Coast Guard Contracts: How to Find and Win USCG Procurement Opportunities
Learn how Coast Guard contracting works, where to find USCG RFPs, major programs (OPC, Polar Security Cutter, FRC), DHS vs DoD differences, and how to win contracts.
The U.S. Coast Guard is in the middle of the largest fleet modernization in its history — with over $40 billion in recapitalization investment and a recent $25 billion congressional supplemental for new vessels, aircraft, and infrastructure. For contractors, this creates a rare window of opportunity across shipbuilding, IT, construction, and professional services.
But Coast Guard contracting works differently from other military branches. The USCG sits under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not the Department of Defense — which means different regulations, different contract vehicles, and different procurement offices than what DoD contractors are used to.
This guide covers how Coast Guard procurement is structured, where to find opportunities, major programs, and how to position your company to win.
Coast Guard Budget and Procurement Spending
The FY2025 Coast Guard budget request was $13.8 billion, with approximately $1.6 billion allocated to procurement, construction, and improvements. But the real story is the supplemental funding: the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" provided an additional ~$25 billion specifically for fleet modernization — making the Coast Guard one of the top civilian agency spenders.
The CG-9 Acquisition Directorate manages a $40+ billion recapitalization portfolio spanning surface vessels, aviation, C4ISR, and shore infrastructure. The Commandant has testified that the Coast Guard requires $3-4 billion annually in procurement budgets to meet its capital needs.
Here's how the $25B supplemental breaks down:
| Program | Funding |
|---|---|
| Polar Security Cutters | $4.3B |
| Offshore Patrol Cutters (9 ships) | $4.3B |
| Arctic Security Cutters (3 ships) | $3.5B |
| MH-60 Helicopters (40+) | $2.3B |
| HC-130J Aircraft (6) + simulators | $1.1B |
| Fast Response Cutters | $1.0B |
| Long-range unmanned aircraft | $266M |
| Maritime domain awareness / sensors | $170M |
| Waterways Commerce Cutters (3) | $162M |
DHS vs. DoD: Why It Matters for Contractors
The Coast Guard's position under DHS rather than DoD has several practical implications for contractors:
| Factor | Coast Guard (DHS) | DoD Branches |
|---|---|---|
| Regulations | FAR + HSAR + CGAP | FAR + DFARS |
| Contract vehicles | DHS EAGLE II, PACTS, GSA MAS | SeaPort-NxG, OASIS+, service-specific |
| Audit oversight | DHS oversight (no DCAA) | DCAA audits |
| Security clearances | DHS process | DoD process |
| Posting location | SAM.gov + DHS APFS | SAM.gov |
| Small business | 40%+ to SBs (DHS-wide) | ~23% goal (DoD-wide) |
The HSAR (Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation) is meaningfully simpler than the DFARS in many respects — fewer unique clauses, different security classification norms, and different audit practices. For DoD contractors looking to diversify, Coast Guard work can be more accessible than expected.
Key Procurement Offices
CG-9 — Acquisition Directorate
The primary acquisition authority for major programs, managing the $40B+ recapitalization portfolio across three domains: Surface, Aviation, and C4ISR. CG-9 invests approximately $1 billion annually in major acquisition programs (pre-supplemental baseline).
SILC — Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center
Manages the Coast Guard's $26 billion real property portfolio — with a reported $7+ billion deferred maintenance backlog (per GAO). SILC procures construction (via Regional Multiple Award Construction Contracts / RMACCs), facilities management, environmental services, and base support. If you're a construction or facilities contractor, SILC is where the opportunities are.
SFLC/SALC — Surface Acquisitions Logistics Center
Provides depot-level maintenance, engineering, supply, and logistics services for the surface fleet. Issues contracts for ship repair, drydocking, spare parts, and maintenance through Program Resident Offices at shipyards and bases.
What the Coast Guard Buys
Coast Guard procurement spans several major categories:
- Surface vessels (largest spend) — National Security Cutters, Offshore Patrol Cutters, Polar Security Cutters, Arctic Security Cutters, Fast Response Cutters, Waterways Commerce Cutters
- Aviation — MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters, HC-130J Hercules patrol aircraft, HC-27J Spartan medium-range aircraft, UAS
- C4ISR / IT — Command and control systems, maritime domain awareness sensors, data analytics and AI platforms
- Shore infrastructure — Base construction/renovation, piers, airfields, housing, hangars. $7B+ backlog creates sustained demand.
- Environmental response / ATON — Aids to navigation (buoys, channel markers), pollution response equipment, oil spill cleanup
- Professional services — Program management, logistics, training, engineering
Major Ongoing Programs
Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) — $12.8B Program
Replacing 29 aging medium-endurance cutters with 25 new ships. Two stages: Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ships 1-4, though ships 3-4 were terminated) and Austal USA (Mobile, AL — $3.3B for up to 11 ships). The program has experienced 40%+ cost growth since inception, but remains the Coast Guard's highest-priority surface program.
Polar Security Cutter (PSC) — $2.4B Program
Three new heavy icebreakers to replace the aging Polar Star. Built by Bollinger Shipyards (formerly VT Halter Marine). The program is ~63% over original cost and ~5 years behind schedule. First delivery now expected May 2030. Bollinger received a $951.6M contract modification in March 2025.
Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) — New $3.5B Program
Eleven-ship program driven by Arctic security priorities. In May 2026, DHS finalized a $3.5B contract with Davie Defense Inc. for 5 ASCs — 3 built in Texas, 2 in Finland. First delivery: 2028. Part of the ICE Pact (U.S.-Canada-Finland) framework.
Fast Response Cutter (FRC) — Sentinel-class
87-foot aluminum patrol boats replacing older Island-class cutters. Built by Bollinger Shipyards (Lockport, LA). In September 2025, the Coast Guard exercised a $507M option for 10 additional FRCs, bringing total orders to 77 ships.
Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) — $1.6B Program
27 new river buoy tenders and inland construction tenders, built by Birdon America (Bayou La Batre, AL) under a $1.187B IDIQ.
Force Design 2028
Launched January 2025 and described as the largest Coast Guard overhaul since WWII. The Contracting & Acquisitions campaign is eliminating bureaucracy, expanding use of Other Transaction Authority (OTA), and creating an "Acquisition Superhighway" to modernize procurement. A planned $100M+ data analytics and AI support contract is anticipated for FY2026.
Where to Find Coast Guard RFPs
SAM.gov
All Coast Guard solicitations above the simplified acquisition threshold are posted on SAM.gov. Filter by agency "U.S. Coast Guard."
DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast (APFS)
The best tool for pipeline visibility before solicitations hit SAM.gov. The APFS forecasts upcoming DHS contracts above $350,000, including Coast Guard planned acquisitions. Available at apfs-cloud.dhs.gov/forecast.
CG-9 Contract Opportunities
The Acquisition Directorate maintains a direct link to current contract opportunities on its "Doing Business" page at dcms.uscg.mil.
DHS Contract Vehicles
- GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) — Products, IT, and professional services. DHS is directing more work to GSA vehicles.
- GSA OASIS+ — Complex professional services. Replacing some DHS-specific vehicles.
- Regional MACCs — SILC's construction vehicles, competed regionally for base/facility work.
- Other Transaction Authority (OTA) — Expanding under Force Design 2028 for rapid prototyping.
Aggregators
Coast Guard opportunities appear on SAM.gov, the DHS APFS, and various DHS/GSA contract vehicles. BidSparq monitors 2,000+ procurement sources and surfaces DHS opportunities matched to your capabilities.
NAICS Codes for Coast Guard Contracts
- 336611 — Ship Building and Repairing (cutters, vessels)
- 336411 — Aircraft Manufacturing (MH-60T, HC-130J)
- 336413 — Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment
- 541512 — Computer Systems Design Services (C4ISR, IT modernization)
- 541330 — Engineering Services (ship design, facility engineering)
- 236220 — Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (base construction)
- 332313 — Plate Work Manufacturing (ATON buoy manufacturing/repair)
- 488330 — Navigational Services to Shipping (ATON maintenance)
- 541519 — Other Computer Related Services
Small Business Opportunities
DHS as a whole directs over 40% of contract spending to small businesses — one of the highest rates among large federal agencies. The Coast Guard provides "maximum practicable opportunities" to small businesses, VOSBs, SDVOSBs, HUBZone, SDBs, and WOSBs.
- DHS SBIR Program — The Coast Guard participates in the DHS SBIR (not a standalone DoD SBIR). Annual solicitations cover maritime security, C4ISR, and environmental response topics.
- SBA Mentor-Protégé Program — Available for Coast Guard contractors.
- Vendor Outreach — The Coast Guard hosts "Doing Business with the Coast Guard" webinar series. Contact: [email protected].
Top Coast Guard Contractors
| Contractor | Programs | Notable Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Bollinger Shipyards | FRC, PSC | $507M FRC option (2025), $951.6M PSC mod (2025) |
| Austal USA | OPC Stage 2 | $3.3B for up to 11 ships |
| Davie Defense | ASC | $3.5B for 5 Arctic cutters (2026) |
| Huntington Ingalls | NSC | $931M for NSCs 10-11 |
| Birdon America | WCC | $1.187B IDIQ for 27 vessels |
| Eastern Shipbuilding | OPC Stage 1 | Ships 1-4 (3-4 terminated) |
How to Win Coast Guard Contracts
Use the DHS APFS for Pipeline Visibility
The Acquisition Planning Forecast gives you months of lead time before solicitations hit SAM.gov. Check it regularly for Coast Guard entries above $350K.
Understand the DHS Regulatory Environment
If you're a DoD contractor, know that Coast Guard uses FAR + HSAR, not DFARS. The differences matter for contract terms, security requirements, and audit expectations. The simpler regulatory environment can be an advantage.
Target the Shore Infrastructure Backlog
SILC's $7B+ deferred maintenance backlog is a goldmine for construction, facilities management, and environmental services contractors. The Regional MACC vehicles provide a clear path to this work.
Attend "Doing Business" Events
The Coast Guard actively runs vendor outreach webinars and industry days. These give you direct access to contracting officers and upcoming requirements. Email [email protected] to get on the list.
Consider Force Design 2028 Opportunities
The Coast Guard is actively seeking AI, data analytics, maritime domain awareness, and IT modernization capabilities. The planned $100M+ data/AI support contract and the "Acquisition Superhighway" initiative signal growing demand for technology vendors.
Next Steps
- Try BidSparq free for 14 days — AI-matched DHS and defense RFPs from 2,000+ sources
- Browse active federal RFPs by state
- Learn about SAM.gov registration — required for all federal contracts
- Understand NAICS codes for government procurement
- Read our guide to DOD contracts
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