130927-N-ZS026-015 Tridentis has successfully completed a number of task orders for the In-Service Vessel Sustainment (ISVS) Program at the USCG Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC) in Baltimore, MD. We were tasked to provide both on-site and off-site Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Logistics, Acquisition, and Program Management services for a wide range of cutter classes in varying stages of their life cycles.

The ISVS program is currently tasked with managing programs currently funded at over $1 billion over the next 15 years. These programs include the 140’ WTGB Icebreakers undergoing a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), the 225’ WLB Buoy tenders undergoing a Midlife Maintenance Availability (MMA), the USCGC Eagle (an 80-year-old sailing tall ship used as a cadet trainer) undergoing a SLEP, the 47’ MLB Motor Lifeboats scheduled for a SLEP, and in the pre-production stage for the 270’ WMEC SLEP and 175’ WLB MMA, as well as the USCGC POLAR STAR (the nation’s only operation heavy icebreaker) SLEP.

Tridentis provides on-site support in the areas of Program Management, Marine and Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Naval Architecture, Shipboard Testing and Inspection Surveys, Safety Surveys and Investigations, Test Plan Development and Maintenance, Engineering Testing and Analysis Services, and Test and Inspections Reports beginning in 2011, before the creation of the ISVS section and continues today.

Tridentis has provided several off-site engineers to support various shorter-term engineering, inspection, and testing tasks. These individuals were responsible for developing technical engineering solutions and performing shipboard surveys and testing. This effort was managed by Tridentis and resulted in continued follow-on tasking for each successive project that ISVS started. Tridentis’ support of ISVS involved completion of the following tasks:

  • We have provided a small multi-disciplined team of engineers and marine surveyors to conduct shipboard inspections of the USCGC EAGLE. This ship inspection team is testing the piping, electrical, structural, and safety systems for numerous spaces on the EAGLE. They developed an inspection and test plan and provided the USCG with a test and inspection report once they complete the tasks.
  • Tridentis has conducted numerous shipboard inspection surveys of four classes (140’ WTGB, 225’ WLB, EAGLE [WIX-295], 47’ MLB) to help define the technical direction of the work packages. During these ship checks, we conducted extensive interviews with cutter and station personnel to ensure their problems were completely understood and to identify additional operator issues. Part of this process included system ease of use, maintainability, human-interface requirements, suggestions for improvement, and other issues that can only come straight from the operating personnel.
  • We have developed full packages of system acquisition documents, including input from our marine engineers, electrical engineers, and our Naval Architects for the 140’ SLEP, 225’ MMA, EAGLE based on technical directives. The documents included independent cost estimates, procurement specifications, evaluation plans, technical criteria, delivery requirements, and schedule. The packages were developed and implemented for more than 40 long-lead-time material acquisitions.
  • Performed ship check surveys and engineering analysis on electrical and electronic control systems, ship monitoring systems, ship’s navigation systems, communication systems, and power-generating systems on the 140’ WTGB, 225’ WLB, and 175’ WLM resulting in technical reports and material procurement packages. Tridentis was involved in redesign of the Buoy crane on the 225’ and integration of all the deck systems controls for the mission operation. Tridentis created a procurement package for a new gyrocompass system and autopilot integration on the 140’ WTGB. Tridentis was involved in surveying and testing the internal communications on the 225’ WLB, and generated documents resulting in new CCTVs, sound powered phones (SPP), and 1MC system. We surveyed replacement Main Motor stator and armatures for the 140’ WTGB both in place on the ship and stored in the warehouse. We reviewed test procedures and maintenance plans including megger readings, winding requirements, and Polarization Index (PI) required values to make recommendations on replacement of motors.
  • Reviewed, analyzed, and assisted in the development of First Article Test (FAT) and Factory Test (FT) reports for a number of newly procured systems for the 140’ SLEP. These tests resulted in a number of Quality Deficiency Reports (QDRs) that required engineered solutions for acceptance.
  • Continuing the support for the 225 WLB replacement Buoy Crane, Tridentis is intimately involved in every aspect of the delivery of each new crane. We are responsible to review and provide recommendations for each engineering and logistics document including, but not limited to structural calculations, materials acceptance, engineering drawings, technical, logistics, and provisioning data. Additionally, our on-site engineers are fully integrated into Inspection, Testing, & Evaluation Team (IT&E), which includes First Article Testing, Factory Acceptance Testing, and any required Regression Testing.
  • Performed a number of engineering support tasks for new systems and equipment on the 140’, 225’, and EAGLE, including review of Provisioning Technical Data (PTD) and Engineering Data for Provisioning (EDFP), review of technical publications for applicability and technical correctness before final acceptance, and analysis of engineering change proposals (ECPs) and Time Compliance Change Orders (TCTOs).
  • Developed cost estimates for equipment procurement based on market research with vendors, performed independent cost estimates based on research of recent similar procurements for other product lines, and developed estimates for production and detailed design based on historical precedence at the production facility for similar work performed with adjustment for inflation and variability in equipment. This knowledge is applicable across all specific tasking in order to address their individual requirements.
  • Supported life cycle management of the existing and newly procured equipment with review of buy/spend plans, participation in configuration and required maintenance reviews and test plans, and review of master schedule for all of the ISVS program.
  • Participated in, coordinated, and contributed to Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) tasked with developing technical solutions for new systems. These teams consisted of Government technical authorities, multiple contractor companies, and cutter product line managers. Electrical, mechanical, and structural integration for each work item was coordinated and analyzed by the IPTs and resulted in final design reports containing the technical directives for procurement and logistics development.
  • Performed technical engineering, ILS support, and shipboard testing and inspection surveys on the 140’, 225’ and EAGLE programs for a wide variety of systems (including, but not limited to, re-engineing, steering system, compressed air, anchoring, refrigeration, HVAC, structural modifications, and safety systems). This included preparing and reviewing engineering recommendations for new and fielded systems; analyzing and creating feasibility studies, as well as cost estimates; analyzing operational requirements; creation and/or review of TCTOs and ECP requests; review of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) suggested maintenance and repair kits, as well as the USCG-developed Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) plan. We reviewed vendor drawings along with detailed design drawings for install/rip out of new systems. This included creating system specifications, test and inspection reports and requirement matrices for fielded programs and new systems.
  • Developed specification for NAVSEA material condition inspection survey performed on the 140’ WTGB, 225’ WLB, and CGC EAGLE. These inspections analyzed the material condition of the hull structure, as well as onboard system condition of piping and tank structure. Tridentis reviewed and analyzed the results to create a work specification package for correcting deficiencies and ensuring vessel “safe-to-sail” status.
  • Researched and developed a business case analysis/trade-off study on the effect of switching to LED lighting. This involved performing market research to identify current state-of-the-art lighting systems, and developing a life cycle cost estimate, estimates for payback period, and Return on Investment (ROI).
  • Participated in design review and analysis of the Machinery Plant Control Monitoring System (MPCMS) and the integration with electrical systems such as Dynamic Positioning, tank level indicators, and fire alarms. Reviewed a Business Case Analysis/Trade-off study comparing the full Navy approach to USCG standards to commercial standards. Tridentis acted as technical engineering reviewer. Recommendations were made to use a simple approach of swapping out hardware components for upgrade, rather than recapitalizing the entire system based on cost-benefit analysis.
  • Assisted the Configuration Manager by reviewing the as-is system configuration, and identifying updates based on the integration of the new equipment and systems procured for the ISVS programs. We supported the streamlining and modernization of the USCG process as it strives toward less USCG system ownership and more reliance on vendors. This resulted in 2,000 fewer Configuration Items (CIs) being managed in the system, saving our customer significant resources.
  • Provide support at the Coast Guard’s Engineering Directorate (CG-4), specifically supporting the Office of Naval Engineering (CG-45) which involves planning for upcoming SLEPs and MMAs, membership on the Surface Forces Configuration Control Board (SFCCB), reviews TCTOs, develops and reviews USCG manuals, policy documents and engineering reports. We provide project support for the staff Subject Matter Experts related to life cycle management including life cycle costs as well as acquisition costs. Supports ILS planning for new acquisitions,
  • Provide support for the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center. Specifically, conducting engineering reviews of commercial vessel electrical systems, ensuring each system complies with the requirements in 46 CFR Subchapter J, SOLAS, IMO, NFPA, ABS Steel Vessel Rules