Coast Guard Recapitalization: Matching Needs and Resources Continue to Strain Acquisition Efforts
Abstract
In order to meet its missions of maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship, the Coast Guard, a component within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), employs a variety of surface and air assets, several of which are approaching the end of their intended service lives. As part of its efforts to modernize its surface and air assets(an effort known as recapitalization),the Coast Guard has begun acquiring new vessels, such as the National Security Cutter, Fast Response Cutter, and a number of air assets, and developing the Offshore Patrol Cutter. Despite the addition of new assets, concerns surrounding capability and affordability gaps remain. This statement addresses (1) the capabilities provided by the newer Coast Guard assets, (2) maintainability and equipment challenges for the new cutters, and (3) the overall affordability of the Coast Guards acquisition portfolio. This statement is based on GAOs extensive body of work examining the Coast Guards acquisition efforts spanning several years, including the March 2017 report on the NSC and FRCs maintainability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1154479
Entities
People
- Marie A. Mak
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office