WSW Defends Over $1 Billion US Coast Guard Contract for Family-Owned Shipbuilder
In Brief
- Successfully defended a $1+ billion U.S. Coast Guard contract for a family-owned shipbuilder against aggressive, multi-venue legal and political challenges from unsuccessful bidders.
- Designed and executed a robust, multifaceted advocacy campaign that secured powerful public endorsements from USCG officials, vocal support from Members of Congress during hearings, and top-priority backing from a major trade association.
- Turned a defensive battle into a strategic victory by not only preserving the client’s contract but also successfully accelerating federal funding for the program.
WSW has worked on behalf of a small, family-owned shipbuilder since 2022. In late 2022, the shipbuilder was awarded a $1+ billion design and construction contract for the US Coast Guard (USCG). The unsuccessful bidders challenged the award through the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA), and the Court of Federal Claims, and aggressively lobbied Capitol Hill to try to force the USCG to rescind and recompete the contract.
WSW designed and executed a robust, multifaceted strategy that included engagement with key stakeholders on Capitol Hill, the USCG, the shipbuilder’s subcontractors, and trade association and industry organizations. Highlights of the strategy included public statements by USCG officials reiterating WSW’s client is the best option; Members of Congress expressing support for the shipbuilder by name during congressional hearings; and the main trade association including funding for the program as a top priority on their federal government agenda. These efforts were not only successful in keeping the contract in the shipbuilder’s hands, but have actually accelerated funding for the program.