CRS raises USCG Polar Security Cutter cost-estimate questions

An artist rendering of the proposed US Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter, whose cost estimates are being questioned. (VT Halter Marine/Technology)

The accuracy of the estimated procurement cost of the proposed US Coast Guard (USCG) Polar Security Cutter (PSC), given its size and internal complexity, is a potential issue of concern, according to the US Congressional Research Service (CRS).

“The PSC's estimated procurement cost per weight is roughly half that of the [US] Navy's LPD-17 Flight II and LHA amphibious ships,” the CRS said in its report, Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Background and Issues for Congress , released on 25 March.

“These amphibious ships are equipped with expensive combat system equipment that is not included in the PSC design, but whether this would account for all of the difference in cost per weight between the PSC design and the two amphibious ship designs is not clear,” the CRS said. “If substantial cost growth occurs in the PSC program, it could raise a question regarding whether to grant some form of contract relief to the PSC shipbuilder.”

“The PSC's estimated procurement cost per weight is roughly one-half greater than that of the Navy's John Lewis (TAO-205) class oilers. The PSC design includes internal equipment not included in the TAO-205 design, but whether this difference is fully reflected in the PSC's estimated procurement cost per weight is again not clear,” the CRS noted.

The research service also pointed out a potential Congressional concern about whether to build USCG icebreakers in a foreign shipyard. “Shipyards in Finland, for example, reportedly have expressed interest in building polar icebreakers for the US Coast Guard.”