The U.S. Coast Guard released a request for proposal (RFP) June 30 for design, production, testing and delivery of homeland security cutter-light (HSC-L) vessels. The Coast Guard plans to acquire seven HSC-Ls through an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.
The RFP is available here. Proposals are due by July 14, 2026.
The Coast Guard’s aging fleet of 65-foot light icebreaking tugs was commissioned into service between 1961-1967 and is well beyond its planned end of service life. The HSC-Ls will replace these critical assets with a dual-capability platform, maintaining year-round access to smaller ports and harbors. The HSC-Ls will be designed to operate efficiently in a variety of ice conditions and will be equipped with aids to navigation capabilities, providing safe passage and navigation for vessels of all sizes.
US Coast Guard Homeland Security Cutter-Light (HSC-L) Design Specifications
The Coast Guard plans to use a two-phase process for evaluation of industry proposals received through this RFP. Following receipt of Phase 1 proposals, the service intends to issue advisory down-select notices to select offerors. Phase 2 proposal due dates will be included in a subsequent solicitation amendment.
For more information: Homeland Security Cutter-Icebreaker page
U.S.Coast Guard
Boatnerd editor comments: These vessels appear to be primarily intended to replace the Coast Guard’s aging 65 foot light icebreaking tugs on the East Coast. 15 were built, with 11 still in service, assigned to Atlantic and Hudson River ports from Baltimore north into Maine. However, previous documents have mentioned that some may be stationed on the Great Lakes as well, possibly replacing existing 49 foot Buoy Utility Stern Loading (BUSL) vessels. That likely depends on how many new HSC-L vessels are built. Numerous 49 Foot BUSL’s are (or have been) stationed on the Great Lakes, including at Buffalo, Detroit, Duluth, Essexville, Grand Haven, Milwaukee, and Muskegon. A separate program is proposed to eventually replace the 140 foot Bay-class icebreaking tugs.
