2024-07-19
The US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) a USD 20.5 million contract modification on 9 July 2024 to further develop the design of a next-generation submarine tender for the US Navy (USN).
This sole-source contract modification will provide 12 months of design development under the AS(X) Submarine Tender Recapitalization Program, a key step before awarding a full detailed design and construction (DD&C) contract. The program aims to replace the aging Emory S Land-class submarine tenders, USS Emory S Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), both commissioned in 1979.
The new AS(X) submarine tenders will offer enhanced capabilities to support nuclear-powered guided missile and attack submarines, as well as surface combatants, in the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. Based at Guam in the Pacific, these tenders provide intermediate-level maintenance, repairs, hotel services, and logistics support for deployed vessels.
NAVSEA initially planned an open competition for the AS(X) DD&C phase and awarded preliminary design contracts to L3Harris Technologies, NASSCO, and HII in April 2022. However, both L3Harris and HII chose not to pursue the follow-on DD&C phase, making NASSCO the sole contractor for the next stage of the project.
This contract is seen as a precursor to building the first of three planned AS(X) vessels, ensuring the US Navy continues to meet its expeditionary maintenance and support needs for its submarine fleet.
