Arctic Security Cutters (ASC)

The Presidential Memorandum titled Construction of Arctic Security Cutters issued October 8, 2025, establishes the ASC program as a strategic national priority. The United States Coast Guard's current fleet of icebreakers is insufficient to control, secure, and defend the U.S. territories and emerging threats in the Arctic. The President ordered a comprehensive approach to restore America's maritime dominance, including rebuilding America's maritime manufacturing capabilities. To meet national security threats and priorities, pursuant to the authority in 10 U.S.C 3204(a)(7), as implemented by FAR 6.103-7 (FAR Class Deviation 25-11), the Coast Guard was authorized to waive the requirement to provide full and open competition in the public's interest.