Request for Information (RFI) - Special Purpose Craft – Ice Rescue Transport (SPC-IRT II) Second Generation

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on May 8, 2026, for its Special Purpose Craft – Ice Rescue Transport (SPC-IRT II) Second Generation. This RFI seeks to identify existing or adaptable boat designs to meet USCG operational needs for multi-mission crafts capable of transiting over water, ice, and land for Search and Rescue (SAR), Living Marine Resources (LMR), and Other Law Enforcement (OLE) missions in the Great Lakes region. The USCG is gathering information to refine requirements before issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ). Key information sought includes design specifications, current government contracts, multi-terrain traversal capabilities, production timelines, logistics support, warranty terms, company size, socio-economic status, rough order of magnitude pricing, and feedback on the preliminary specifications. Responses are for market research and planning only and do not constitute a commitment to award a contract.

This document outlines the technical specifications for the Second-Generation Special Purpose Craft – Ice Rescue Transport (SPC-IRT II), designed to standardize long-haul ice rescue airboat capabilities in the Great Lakes. Its primary missions include Search and Rescue (SAR), Living Marine Resources (LMR), and Other Law Enforcement (OLE), with secondary roles in crew transport, mobile command, search, and temporary victim shelter, operating day and night. The SPC-IRT II must operate on various surfaces, including dry land, ice, and open water up to 10 nautical miles offshore, complying with all environmental regulations. Key physical characteristics include a maximum length of 25 feet, a beam of 8 feet 6 inches when trailered, a 12-inch draft, and a target speed of 15 knots. It must stop within 100 feet on snow-covered ice, operate for 5 continuous hours, and accommodate six persons. The craft is designed for extreme temperatures (-30°F to 115°F air, freezing to 80°F water), sustained winds of 30 knots (gusts to 40 knots), and sea states up to 3 feet significant wave height. Structural requirements emphasize a high-strength composite hull, low center of gravity, positive buoyancy, and resistance to shock and vibration. It must independently traverse various terrains, launch/recover from trailers, and handle challenging ice conditions and currents. Cold weather survivability features include self-extrication capabilities, ice anchoring, cabin heating, and propeller guarding. Ergonomic design accommodates diverse personnel in cold weather gear, with a semi-enclosed cabin, shock-mitigating seats, and easy-to-use controls. The SPC-IRT II integrates advanced electronics for internal and external communications, including a VHF DSC radio, a USCG SINS-2 navigation system with Raymarine displays and radar, and an AIS-2 automatic identification system. It also features an infrared camera, various exterior and interior lighting, and engine alarm systems. The package includes a tilting trailer with an electric winch and a comprehensive standard outfit with essential tools and safety equipment. Logistics requirements detail extensive documentation, maintainability features, and training programs covering safe operation and emergency procedures.

This Request for Information (RFI) for the Special Purpose Craft – Ice Rescue Transport (SPC-IRT II) Second Generation seeks information from interested parties for market research and planning. The RFI poses several questions to potential manufacturers, including reasonable timeframes for building and delivering two boats, warranty terms, company size and socio-economic status, and the rough order of magnitude (ROM) price of their current craft. It also inquires about existing boat designs that meet preliminary requirements or could be modified, whether these designs are under contract with government agencies, and the craft's ability to traverse various terrains and enter/depart water under challenging ice conditions. Further questions cover the necessary contract timeline for delivery by November 2026, production rates, and the typical provision of logistics information such as CAD models, drawings, and maintenance needs. Finally, the RFI asks for comments on the draft specifications, specifically identifying requirements that cannot be met, are excessive, or would lead to a less capable boat. This RFI is solely for market research and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.