U.S. Coast Guard RDC and DHS S&T seek solutions for sea rescue operations

The U.S. Coast Guard Research & Development Center (RDC) announced a collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to solicit technology solutions for mass-casualty events at sea. All innovators, industry, academia and laboratories are invited to submit their solutions for a "large capacity-floating device" by 2 p.m. ET August 5, 2021.

According to DHS S&T, the private sector already has large, flotation devices but these are too heavy to deploy by air or vessel. The USCG would like to develop a large capacity, ultra light floating device to use during a mass rescue operation, such as a sinking ferryboat or cruise ship.

The USCG RDC will provide technical support to DHS S&T to help with the development of the device. RDC Commanding Officer, Capt. Dan Keane noted, “We’re looking forward to working with the public to help develop their innovative ideas into a practical and useable design. If successful, the mass life saving device will give first responders additional capability and capacity to respond quickly to a mass rescue situation.”

For more information, please read the USCG RDC press release here.

Visit the Mass Rescue solicitation on SAM.gov for more information: https://sam.gov/opp/ab97f34715c844929d9527178582a774/view