Attachment 1 - Government Responses to Solicitation Questions_A00001.pdf

Question No. Offeror Question Government Response

Q1

If an offeror proposes a milestone payment or Performance- Based Payment (PBP) structure as part of its contract financing, does the Government anticipate requiring additional security, such as a repayment or performance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or other form of collateral, as a condition of approving that financing? Or will the requirement for adequate security be determined on a case-by-case basis after award based on the contractor's financial condition, the proposed financing arrangement, and the Government's assessment of risk?

The Government anticipates providing contract financing only in accordance with Section H.2 and FAR 32.202-4. Adequate security for any approved commercial interim financing will be determined by the Contracting Officer based on the proposed financing arrangement, the contractor's financial condition, and risk to the Government. The Government does not anticipate requiring one uniform form of security for all offerors. Acceptable security may include the forms identified in FAR 32.202-4 and the solicitation, including contractor financial condition, liens, pledged assets, letters of credit, surety bonds, guarantees of repayment, title to identified assets, or another form acceptable to the Government.

Q2 Will the Government clarify that Times New Roman 10-point font is allowed for graphics and tables?

No. Offerors shall comply with the proposal formatting requirements stated in Section L.6. Unless the solicitation is amended to state otherwise, the Times New Roman 12-point minimum applies to proposal content, including graphics and tables.

Q3

Due to the final RFP being released over the holiday weekend and many Government contracting representatives being on leave/vacation, we recommend the Government extend the due date for Phase I proposal submissions by 7 calendar days.

The Government has granted an extension. All Phase 1 proposals are due by 1200 U.S. Eastern Time on 20 July 2026. Offerors remain responsible for ensuring proposals are received by the Government before the date and time stated in the solicitation.

Q4

Will the Government provide a pre-populated burdened labor rate table for use across CLINs and future Delivery Orders, or must Offerors propose fully burdened composite labor rates for engineering and non-engineering labor in the initial proposal? Providing pre-established rates would allow more consistent and efficient pricing across all five ordering periods.

The Government does not intend to provide a pre-populated burdened labor rate table. Offerors shall complete the required pricing submission in accordance with Section B and Attachment J-7. To the extent the pricing template or instructions require labor-rate information, Offerors shall provide fully burdened rates and supporting information in the applicable fields/tabs without altering the Government-provided pricing template.

Q5

For the blank unit prices shown throughout the Ordering Period Price Tables, what level of cost detail and supporting data does the Government require? Specifically, does the Government expect Offerors to complete the Production Pricing Matrix and LLTM tabs with full build-up detail, or will summary unit prices on the Offeror_Pricing tab be sufficient for evaluation?

Offerors shall complete Attachment J-7 in accordance with the pricing schedule instructions, including applicable Production Pricing Matrix and LLTM tabs. Summary unit prices alone are not sufficient where the pricing template requires supporting build-up detail. The Government will evaluate price submissions for completeness and reasonableness using the information required by the solicitation and Attachment J-7.

Q6

For CLIN 0008 (Special Studies and Events), are the pre-inserted amounts fixed, target, or ceiling values? For CLIN 0009 (Capital Expenditures), which is marked 'Reserved' and noted as a post-award Contracting Officer decision, what criteria will the Government use to determine whether to exercise this CLIN, and will Offerors have an opportunity to propose cost-benefit analyses after award?

For CLIN 0008 (Special Studies and Events), the USCG provided ceiling amount is used for anticipated materials and labor cost associated with this CLIN. This amount is used for evaluation and will be applied to the overall contracting value. For CLIN 0009 (Capital Expenditures), which is marked 'Reserved' and noted as a post-award Contracting Officer decision, the Contractor will provide a Business Case Analysis (BCA) Post Award in the area of investments in facilities and process improvement projects regarding its effectiveness in providing cost savings, quality improvements, or schedule efficiencies to the Government. The details of the BCA are provided in Section H.7 Capital Expenditures. The Offeror proposals shall not assume Capital Expenditures incentives.

Attachment 1 - Government Responses to Solicitation Questions

Amendment A00001 Homeland Security Cutter - Light Icebreaker (HSC-L)

Solicitation No. 70Z02326R93280004

Q7

Does the Government currently intend to procure all seven HSC-L vessels under this contract, or will vessels five through seven be subject to future funding and requirements decisions? This information directly affects production planning, learning curve assumptions, facility utilization, and long-term pricing strategy.

The minimum contract guarantee under this Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract is the procurement of Design and Engineering and four Homeland Security Cutter – Light Icebreakers (HSC-L) including the associated long lead time materials. This minimum guarantee represents the Government’s binding commitment to the Contractor, thereby satisfying the legal requirement for consideration and ensuring the Contractor receives a baseline level of business under the contract. While the minimum guarantee obligates the Government to purchase at least four HSC-L, any additional orders beyond this minimum quantity will be determined solely by the Government’s operational requirements, funding availability, and mission priorities. The IDIQ contract structure provides the Government with maximum flexibility to respond to evolving needs without committing to quantities beyond the stated minimum. It is important to note that the Government bears no obligation to issue orders for any quantity greater than the minimum guarantee. Any further procurement will be at the Government’s discretion, and the Contractor is not entitled to compensation for quantities not ordered.

Q8

LLTM orders for the lead vessel cannot be placed until after PDR. Given that PDR exit criteria require identification of LLTM with in-yard need dates, will the Government consider early authorization of select LLTM prior to PDR if the Contractor can demonstrate a clear cost or schedule benefit?

The Coast Guard will consider authorization to procure long lead time materials prior to Preliminary Design Review if the Contractor demonstrates clear cost or schedule benefits.

Q9

Section L states that the Government will provide the Contract Design during Phase II, while the SOW requires the Contractor to develop the Contract Design into a production-ready design. Can the Government please clarify the expected contents of the Contract Design package (e.g., Functional Configuration Baseline drawings, system diagrams, calculations, and other design artifacts) that will be furnished to the successful Offeror?

Section J-1, 042.5.3 specifies the list of contract drawings and informational drawings the Coast Guard will provide to the Offerors in the Phase 2 of the RFP.

Q10

For relevant past performance references from State and Local government customers who cannot complete written Past Performance Questionnaires due to internal policy, would the Government accept an unsigned completed PPQ form with contract data, POC, and a written summary of work performed followed by a telephone verification call conducted by the Government? This approach would still allow the Government to obtain timely, relevant, and verifiable past performance information while respecting the reference's constraints.

In the event a PPQ is from a customer unable to sign a PPQ, the customer shall submit the PPQ from their official email, even if unsigned by the customer.

Q11

How will the Government evaluate price realism and reasonableness on the proposed unit prices, particularly for Production and LLTM CLINs? Will the Government use independent estimates, comparisons across Offerors, or other price analysis techniques?

The Government did not state and does not intend to conduct a price realism analysis.

The Government will evaluate proposed prices for completeness and reasonableness in accordance with Section M and FAR Part 15. The Government may use one or more price analysis techniques, including comparison of proposed prices received, comparison to the Independent Government Estimate, historical prices, market research, or other techniques permitted by FAR Part 15.

Q12

Will the Government provide a comprehensive Government Furnished Information (GFI) list with firm delivery dates tied to the design review schedule, or will GFI be provided on an as-requested basis? A firm GFI delivery schedule would allow Offerors to develop more realistic and achievable design and production schedules.

Section J-1, 042.5.3 specifies the list of contract drawings and informational drawings the Coast Guard will provide to the Offerors in Phase 2 of the RFP.

Q13

Given that the evaluation is conducted in two distinct phases (Phase I: Design and Production Capability + Past Performance; Phase II: Project Approach, Schedule, and Price), will the Government provide an opportunity for questions and answers after Phase I results are announced and before Phase II proposals are evaluated? Clarifying whether there will be any interaction between phases will help Offerors prepare complete and responsive Phase II content.

Yes. Phase 2 question-and-answer instructions and due dates will be provided in a subsequent solicitation amendment or other official written notice to Offerors continuing into Phase 2, as applicable. Responses to Phase 2 questions, if any, will be provided through the official solicitation process.

Q14

Given that Phase II includes detailed evaluation of the Offeror's Project Approach and Schedule, would the Government consider conducting a technical exchange meeting (virtual or in-person) with Offerors that advance to Phase II? Such a meeting would allow the Government to clarify technical and schedule expectations and help Offerors submit stronger, better-aligned Phase II proposals.

The Government does not intend to conduct technical exchange meetings with Offerors during Phase 2. Phase 2 proposal instructions, due dates, and any applicable question-and-answer process will be provided through the official solicitation process by amendment or written notice to Offerors continuing into Phase 2, as applicable.

Q15

Attachment J-2 requires contract deliverables to be submitted at least 15 calendar days prior to PDR, CDR, and PRR, and further requires Government comments to be resolved prior to the review. Please clarify the Government's expected review period for these submittals.

If Government review extends beyond the 15-day advance submission period and impacts the critical path, should Offerors assume corresponding schedule adjustment or otherwise include additional review float in their proposed schedules?

CDRL submission requirements will be detailed in Attachment J-4 CDRL.

Attachment J-2 requirements have been amended to remove the referenced language.

Q16 Offeror is requesting a 1-week extension.

The Government has granted an extension. All Phase 1 proposals are due by 1200 U.S. Eastern Time on 20 July 2026. Offerors remain responsible for ensuring proposals are received by the Government before the date and time stated in the solicitation.

Q17 Please confirm that we are only submitting Phase I at this point.

Yes. At this time, Offerors are required to submit only the Phase 1 proposal submission. Phase 1 consists of the proposal volumes identified in Section L for Phase 1. Phase 2 submissions will be requested only from Offerors continuing into Phase 2, and applicable Phase 2 instructions and due dates will be provided by subsequent solicitation amendment or official written notice.

Q18 Are layout maps included in the page count?

Facility layout maps or similar images submitted to depict existing facilities, infrastructure, or equipment will not count toward the page limitation to the extent they fall within the solicitation's stated exclusions.

Any narrative text, explanations, or proposal content accompanying those maps will count toward the applicable page limitation unless otherwise excluded by the solicitation.

Q19

What will be the extent and authority of ABS in the design and construction process? Will the approval of required ABS submittals for Hull Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) submittals be sufficient for approval of all of these documents for the purpose of meeting contract requirements? Will the USCG make it clear in their documentation when additional requirements in excess of the ABS Technical rules need to be met and review the vendor produced documents and only review the documents with these limited additions? Will ABS be charged with inspections and approval during construction for approval of the construction of the vessel?

There is no requirement in the design or construction to have ABS confirm compliance. However, the Coast Guard will require ABS classing standards, known industry standards. The Coast Guard will validate these requirements through Coast Guard inspection and design validation (e.g., CDRLs), to confirm the vessel conforms the required industry standards.

Q20 Is the timeline for when Liquidated Damages begins based on all tasks, or delivery of the vessels? Can Liquidated Damages be removed for this contract?

The Government does not intend to remove the liquidated damages requirement at this time. Liquidated damages, if applicable, will be assessed only in accordance with the liquidated damages clause and the applicable delivery requirements stated in the solicitation and resulting contract. Offerors should prepare proposals assuming the liquidated damages requirement remains as stated in the solicitation. See updated Section I Liquidated Damages language.

Q21

Section M references the Design Placemat and General Arrangement (GA) drawing for evaluating Factor 1;

however, no GA drawing is included in the solicitation, and Section L only references the design placemat. Please clarify whether the Government intended to provide a GA drawing as a solicitation attachment or whether the reference in Section M should be updated.

The General Arrangement will be provided as part of Phase 2 of the RFP.

The RFP has been amended to stike through the reference to General Arrangement being provided with the Design Placemat in Sections L and M.

Q22

Section L requires a Table of Contents as part of the proposal submission; however, it does not specify the proposal volume in which the Table of Contents should be included as outlined in the list under L.7. Please clarify which proposal file should contain the Table of Contents, or whether a separate Table of Contents is required for each proposal volume.

A single Table of Contents for the proposal is acceptable. The Table of Contents may be submitted as a separate file or included with the cover letter, provided the proposal files are clearly labeled and organized in accordance with Section L. A separate Table of Contents for each proposal volume is not required unless the solicitation is amended to state otherwise.

Q23 Does the Government intend to award HSC-Ls to multiple shipyards as implied in Section C.2 (General Statement of Work)?

The Government intends to award a single award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Q24 When will the down-select from Phase I to Phase II be awarded?

The Government intends to issue advisory down-select notifications after completion of Phase 1 evaluations in accordance with the schedule and procedures stated in the solicitation. The anticipated timing remains as stated in the solicitation, subject to completion of the Government's Phase 1 evaluation and any subsequent official solicitation amendments or notices.

Q25

Based on H.2 Contracting Financing – Commercial Interim Payments, CLIN-0001 Design & Engineering, can the Government please clarify if the milestone payments are based on monthly percentage of completion or total price divided by number of months proposed in design duration?

For CLIN 0001 Design and Engineering, the portion identified for monthly invoices is intended to be invoiced based on the proposed design duration, subject to the terms of Section H.2 and Contracting Officer approval. The remaining milestone amounts are tied to the stated milestone evidence/criteria. Offerors shall price and propose contract financing in accordance with Section H.2 and Attachment J-7. This structure does not authorize payments outside the terms of the solicitation and resulting contract.

Q26 If a shipyard is awarded HSC-L, would that award preclude it from being awarded HSC-M next year?

Award under the HSC-L solicitation does not, by iteself, establish eligiblity or ineligibillity for a future HSC-M acquisition. Any future HSC-M acquisition will be conducted in accordance with its own solicitation terms and applicable procurement laws and regulations. The Coast Guard does not expect award of HSC-L would preclude an offeror from competing for or receiving a future HSC-M award.

Q27

In the RFP there are several references to ABS standards and guidelines however it does not appear there is a requirement to class the vessel. Can the USCG please confirm that use of these standards and guidelines do not require the vessel to be classed by ABS or any other regulatory body?

Confirmed, ABS classing is not a contractual requirement.

There is no requirement in the design or construction to have ABS confirm compliance. However, the Coast Guard will require ABS classing standards, known industry standards. The Coast Guard will validate these requirements through Coast Guard inspection and design validation (e.g., CDRLs), to confirm the vessel conforms to the required industry standards.

Q28

The final RFP does not include the contract drawings that were included in the Draft RFP and it is indicated in the final RFP that the contract drawings will be provided with Phase 2 of the proposal process. Can the USCG confirm that the contract drawings included with the Draft RFP will not substantially change when they are released with the final RFP?

The Contract Drawings concept will not substantially change from the Request for Information with a draft Request for Proposal drawings.

The Contract Drawings provided as part of Phase 2 will have been matured since the Request for Information with a draft Request for Proposal.