1. PURPOSE. This Manual establishes policies and standards for the administration of the Coast Guard External Affairs Program for both Coast Guard Headquarters and the field. 2. ACTION. All Coast Guard commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements shall comply with the provisions of this Manual. Internet release is authorized. 3. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. The Coast Guard Public Affairs Manual, COMDTINST M5728.2 (series), Coast Guard Partnership with First Book, COMDTINST 5350.5 (series), Retired Flag Officer Biographical Material/Requirements, COMDTINST 5700.3 (series), and The Coast Guard Engagement Framework, COMDTINST 5730.2 (series) are canceled. All Commandant directives referencing the Public Affairs Manual and The Coast Guard Engagement Framework are now directed to this Manual and Reference (a).
The Coast Guard manages a broad $27 billion major acquisition portfolio intended to modernize its ships, aircraft, command and control systems, and other capabilities. Previous reports have discussed the Coast Guard's significant acquisition challenges, including project challenges in its Deepwater program. They identified problems in costs, management, and oversight, but also recognized several steps the Coast Guard has taken to improve acquisition management. This report: (1) assessed Coast Guard capabilities to manage its major acquisition programs; and (2) determined the extent to which the Coast Guard leverages DoD and other agency contracts or expertise to support its major acquisition programs. Illus. This is a print on demand report.