Updated USCG policies for cutter Major Maintenance Availabilities (MMAs)

Eda Zenic -

The United States Coast Guard has issued revised commandant instruction 5000.13A providing updated policies for the management and oversight of Major Maintenance Availabilities (MMAs) for Coast Guard cutters.

MMAs involve significant repairs and replacements to hull, mechanical, electrical, and C5I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, and Intelligence) systems.

These activities are not intended to extend the service life of cutters or provide new capabilities but require careful planning and rigorous management due to their high costs.

Key Changes:

  1. Inclusion of C5I Systems: The updated instruction explicitly includes C5I systems as potential MMA projects. This broadens the scope of MMAs to cover more advanced technological systems, reflecting the increasing importance of cybersecurity and intelligence in modern Coast Guard operations.
  2. Assessment Process: A new process is established to ensure that planned MMA projects are not classified as acquisition programs. This involves assessing projects against criteria from the Non-Major Acquisition Program (NMAP) guidelines to maintain clear distinctions between maintenance and acquisition efforts.
  3. Enterprise Architecture Review: The instruction requires a review by Commandant (CG-671) of the Work Item list for Enterprise Architecture impacts for MMA projects that include C5I systems. This ensures that any changes or upgrades align with the Coast Guard's broader enterprise architecture and strategic goals.
  4. Notification and Updates: If the cost and schedule targets outlined in the MMA Management Plan are projected to be exceeded, the Project Manager must submit a notification memo to the Decision Authority. This is followed by an update to the MMA Management Plan, ensuring transparency and proactive management of potential overruns.
  5. Concurrent Clearance Reviews: The instruction clarifies that the MMA Management Plan and any subsequent updates must undergo Concurrent Clearance reviews. This ensures that all relevant stakeholders have the opportunity to review and provide input on the plans, promoting thorough oversight and coordination.

Additional Details:

  • Action Required: All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters directorates must comply with these updated policies.
  • Environmental Considerations: The instruction falls under DHS categorical exclusion A3, meaning it does not significantly change existing environmental conditions. Future specific actions must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental requirements.
  • Records Management: Records created as a result of this instruction must be managed according to COMDTINST 5212.12 and the Coast Guard’s records retention schedule.