Aggressive design-build schedule on track to
start production of first vessels early next year
NEW
ORLEANS, July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today,
Birdon America, Inc. announced it
has received an order worth approximately $14.75 million from the U.S. Coast Guard for long
lead time materials (LLTM) required to begin construction on the
first Inland Construction Tender (WLIC) and the first River Buoy
Tender (WLR). These will be the first two vessels built as part of
Birdon's $1.187 billion contract to
design and build 27 new Waterways Commerce Cutters (WCC) for the
Coast Guard.
In addition, Birdon announced it has awarded several additional
subcontracts in support of WCC production. The subcontracts are
firm-fixed price (FFP), indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity
(IDIQ) for design, development, manufacturing, and delivery.
Subcontract awardees included:
- LED Lighting Systems – Temecula,
CA
- EVAC – Cherry Hill, IL
- Donovan Marine – Harahan LA
- MINO Marine – New Orleans,
LA
- Noise Control Engineering – Bellerica, MA
- ALE – Columbus, OH
- Patterson – Pittsburgh, PA
These announcements follow a successful fifth Program Management
Review (PMR) for WCC. Rob Scott,
President of Birdon America, said,
"Birdon's approach to the WCC contract is driven by our commitment
to meeting the needs of the Coast Guard, delivering consistent
quality and value, and minimizing risk. Birdon's commitment means
we own every challenge, take responsibility for implementing a
solution, and we never make it someone else's problem to fix – and
that commitment is why we are going to be able to start
construction on the first WCC vessels early next year. We look
forward to this exciting next phase."
About the WCC program:
Birdon's WCC contract includes the design and construction of 16
River Buoy Tenders (WLRs) and 11 Inland Construction Tenders
(WLICs). Both variants are complex, modern, and designed to
military standards. The new cutter design will provide up to 11
days' sustainment for up to 19 crew members. The 27 vessels will be
constructed within a 10-year period, which commenced in 2022 with
an 18-month design finalization period.
The WCC cutters are essential to maintain and protect
the United States' intra-coastal
and inland Marine Transportation System. This System spreads over
12,000 miles of commercially active inland waterways through which
630 million tons of cargo moves annually, accounting for more than
$5.4 trillion annually and 30.7
million jobs for the U.S. economy. To support the safe and
efficient flow of economic activity along these U.S. rivers, lakes,
intercoastal waterways and harbors, WCCs establish and maintain
over 28,200 inland Aids to Navigation (ATON). Additional missions
include search and rescue (SAR), marine safety, marine
environmental protection, and security of ports, waterways, and
coasts.
Many of the current WCC vessels are over 70 years old. The
vessels do not meet current readiness and technology standards and
are increasingly expensive to maintain. This leads to operational
delays, crew safety concerns, and does not allow the assignment of
mixed gender crews.
About Birdon America,
Inc.:
Birdon has extensive experience in the engagement and successful
execution of major U.S. Government programs. The company has a
strong track record of delivering the required outcomes for our
clients through an unwavering focus on designing fully compliant,
operationally superior vessels that meet the needs of our customers
now and into the future. Birdon's recent relevant successes include
the Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) for the U.S. Army and the 47' Motor
Lifeboat Service Life Extension Program for the U.S. Coast
Guard.
Contact: Sandra Armstrong,
251-699-1458
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SOURCE Birdon Group