The Navy commissioned 15 industry studies for a Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) “concept design” that is due in November. The industry studies are expected to shape a formal competition in Summer 2021 in advance of a planned lead-ship contract award in FY 2022. The Marines want the new combat vessel to ferry forces from shore to shore for a potential fight in the Pacific, according to service officials. In July, the Navy awarded industry studies to Austal USA of Alabama; BMT Designers; Bollinger Shipyards of Louisiana; Crescere Marine Engineering, Damen, Hyak Marine, Independent Maritime Assessment Associates, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Sea Transport, Serco, St John Shipbuilding, Swiftships, Technology Associates, Thoma-Sea, and VT Halter Marine of Mississippi. The studies are to provide information requirements, concepts of operation, technical risk and cost estimates. All contracts have a one-year period of performance. The Navy plans to award select “special studies” beyond November to investigate matters that may stem from a particular company’s design proposal or the service’s conceptual exploration effort. Since the LAW program is a new start, formal solicitation to launch the program is won’t happen until an FY-21 defense appropriations bill is enacted. The federal government is operating under a stopgap spending measure until Dec. 11, which includes a provision that forbids initiation of new programs. The Navy does not necessarily want a clean-sheet design, but rather is looking to adapt existing ship designs and eyeing possible options: Using/altering a commercial design or building to print a historical design. (Source: Inside Defense 10/06/20) https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/navy-awaits-15-light-amphibious-warship-concept-designs-support-program-launch-fy-21
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