LCS-4 to deploy ahead of down-select

The Navy is shifting its plans for future frigate buying while upping competition between the two Littoral Combat Ship variant builders. For Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., getting USS Coronado (LCS-4) out on its first deployment ahead of the Navy down-selecting only one builder is significantly important. Lockheed Martin builds the second variant. It will go a long way in validating the ship’s advertised capabilities, said LCS Program Executive Officer Rear Adm. Brian Antonio. LM’s first two ships, USS Freedom (LCS-1) and USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) have a total of 28 total months of forward-deployment experience. USS Coronado will be Austal’s first to deploy. Antonio said the ships’ deployments will help the Navy validate shipbuilders’ claims regarding each variant. “It’s not just going to be a straight price shoot-out,” said Antonio. It will be about meeting capabilities that are important to the fleet. The Navy was headed toward a two-shipbuilder frigate plan. This shift to a competitive environment between the shipyards caused the Navy’s chief buyer Sean Stackley to predict that the losing bid may force one the firms out of business. In this new environment, the two contractors will need to be innovative, add to their designs, and distinguish themselves. A draft Request For Proposals will come out this summer. The winning bid, according to Antonio, will be selected based on cost and best capabilities. (Source: US Naval Institute News 05/03/16)