Press Releases

PORTLAND, ME – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced today that the Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works a $14.95 million contract to create a conceptual design of the FFG(X), a next-generation guided missile frigate. The contract allows BIW to compete against four other design proposals for the chance to build 20 of the ships. 
 
“The contract to create a conceptual design for the FFG(X) is a huge opportunity for BIW that could lead to enough work to keep the shipyard busy for years,” Pingree said. “I’m glad BIW will have the chance to show yet again the skills and expertise that we have here in Maine. I have no doubt that the shipyard’s design will be a strong one and highly competitive in this process.”
 
Once submitted, the Navy has 16 months to review the competing proposals. A final request for proposal will be released in late 2019 and a contract will be awarded in 2020.
 
The frigate, which is smaller than a destroyer, is meant to supplement the Navy’s undersea and surface warfare needs, and to support large surface combatants.
 
NOTIFICATION TEXT FROM THE NAVY:

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine is awarded a $14,950,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)) Conceptual Design.  General Dynamics Bath Iron Works will be maturing their proposed ship design to meet the FFG(X) System Specification.  The Conceptual Design effort will inform the final specifications that will be used for the Detail Design and Construction RFP that will deliver the required capability for FFG(X).  The conceptual design phase will reduce cost, schedule, and performance risk for the follow-on detail design and construction contract.  This contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $22,900,000.  Work will be performed in Bath, Maine; Spain; and Portsmouth, Rhode Island and is expected to be complete by June 2019.  Fiscal year 2018 research, development, test and evaluation and fiscal year 2017 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amounts of $11,000,000 and $1,200,000 respectively are obligated at time of award and funds in the amount of $1,200,000 will expire at the end of the fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with six offers received.