DHS USCG - Regulatory Studies and Analyses - MRAS

The United States Coast Guard (USCG), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is seeking contractor technical support services to enhance its regulatory development program. The General Services Administration (GSA) is conducting market research on behalf of DHS to identify capable contractors who can provide economic analysis support for the USCG's Office of Standards Evaluation and Development (CG-REG). This initiative aligns with the USCG's mission to ensure maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship by updating and maintaining regulations in Titles 33, 46, and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

The primary goal of this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is to secure services that will assist CG-REG's Standards Evaluation and Analysis Division (CG-REG-1) in executing comprehensive regulatory economic analyses. This includes developing analytical tools and methodologies, conducting economic and statistical modeling, providing expert recommendations, and ensuring compliance with federal requirements. Specifically, contractors will help the USCG adhere to Executive Orders 12866, 13563, 14094; OMB Circular A-4; the Regulatory Flexibility Act; the Evidence Act; the Paperwork Reduction Act; and any future directives impacting economic analysis requirements.

The scope of work entails a detailed examination of proposed rulemakings by conducting cost-benefit analyses within maritime, transportation, environmental, or security contexts. Contractors are expected to develop regulatory evaluations that meet rigorous standards set forth by various executive orders and circulars while also engaging in public commentary processes. The analyses conducted must withstand scrutiny from multiple stakeholders including federal agencies like OMB as well as industry representatives and the general public.

Given its longstanding history as a regulatory body since its inception in 1871 through the Steamboat Inspection Service, USCG's unique position as both a military branch and a regulatory agency necessitates robust analytical support. By partnering with experienced contractors through this BPA framework, CG-REG aims to bolster its capacity for effective regulation development that addresses both domestic mandates and international treaty obligations while promoting safety across U.S. waterways.