DHS extends contract relief for Offshore Patrol Cutter
The Department of Homeland Security says that after extensive analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard and further review by a Contract Adjustment Board chaired by the Department’s Deputy Under Secretary for Management, has granted limited extraordinary contract relief to Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract under the authority of Public Law (P.L.) 85-804.
ESG submitted a request in June 2019, for extraordinary contract relief after their shipbuilding facilities sustained significant damage resulting from Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm, in October 2018.
After review of the request for relief, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan made the decision to grant extraordinary contract relief limited to the first four hulls on the basis that ESG’s performance on the OPC contract is vital to the national defense.
P.L. 85-804 was enacted in 1958 and extended to DHS through Presidential Executive Order in 2003. Under this law, an existing contract may be amended or modified when such actions are necessary to facilitate the national defense. The Coast Guard will immediately transition to a follow-on competitive contract for the remaining OPC program of record.
The OPC program remains one of the Department’s highest acquisition priorities. This decision will ensure critical capabilities for our national and homeland security, and delivery for service to the American public as expeditiously and responsibly as possible.
