The US Navy and Austal USA recently signed a contract that will see the company support the operations of littoral combat ships deployed to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
More specifically, Austal will work with Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka to allow the ships to receive more efficient and expedient emergent repairs and continuous maintenance.
Starting in January 2022, the firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract will run through December 2023, with three further 12-month option periods.
The primary place of performance under the contract will be at the forward operating site Singapore, where NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Site Singapore will administer the contract. However, work will also be accomplished at various remote operating sites ensuring the LCS war-fighting capabilities are maintained.
“Our littoral combat ships operating in the region are critical to enforcing international maritime rules-based order, so that all nations benefit in the region,” said Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, Commander Expeditionary Strike Group 7. “This contract will be essential in efficiently and effectively maintaining our littoral combat ships’ critical war-fighting capabilities and in turn supporting our goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Onboard NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Site Singapore, the LCS contracting team led the development, source selection and award of the single award indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to support LCS ship repair in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility for Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) / Task Force 73.
“Our contracting professionals work relentlessly and are driven by the success of our mission partners,” said Capt. Edward Pidgeon, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka commanding officer. “We are honored to once again contribute to naval readiness in a key region.”
“This award is an important milestone in growing Austal’s vessel sustainment business, and positions Austal USA to be the prime contractor for all continuous and emergent maintenance on the LCS as they transit and operate in the region,” Austal CEO Patrick Gregg said.
In 2017, Austal USA established a service center in Singapore, adjacent to the Changi Naval Base to support deployed LCS and Austal-built expeditionary fast transport. Over the last four years, Austal USA’s service and support business has grown in size and scope with continued investment from the company.
