Marinette files protest of FRC award to Bollinger

Progress with the new Sentinel class Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters looks like being on hold, at least for a short period.

Marinette Marine filed a protest with the GAO Oct. 7 protesting the award of the contract to Bollinger Shipyards.

The basis of the protest has yet to be disclosed, but GAO is required to make a ruling within 100 days.

The protest will provide a test of the revamped Coast Guard acquisition process that resulted in the selection of Bollinger and the Sentinel design.

When the Bollinger award was announced the Coast Guard's Acquisition Directorate noted that it had followed a disciplined process to determine the award, including a careful analysis of operational requirements; conducting worldwide market research; close consultation with Coast Guard technical authorities; use of third party independent review and an assessment of the most competitive designs put forth by industry in responses to the Coast Guard's June 2007 solicitation.

"Besides awarding a contract for design and construction of a world-class patrol boat, we have demonstrated the importance of acquisition reforms introduced by our Commandant and how well they are serving the taxpayer," said Rear Adm. Gary T. Blore, the Coast Guard's assistant commandant for acquisition.