The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is implementing a new Heavy Depot Maintenance Strategy for the Maritime Security Cutter, Large (WMSL) and other modernized assets to enhance maintenance efficiency and transparency. The primary goal is to reduce the number of maintenance availabilities over a standard five-year cycle from a traditional high-endurance cutter model to a more streamlined approach, which allocates maintenance resources more effectively while ensuring crew readiness. The legacy system required more frequent deep maintenance (DD) availabilities, resulting in extended out-of-service periods for crewed assets. The new approach, termed HDMX, proposes fewer contract management burdens and leverages contracts like Indefinite Delivery Vehicles to obtain cost efficiencies. Key benefits include a reduction in mobilization costs, a decrease in the number of managed contracts, and an overall optimized maintenance schedule that focuses on fewer, more comprehensive maintenance events. The USCG aims to engage industry stakeholders in discussions about the implications of this strategic shift and collaboratively explore viable contracting options to support the transition to a modernized maintenance framework. The session includes a Q&A segment to foster dialogue on the new strategy and its potential impact on industry practices and contracting mechanisms.

The U.S. Coast Guard Surface Forces Logistics Center is seeking information through a Sources Sought Synopsis regarding the drydocking of four Maritime Security Cutters, Large (WMSL), from fiscal year 2026 to 2030. This market survey aims to assess the interest and capability of potential contractors for a performance period commencing January 27, 2026, to September 30, 2030. The WMSL vessels, stationed in North Charleston, SC, are 418 feet long and require extensive maintenance work, including inspections and repairs of various systems and components, many of which necessitate coordination with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The contract will involve four planned drydocks and an emergent drydock, addressing significant maintenance tasks such as hull inspections, system overhauls, and repairs to critical components like propellers and fuel tanks. Interested parties must submit a capability statement to the Contract Officer by April 27, 2025, without any pricing information included. Although no solicitation currently exists, the Government anticipates advertising one in the future, advising potential responders to monitor sam.gov for updates.

The document outlines a proposal regarding an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for maintenance operations related to U.S. Coast Guard ships, particularly in the Charleston area. The proposed schedule emphasizes a 2.5-year periodic maintenance cycle, with dry dock work expected to take place within a 50-mile radius. The discussion highlights concerns regarding the competitive landscape for small businesses, given the potential downsizing of dockside operations, leading to a consideration for multiple-award contracts to encourage competition among several contractors. The IDIQ is proposed for a duration of five years, with plans to start early next calendar year. The document also touches upon the need for both regular periodic maintenance and potential emergent repairs, indicating a flexible approach to contracting based on operational requirements. Overall, the proposal seeks to balance maintenance efficiency, limited vendor competition, and regulatory compliance while maximizing opportunity for various contractors in the IDIQ process.