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Fast Response Cutter
Home > Projects > Surface > FRC
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The Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter (FRC) is a new Coast Guard patrol boat that is capable of deploying independently to conduct missions that include port, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense.
Why this Project?
Named after Coast Guard enlisted heroes, the FRCs are replacing the aging Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The Sentinel Class patrol boat project will deliver vital capability to the Coast Guard, helping to meet the service’s need for additional patrol boats. The current patrol boat gap hinders the Coast Guard’s ability to successfully and efficiently complete all potential missions.
How is the FRC being acquired?
The Coast Guard’s strategy called for a “parent-craft” design for the FRC, to ensure that the operating force receives new patrol boats, capable of performing the required missions, as quickly as possible. The selected design, based on the Netherlands’ Damen Stan Patrol 4708, demonstrated high performance in equivalent patrol boat law enforcement missions for other nations maritime forces. The Coast Guard modified this design with a stern launch capability and increased speed to meet United States requirements.
The Acquisition Directorate followed a disciplined process to determine the award of the FRC project, including a careful analysis of operational requirements; conducting a worldwide market research; close consultation with Coast Guard technical authorities; and an assessment of the most competitive designs put forth by industry in responses to the Coast Guard’s June 2007 solicitation. This was accomplished through full and open competition, demonstrating due diligence in the careful evaluation of proposals to choose the most viable solution and best value to the government. The FRC production contract, awarded to Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, La., contains options for building up to 34 cutters.
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