includes support surges during the standard milestone events (e.g., source selection, final acceptance, etc.). While these can be resource- intensive, the events that require maximum involvement tend to be episodic and usually buffered by ex- tended periods of waiting. EDA transfers, on the other hand, require disproportionate and con- stant support. The volume of daily acquisition requirements over an extended period, often for a project with a relatively modest overall bud- get, is a unique defining feature that sets EDA transfers apart from more conventional projects. A noteworthy EDA feature is that each transfer has quantifiable, in- trinsic value for the Coast Guard. For every decommissioned vessel that CG-922 can transfer to a foreign part-
ner, the Coast Guard avoids paying for the extended storage, risk mitigation, and potential scrapping of that vessel. The fact that these costs would be associated without operational value to the Service adds further mo- tivation for the Coast Guard to avoid incurring those expenses. In the case of the larger 378-foot-high endurance cutters, this could easily constitute a seven-figure savings for one ship alone. While the cost avoidance totals are less for smaller vessels, the aggre- gated savings garnered by the Coast Guard through CG-922’s ongoing EDA transfers equate to approximately $9 million every year. These ancillary cost savings, when combined with the ex- panded capability of our foreign part- ners, mean that EDA activities remain a key focus within CG-922’s portfolio of work.
Within the last two years, CG- 922 added follow-on support as a third line of effort. A standard FMS case incorporates what is referred to as a total package approach. This is mandated by the Security Assistance Management Manual and constitutes provision of the primary capability (e.g., boat, aircraft, etc.) along with spare parts, training, and support needed not just to complete delivery but to establish an actual operational capability. While this is intended to enhance a partner’s ability to realize sustained benefit from its new acqui- sition, it does not address the longer term requirements to keep that capa- bility operational. Follow-on support is specifically intended to provide any spare parts, equipment, techni- cal assistance, and training needed to sustain assets for an extended period.
Vietnam Coast Guard 8022 is moored at the pier at U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle in Seattle, Wash., in February 2025, following completion of work at Lake Union Drydock Co. in Seattle. Formerly Coast Guard Cutter Mellon, the 378-foot-high endurance cutter will depart for Vietnam following completion of final training for its new crewmembers. Source: U.S. Coast Guard photo
22 | DEFENSE ACQUISITION | July-August 2025
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