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Response Boat-Small II
Home > Projects > Surface > RB-S
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The Response Boat-Small (RB-S) II is a high-speed, easily deployable asset designed to operate year-round in shallow waters along coastal borders.
Why this project?
The Coast Guard currently operates over 400 Defender-class RB-S, making it the largest vessel class in the Coast Guard fleet. The RB-S II, designed with an increased emphasis on function and crew comfort, will gradually replace the Defender-class RB-S as the older assets reach the end of their service life.
How is the RB-S being acquired?
The RB-S replacement is one of the largest boat buys of its type for the Coast Guard. Under a phased, competitive procurement, the Coast Guard selected two vendors’ designs to compete in a down select process, testing each design against Coast Guard requirements and to verify industry’s ability to deliver to those requirements at a reasonable price. The Coast Guard awarded a delivery order valued at approximately $13 million Sept. 26, 2011 to Metal Shark Aluminum Boats for the production of 38 RB-S II. The contract allows for the procurement of up to 500 boats. Up to 470 boats will be delivered to shore units throughout the Coast Guard to perform port and waterway security, search and rescue, drug and migrant interdiction, environmental and other law enforcement missions. Up to 20 boats may be ordered by Customs and Border Protection and up to ten by the U.S. Navy.
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