(WASHINGTON) — Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has awarded four U.S. shipyards contracts valued at $2.9 million each to explore options for a future common hull auxiliary multi-mission platform (CHAMP) to ultimately replace the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet of aging ships.
Bollinger Shipyards, General Dynamics NASSCO, Philly Shipyard and VT Halter Marine were awarded firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts on June 3.
The CHAMP program is a multi-phase effort that involves design studies, preliminary design, and detail design and construction (DD&C). CHAMP could affordably recapitalize the current fleet with significant decreases in cost both in ship construction and life-cycle maintenance cost. The demand for the CHAMP program could approach 60-plus vessels, according to Philly Shipyard, which is teaming with Vard Marine for the project.
The design study efforts begin immediately and last into 2022, with the acquisition occurring over the next 10 years.
