Government Watchdog Sounds Alarm on Offshore Patrol Cutter Program

A government watchdog has sounded the alarm that the Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter program is at risk of costly rework and schedule delays due to the service’s decision to begin construction prior to having a stable ship design. The program, which will cost over $17 billion to acquire 25 ships, has already experienced delays and cost overruns. The Coast Guard plans to test the designs before proceeding with stage 3 procurement activities, but the watchdog warns that this approach may not be sufficient to mitigate the risks. The report was published by the Government Accountability Office at the behest of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.