Legacy 25’ Defender Class RB-S. USCG photo by PA2 Andy Kendrick

The Acquisition Directorate has announced, “On February 4, 2011, the U.S. Coast Guard awarded two fixed price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts to begin replacement of the current Response Boat-Small (RB-S) fleet, which is nearing the end of its ten-year service life.”

The two designs will compete for final selection of a winning design that is expected to lead to contracts for up to 500 boats totaling as much as $193.1M.

“The latest iteration of the RB-S will have an approximate length of 25 feet, be capable of at least 40 knots, a minimum range of 150-nautical miles and a crew of four.  The new RB-S will also have a standardized communications and navigation suite as well as an increased emphasis on ergonomics and crew comfort.”