights; the Phase II evaluation methodology, including which performance measures are scored and whether price is re-evaluated at the Phase II down-select;

whether the 180 calendar days for delivery of the demonstrator (SOW 044-1.1) run from IDIQ award or from issuance of the Phase II delivery order; and whether Phase II demonstrators are retained by the Government or returned to the contractor.

These questions have been addressed in the RFP released on 30 September 2026.

The disposition of the demonstrators will not be determined until after completion of the down-select.

37 SOW 044, 068,

081, 091, 097

Please confirm which SOW requirements apply to the Phase II demonstrator: whether the Open Hull Inspection (068), the incline test (097), the full acceptance test program (091), the TDP (085) and Interim Contractor Logistics Support (080) apply to the demonstrator, to the second production boat, or to both.

The SOW requirements apply for the full contract.

The Open Hull Inspection is required for the Second Boat, and not required for the Demonstration Boat (first boat ordered). (SOW 068-1).

The incline test is one of the tests required for the Second Boat and not required for the Demonstration Boat (first boat ordered). (SOW 097).

SOW section 091 and 092 require Government edits to improve clarity and will be addressed in a revision to the RFP.

The intent is for every boat to go through the Acceptance Testing listed in 092-5, meeting the requirements of 092-1, 092-2, and 092-4.

With the exception of the requirement for USCG approval of procedures prior to AT in 092-3.1.1, the documentation requirements of section 092-3 apply to every boat. The 092-3.1.1 requirement for AT Procedure approval does not apply for the Demonstration Boat (first boat ordered). The highlighted SOW section references may change with the revision (renumbering) to SOW sections 091 and 092.

The TDP (SOW Section 085) has two phases, a limited number of deliverables for the first boat, and a second package with the follow-on order (see List of Deliverables).

Interim Contractor Logistics Support (SOW Section 080) will be ordered as needed.

38 400 series, 070- 3.4.1

Please identify which items will be Government furnished and which contractor furnished for the demonstrator and production boats, including SINS Generation II components, P25 multiband radios, the Commercial VHF-FM/DSC radio, the BCCS, the EO/IR camera and the M240B weapon mounts. For contractor-furnished items, please provide the approved part numbers or vendors and current lead times so they can be reconciled with the 180-day demonstrator delivery.

There is no Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) for the RB-S III program.

There is limited Government specified equipment listed in specification sections 424, 441-1, 441-2, 441-3 and 444-1. The manufacturer and part numbers are included.

If a contractor has trouble meeting the delivery requirements due to availability of Government specified equipment, the KO should be notified for resolution.

39 Past performance

For the past performance factor, please state what the Government will consider relevant in terms of vessel size, hull material, mission and contract value, and whether the past performance of major subcontractors and teaming partners will be evaluated alongside that of the offeror.

The Government is not using Past Performance as a factor. There is a FAR 9.104-1 responsibility determination addressed in Section M.2.c of the RFP.

40 SOW 085-1.4,

data rights Please state the data rights the Government expects to receive in the Technical Data Package, the 3D model and the native calculation and analysis files required by SOW 085-1.4, and whether contractor-developed design tools, process data and supplier proprietary data may be delivered with limited or restricted rights markings.

Section I of the RFP includes FAR 52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA-GENERAL

(MAY 2014), ALTERNATE II, ALTERNATE IV, ALTERNATE V (DEC

2007). This clause identifies the data rights applicable to this RFP.

41 Domestic content

Please confirm the domestic-content and country-of-origin requirements that will apply to aluminum plate and extrusions, outboard engines, electronics and other major components (Buy American Act, Trade Agreements Act, or other), in addition to the requirement that the boats be built in the United States.

Please refer to Section I, FAR 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies, and Section K, FAR 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate, for the applicable domestic-content and country-of-origins requirements. Offerors are responsible for proposing supplies and components consistent with requirements of the solicitation.

42 Production quantities and facilities

Please provide the anticipated delivery quantities by ordering year for the USCG boats and for the other-agency variants so that production capacity can be planned, and confirm whether the demonstrator and production boats may be built at different facilities operated by the contractor.

Section J Attachment 1 Pricing Schedule of the RFP provides an estimated ordering schedule. It does not specify which of the 500 boats are for Other Government Agencies (OGAs).

The RFP does not limit the number of production locations. If multiple locations are proposed, the proposal should address the impact on configuration management.

43 Other-agency variants

For the up to 100 modified variants for other Federal agencies, will the variant requirements be included in the solicitation, and is the Phase I conceptual design expected to demonstrate accommodation of those variants?

The modification of the RB-S III for OGA’s is not known. If OGA interest is expressed a contract modification will address incorporation of the changes.

Proposals are not expected to address modifications for the OGA variant.

44 200-1.1, 200-1.2 Does the Government require or prefer commonality of outboard engine make and model with the existing RB-S II fleet or with other Federal fleets, and will engine selection, service history or dealer support network be an evaluation consideration?

The Government does not require or prefer commonality with the RB-S II Fleet.

Equipment selection, service history, and supportability are considered as part of the technical evaluation.

45 233-1.1, SOW

Will the Government accept: (a) a current EPA Certificate of Conformity for the engine family issued under 40 CFR Part 1045, or (b) a statement of compliance from the engine manufacturer supported by emission test results, calculations or operating data

Either is acceptable for meeting the Spec 233-1.1 requirement.

The certificate or statement required by 233-1.1 shall cover engines as purchased from the OEM and must be valid on the date of delivery of each boat.

obtained in accordance with the Part 1045 test procedures to satisfy the Specification 233-1.1 requirement?

Does the certificate or statement need to be current on the date of delivery of each boat, and does the requirement extend to engine control calibrations, fuel system components and other items installed or configured by the Contractor after the engine leaves the manufacturer.

46 Phase II In- Water Demonstration

Will the Phase II In-Water Demonstration use the same scenarios as the 2025 to 2026 RB-S Demonstrator event, and will the operator observations published in the 16 July 2026 RB-S Demonstrator Feedback notice be used as evaluation considerations? If so, please indicate which of those observations will carry weight so that they can be addressed in the Phase I design.

The scenarios for the RB-S III are included in section L of the RFP and are not the same as the January 2026 RB-S Demonstrator contracts.

Selected operator observations from the RB-S Demonstrator contracts have influenced and been incorporated into the RB-S III specification.

RB-S III proposals should address the RB-S III requirements (SOW and Spec) and Factors (Section L and M).

The July 2026 Demonstrator Feedback provides Coast Guard observations of features included on the RB-S Demonstrator boats. If not incorporated into the RB-S III RFP, they are not requirements of the RB-S III.

47 Pricing Schedule

Is the list of deliverables different for CLIN 0006 and

CLIN 1006

Yes, the list of deliverables is detailed in Section C, Attachment 4: LIST OF DELIVERABLES. The Column Titled ‘Pricing Sheet’ establishes which deliverables are associated with each CLIN. The ‘Pricing Sheet’ column should be examined closely in establishing CLIN 0006 and 1006 pricing. The ‘Pricing Sheet’ column header will be re-titled to align with other language in the RFP (i.e. Pricing Schedule / CLIN)

48 Contract / DPAS Will orders be DPAS rated? If so, what DPAS rating is expected?

Orders will not be Federal Priorities and Allocations System (FPAS) rated. This can be re-considered post award.

49 RFP Section H

– H.2

H.2. Request for finance payments is limited to no more than once per month. However, if 60 boats per year are to be delivered, weekly payment requests would be anticipated. Will all deliveries in a given month be grouped into one payment?

Section H.2 allows for finance payment up to once per month. Section H.3 allows for submission of final payments on acceptance.

50 RFP Section H

– H.2.(a).(1) H.2.(a).(1) Milestone 1: What material meets the definition of LLTM?

There is no requirement associated with categorization as LLTM The only requirement is LLTM is limited to 30% of the value of the CLIN, and invoicing for LLTM must be substantiated as indicated in Section H.2.

51 Specification 100-1.1

Specification 100-1.1 requires an aluminum hull. Will the Government accept fiberglass composite hulls built to ISO 12215 Category B with equal or better structural performance, either for the RB-S III or for the OGA variant (CLINs X017/X018)?

No. A fiberglass or composite hull does not meet the RB-S III requirements.

52 Please describe the anticipated mission, size, and requirements of the Non-Recurring Engineering for OGA Variant (J-1, CLINs X017/X018). Which agencies are expected to order it, and will its requirements differ from the base specification?

The variant is included in case OGA’s want to order. It is not “expected” but available.

If an OGA elects to order, the specifics of any changes or modifications will be established through a contract mod.

Any changes will be limited will not be changing the “size” of the RB-S III.

The non-recurring engineering cost to develop the OGA variant will be negotiated if there is OGA interest. The Cost of developing an OGA variant should not be priced in your price proposal.

53 Will the Government publish an interested vendors or potential subcontractor list for this solicitation so small manufacturers can contact prospective offerors about teaming?

No, the Government will not publish an interested vendors or potential subcontractor list.