U.S. Navy Orders Long Lead-Time Material for EPF 14

The U.S. Navy has awarded Austal an undefinitized contract action (UCA), valued at $40.3 million, to fund the acquisition of long lead-time material (LLTM) and production engineering associated with the construction of a 103-meter Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) to be designated EPF 14.

Austal was awarded the initial contract to design and build the first 103-meter EPF in November 2008. Since then, ten Spearhead-class EPFs have been delivered and are serving as an affordable solution to fulfilling the Military Sealift Command’s requirements worldwide. USNS Burlington (EPF 10) was delivered in November and two more EPFs are under construction. A similar UCA was recently awarded to order long lead-time materials for EPF 13.

It is expected that these contracts will lead to full vessel contracts later in the fiscal year. If awarded, these full vessel contracts will ensure EPF construction continuity out until 4th quarter 2022.

Long lead-time material for the additional vessel will include diesel engines, water jets and reduction gears.