USCG Response Boat Small Third Generation (RB-S III)
HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF.US COAST GUARD.CG-SEA-C11 · Response deadline: Fri, 13 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Coast Guard is soliciting offers for the Response Boat Small Third Generation (RB-S III) program. The RB-S is a standard class of rapid-response vessel used by the Coast Guard for search and rescue, law enforcement, port security, and maritime safety missions. These boats are typically stationed at small boat stations throughout the United States and deploy quickly in near-shore and harbor environments.
The 336612 NAICS code corresponds to Boat Building, specifically for recreational and commercial vessels including military and patrol craft. This indicates the government is seeking a contractor to construct new small response boats rather than procure commercial off-the-shelf vessels.
The "Third Generation" designation signals this is a new design iteration of the RB-S platform, which has been a Coast Guard staple since the early 2000s. The RB-S III program likely incorporates updated engineering requirements, though specific technical specifications, quantities, and delivery schedules—see the solicitation.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard (CG-SEA-C11) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 70Z02326R93250001 |
| NAICS | 336612 — Boat Building |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | November 13, 2026, 2:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This opportunity is totally set aside for small business concerns under NAICS 336612. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for Boat Building, generally measured by average annual receipts over a three-year period and employee count thresholds.
The total set-aside means no full or partial unrestricted competition—only certified small businesses may submit offers. You need not hold a special socioeconomic certification (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB) to compete, though firms with such designations may layer additional advantages if the solicitation includes subcontracting plans or other evaluation preferences.
Given the specialized nature of military boat construction, prior experience with federal shipbuilding contracts, particularly Coast Guard or Navy small craft, strengthens competitiveness. First-time boat-building contractors should carefully assess whether their facilities, workforce certifications (welding, composites, marine electrical), and quality systems meet military construction standards.
How to put together a competitive bid
Verify size status and register. Confirm your NAICS 336612 size standard eligibility in SAM.gov and maintain active SAM registration through the award period.
Assess technical capacity. Boat Building for Coast Guard operational craft demands compliance with military specifications, shock and vibration standards, and integrated command, control, and communications systems—see the solicitation for detailed specifications. Evaluate whether your yard can accommodate production volume, security clearances for personnel, and government inspection protocols.
Review past performance requirements. Federal shipbuilding solicitations typically weight recent, relevant contracts heavily. Prepare documentation of comparable vessel deliveries, especially patrol or rescue craft built to military or high-performance commercial standards.
Understand the supply chain. Marine propulsion, navigation, and communications systems for Coast Guard boats often come from designated or approved sources. Early identification of sole-source or limited-source components affects pricing and schedule risk.
Price strategically. Small business set-asides in specialized manufacturing can draw aggressive competition from experienced defense contractors. Develop should-cost estimates and consider teaming arrangements if capacity limitations exist, though small business prime responsibility requirements apply.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using number 70Z02326R93250001. The complete document contains technical specifications, delivery requirements, evaluation factors, and clause requirements essential to preparing a responsive offer.
Note the deadline: All offers must be submitted by November 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Given the complexity of boat-building proposals, begin preparation immediately upon solicitation release to allow adequate time for pricing, vendor quotes, and proposal assembly.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →