Mod could add $198.3 million to Austal LCS contract

DECEMBER 22, 2015 — Austal USA has been awarded a contract modification that adds$51,684,797 to its 10-ship $3.5 billion Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) contract for the U.S. Navy.

The shipbuilder says the work includes design services for upgrades to the LCS and preliminary design for the U.S. Navy’s future Frigate. It says that the contract is expected to be worth $198,385,545 over three years if options are exercised.

“We’re excited about this contract as it reflects the Navy’s confidence in our ability to support these warships and the program as a whole,” said Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle.

Work will begin immediately and will be performed at Austal’s Mobile, AL, shipyard.

“This work lays a solid foundation for our growing support business and will continue to grow as these ships deliver and enter the fleet,” said Mr.Perciavalle.

Austal says its LCS and Frigate design services consist of special studies supporting engineering design and trade-offs, core class studies that support program management efforts including configuration control and maintenance of the class design for ships under construction, and class services which include ongoing technical support for design modifications and maintenance of the LCS configuration and baseline design for delivered ships as well as future flight upgrades.

These upgrades include preliminary design efforts for the LCS transition to the frigate.