((a)) ** .—** With respect to any Coast Guard vessel for which amounts are appropriated and any amounts otherwise made available for vessels for the Coast Guard in any fiscal year, the Commandant may enter into a contract or place an order, in advance of a contract or order for construction of a vessel, for—

((1)) materials, parts, components, and labor for the vessel;

((2)) the advance construction of parts or components for the vessel;

((3)) protection and storage of materials, parts, or components for the vessel; and

((4)) production planning, design, and other related support services that reduce the overall procurement lead time of the vessel.

((b)) ** .—** In entering into contracts and placing orders under subsection (a), the Commandant may give priority to persons that manufacture materials, parts, and components in the United States.