If you are a regular reader, you know the sad story Eastern’s problems producing the Offshore Patrol Cutter. I am not familiar with the source of this story, but it is the first I have seen that suggests there may have been some political push to grant Eastern the contract.
(Swampy sleaziness might have played a role in the decision. In the spring of 2015, POLITICO learned that the company’s owner “hosted a ‘hush-hush’ fundraiser … for Marco Rubio,” then the chairman of the Senate “panel that oversees the Coast Guard.”)

It looks like now is a good time to examine other possibilities for off-the-shelf capability. Australia is commissioning a new OPC, that seems like a modern iteration of the 210. The Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels are another option for “Cutter-X”
The Arafuras, I believe, are based on a successful Fassmer design.
In hindsight though, some think Australia should have bought more ship. Something with better aviation capabilities, sensors and war-time weapons potential.
Chuck has brought up in the past that it might be time to consider an OPV with enough war-time capability to have a role in a large conflict.
Many countries seems to be leaning this way.