Vice Admiral Allen commits to timely Coast Guard acquisition reports and investment plan

The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure convened on March 5, 2025, to address critical oversight issues regarding the Coast Guard's acquisition reporting. During the meeting, Rep. Ezell expressed significant concerns about the Coast Guard's failure to provide mandated reports, which are essential for Congress to fulfill its oversight responsibilities.

Rep. Ezell highlighted that the Coast Guard has not submitted a major acquisition report to the committee, nor has it provided a capital investment plan since fiscal year 2023, which was submitted a year late. Additionally, the last quarterly acquisition brief received was from the third quarter of the previous year. This lack of compliance raises questions about the Coast Guard's commitment to transparency and accountability in its acquisition efforts.

In response, Vice Admiral Allen acknowledged the shortcomings and committed to improving the situation. He promised to deliver the capital investment plan within 60 days following the President's budget submission to Congress. Furthermore, he assured that a quarterly acquisitions brief would be provided to the committee staff before April 1, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and collaboration with Congress.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the Coast Guard in its acquisition processes and the necessity for timely reporting to ensure effective oversight by Congress. The commitments made by Vice Admiral Allen signal a potential shift towards better compliance and transparency in the future.