Navy issues draft RFP for FFG(X)

The Navy issued a draft Request For Proposal (RFP) on March 1 to design and build its class of 20 next-generation guided-missile frigates (FFG(X)). The detailed design and construction draft RFP is to serve as a dry run for shipbuilders to pitch designs for the small surface combatants that are to be follow-ons to two separate classes of Littoral Combat Ships still in production at Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., and Marinette (Wis.) Marine. The document lays out a schedule to produce 10 ships. The lead ship would be delivered in 72 months after the contract award – with options for nine more. Later in 2019, the Navy plans to issue a final detailed design and construction RFP with the contract to be awarded in 2020. In 2018, the Navy awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries of Pascagoula, Miss.; Austal USA, Lockheed Martin, Fincantieri Marine and General Dynamics Bath (Maine) Iron Works developmental contracts. The five were each awarded $15M to refine their own frigate designs. However, competition for the upcoming FFG(X) detail design and construction contract will be open to all competitors that meet requirements based on a mature parent-design, the Navy said earlier this year. (Source: USNI News 03/02/19)