Following the announcement that the Coast Guard has awarded funds to Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS) for construction of the third
national security cutter (NSC) under the Deepwater Procurement Program, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, urged the Service to follow the requirements set by the recently-passed Integrated Deepwater Reform Act, H.R. 2722, to prevent past failures of the program from being repeated.
"The errors we have witnessed thus far in the Deepwater program are unacceptable and simply cannot be repeated," Congressman Cummings said.
"While it is important to continue moving forward to rectify past failures, it is absolutely imperative that the Coast Guard take the necessary steps to prevent future disappointments."
The announcement will provide ICGS, a private sector team comprised of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, with $337 million for construction of the third NSC, an addition to the Coast Guard's fleet that is crucial in the Service's ability to carry out increasing responsibilities. An additional $255m will also be provided for continuation of construction for the first two cutters.
The legislation, the Integrated Deepwater Reform Act (H.R. 2722), was introduced by Congressman Cummings and offers a comprehensive package of reforms to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Coast Guard to manage Deepwater as well as future procurements. Last week, it was approved in the House by a unanimous vote of 426-0.