Navy changes LCS buying plans

The Navy has canceled plans to split a three-ship purchase of littoral combat ships in 2010 between two competitors in favor of a two-stage buying process. The Navy next year wants to award to either General Dynamics of Lockheed-Martin a winner-take-all fixed price contract for up to 10 ships by 2014. And in 2012 the Navy wants to open up the competition to other shipbuilders and buy another five ships with the winning design. Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., is part of the General Dynamics team. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/17/09)