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4w ago

Navy Issues RFP for Vessel Construction Manager to Accelerate Medium Landing Ships

The new prime-contractor model leverages a proven build-to-print design to cut risk, expanding yard capacity.

US Navy issues RFP for vessel construction manager to oversee new LSM. Credit: US Navy.
Rendering of the US Navy LSM. NAVSEA image.

Overview

  • Initial construction will run at Bollinger Shipyards and Fincantieri Marinette Marine, with Fincantieri slated to build four ships.
  • The VCM will hold the prime contract, issue and manage subcontracts, and exert direct contractual control to reduce cost and schedule risk.
  • The Navy expects to award the VCM contract in mid-2026, with the manager empowered to allocate the remaining three ships under the base award.
  • Damen Naval’s LST-100 is the selected non-developmental baseline, enabling a faster, build-to-print start for the class.
  • The FY2026 NDAA authorizes use of the VCM for the first eight LSMs, as the program targets a 35-ship fleet to support Marine littoral mobility and distributed logistics.