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Week Ending July 24, 2009

H.R.1665 To structure Coast Guard acquisition processes and policies, and for other purposes.

Now with specific coastal Homeland Security missions the US Coast Guard acquisition process comes under scrutiny in this bill.

Title I prohibits over time the use of lead systems integrators for an acquisition contract award, delivery order, or task order and must make the contract available though full and open competition. The USCG Commandant may use private sector entities as lead systems integrators to complete the National Distress and Response System Modernization Program and National Security Cutters 2 and 3.

180 days after this act is enacted contracts regarding the HH 65 aircraft and the C4ISR, in support of Maritime Patrol Aircraft must meet the bill’s requirement that no entity performing lead systems integrator functions may have a financial interest in a subcontractor unless the subcontractor was selected by the prime contractor through full and open competition.

This program ends in 2011 or when the Commandant certifies to Congress that the Coast Guard has available and can retain sufficient acquisition workforce personnel and expertise within the USCG, through an arrangement with other Federal agencies, of through contracts or arrangements with private sector entities to perform the responsibilities of the lead systems integrator.

The Commandant must require specific terms in contracts, life-cycle cost estimates, specific test and evaluation strategies, and capabilities standards for each acquisition.

A chief acquisitions officer position is to be established and staffed by officials with Coast Guard background. In designating positions the Commandant shall include, at a minimum, positions encompassing the following competencies and functions:

Program management, Systems planning, research, development, engineering, and testing, Procurement, including contracting, Industrial and contract property management, Life-cycle logistics, Quality control and assurance, Manufacturing and production, Business, cost estimating, financial management, and auditing, Acquisition education, training, and career development, Construction and facilities engineering, and  Testing and evaluation.

Sponsor:  Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD-7^th)

Vote: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 426 - 0 (Roll no. 658).

Cost to the taxpayers:

Earmark Certification:  

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MORE INFORMATION

From the Bill Report

Coast Guard Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Coast Guard's commandant from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for acquisition contracts, delivery orders, or task orders, subject to stated exceptions. Requires full and open competition for any acquisition contract unless otherwise excepted under federal acquisition laws and regulations.

Revises Coast Guard acquisition policy, including: (1) by prohibiting initiation of certain acquisition programs without an associated approved operational requirement; (2) by requiring certain contract terms; (3) by requiring the development and regular updating of life-cycle cost estimates for certain acquisitions; (4) by requiring a testing and evaluation master plan for certain acquisitions; (5) regarding cutter capability standards; (6) by restricting contractual actions for which the terms, specifications, or price are not set before performance is begun; (7) regarding pass-through charges; and (8) by requiring alternatives analysis for the acquisition of major capabilities.

Modifies various Coast Guard personnel matters, including: (1) by establishing a Chief Acquisition Officer; (2) by requiring that program managers for certain acquisitions hold a specified acquisition certification; (3) by requiring establishment of a management information system to improve acquisition workforce management and reporting; (4) regarding acquisition career paths; (5) by requiring a program to recognize excellent performance by individuals and teams; (6) regarding selection boards; and (7) by authorizing expedited hiring of Coast Guard acquisition personnel.

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