Polar Icebreaker
VIDEO: Heavy Polar Icebreaker Model Testing Underway
The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard under an integrated program office, released a request for proposal (RFP) March 2, 2018, for the advance procurement and detail design for the Coast Guard’s heavy polar icebreaker, with options for detail design and construction for up to three heavy polar icebreakers. The RFP is available here.
The integrated polar icebreaker program office achieved a milestone Feb. 21, 2018, when it received approval from the Department of Homeland Security to advance to the next phase of the acquisition life cycle.
The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with the Coast Guard under an integrated program office, released a draft request for proposal Oct. 19, 2017, for detail design and construction of a heavy polar icebreaker. The draft RFP is available here.
The Coast Guard released its draft heavy polar icebreaker system specifications in a request for information (RFI) April 4, 2017. The request seeks questions, comments and feedback related to heavy polar icebreaker technology risks, sustainability, producibility and affordability. The RFI can be found here.
The Coast Guard on Feb. 22, 2017, awarded five firm fixed-price contracts for heavy polar icebreaker design studies and analysis. The objective of the studies is to identify design and systems approaches to reduce acquisition cost and production timelines.
The polar icebreaker operational requirements document is available here.
The United States has vital national interests in the polar regions. Polar icebreakers enable the U.S. to maintain defense readiness in the Arctic and Antarctic regions; enforce treaties and other laws needed to safeguard both industry and the environment; provide ports, waterways and coastal security; and provide logistical support – including vessel escort – to facilitate the movement of goods and personnel necessary to support scientific research, commerce, national security activities and maritime safety. The Coast Guard needs six new polar icebreakers to ensure national year-round access to the polar regions and to provide self-rescue capability.