Michaud and Pingree Say BIW Low Bidder on Destroyer Contract
Press Release
Congressman Mike Michaud and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that Bath Iron Works (BIW) has been awarded a $679 million contract to build a DDG-51 destroyer with an option on a second ship. BIW was bidding against Ingalls Shipyard on three of the destroyers, and because they were the low-cost bidder, they were awarded one contract outright, with the option on a second ship pending appropriations and authorization by Congress.
"It's very good news to see these contract go through. This will help ensure a steady flow of work at the shipyard," said Pingree. "Once the DDG1000s are finished at Bath Iron Works, the DDG 51 is going to be the yard's bread and butter in the years ahead. No one builds these ships to the same quality standards and with the same efficiency as Bath, and it makes sense to keep building them here."
"This is really great news for all the businesses and workers who rely on steady work from BIW," said Congressman Mike Michaud, who spoke to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus this evening. "This is another important step ahead for Bath and the entire region's economy."
BIW finished construction of two DDG-51s this summer and is currently working on the first of three DDG-1000s. After months of negotiations, the Navy and BIW's parent company, General Dynamics, signed the contract for work on the DDG-1000s earlier this month.
Over the last year, Pingree has contacted Secretary Mabus several times in efforts to ensure a steady flow of work at the shipyard. In February, she pushed the Navy to advance funding on the DDG-1000s to avoid layoffs, and this summer she wrote to Mabus about the need to quickly settle contracts with the shipyard. She has also urged about the importance of building the DDG-51 at BIW.
"This has not been an easy year for workers at BIW, with so much up in the air about contracts and funding," said Pingree. "I hope this gives them some more security in knowing there will be enough work to keep them busy. They're the best in the world at what they do, and this contract is critical to keep them working."
Source