Navy releases updated FFG(X) RFP

The U.S. Navy on June 20 released an updated request for proposals (RFP) for the FFG(X) detail design and construction (DD&C) contract for the first 10 guided-missile frigates (one base ship and nine option ships).

The RFP provides for a full and open competition and will result in a contract awarded to one company.

The Navy plans to award a contract for FFG(X) DD&C in fiscal year 2020.

The FFG(X) will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare and information operations. Offerors who respond to the DD&C solicitation must propose an FFG(X) design based on a parent ship design that has been through production and demonstrated in full scale at sea. Under U.S. law, FFG(X) must be built in a domestic shipyard.

The Navy released a draft FFG(X) DD&C RFP to industry on March 1 and hosted an Industry Day event on March 19. Through these interactions, the Navy received feedback from industry that informed the modified RFP released June 20

To reach the Navy’s full requirement of 20 frigates a second contract is planned closer to 2025 for the next 10 ships to ensure more accurate pricing on out-year ships. This will be beyond the six years planned for this initial contract.

FFG(X) is an agile, multi-mission plat