Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task Group 1 focuses on engineering support services, naval architecture, marine engineering, configuration management, and programmatic expertise in support of the review and assessment of technical deliverables and other Department-related technical work. Support efforts may also include reviewing studies, drawings, and specifications for the technical and cost evaluation of preliminary, contract, and detail designs, developing design standards, and supporting technical assessments for emerging technology and design requirements for vessel replacement studies. Preliminary and contract design support may include assisting in all areas of specification development and review, developing and reviewing technical plans for ship systems, and developing and reviewing the information required for vessel designs. Detail design support may include the assessment of drawings, reports, and studies relating to ship construction relative to the contract requirements and specifications. Vessel Design Support: The Contractor may provide engineering and technical support for design review and perform feasibility studies and designs of ships, boats, and shipboard systems to support existing and potential future vessel acquisition programs. In addition, the Contractor may assist in preparing trade-off studies in defining optimal characteristics for Department vessels, including, but not limited to, the following and related engineering topics: a) Hull form b) Powering requirements c) General and system arrangement layouts d) Habitability e) Endurance, speed, and seakeeping f) Crew size g) Propulsion (conventional and electric) h) Electrical, electronic, auxiliary, HVAC, and structural shipboard systems. i) Noise and Vibration These studies and designs may be supported by economic analyses, which include acquisition and life cycle cost estimates and alternative solutions. The Contractor may provide engineering and technical support for the evaluation of recommendations for ongoing construction projects; preparation of engineering analyses and determination of solutions for construction problems on vessels presently undergoing renovation or construction; and assist in the preparation of technical packages that may contain specifications, drawings, or both. Cost Analyses: The Contractor may provide cost engineering and technical support to the Department in its development of cost estimates relating to its decisions on various engineering issues and the analytical activities described herein. Cost estimating functions include: a) Technical issues associated with the acquisition of new vessels b) Analysis of engineering alternatives c) Drafting tradeoff studies d) Analysis of other engineering and design issues relating to cutter conversions e) Ship alterations and standardization issues f) Associated life cycle and total ownership costs to include training, manning, energy consumption, and any other relevant costs. Required relative cost estimates may be to the appropriate level of detail for the Department to conduct concept, feasibility, preliminary, contract, and detail design stages of development. A thorough knowledge of the use of Department cost estimating policies and practices.