VSE Corp. in Alexandria, VA received a $249 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-05-D-4204) to add an option for continuous life-cycle support of naval vessels that are bought, sold or otherwise transferred through the international fleet support (IFS) program.
Under this contract, VSE provides design, configuration management, field engineering, maintenance planning, maintenance, spare parts support, training, casualty, and depot level repair. The company also provides engineering, technical, procurement, logistics, test, inspection, calibration, repair, maintenance, equipment upgrade installation, and overhaul support services, including reactivation to safe-to-sail status.
VSE will perform the work in Alexandria, VA and at various locations throughout the world as required by IFS customers. The company expects to complete the work by August 2010. The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) at the Washington Navy Yard in DC manages the contract.
The IFS program is a NAVSEA Deputy Commander for Surface Warfare (SEA 21) effort to provide complete life-cycle support for non-nuclear surface ships operated by allied navies…
As part of the IFS Program, SEA 21 and Commander, FFG 7 Class Squadron hosted an International Frigate Working Group May 12-15/09 in Mayport, FL that brought together all current operators of Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates.
The meetings provided an opportunity for US and allied partners to identify maintenance, obsolescence and logistics issues affecting the class and present alternatives for sustainment and modernization programs. The meeting allowed the US Navy and allied partners to review options to ensure these ships remain combat relevant and cost-effective throughout their service lives.
The US Navy currently operates 30 Perry-class frigates. A total of 33 Perry-class frigates are in use by allied navies, including Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Poland, Spain and Taiwan. All of these nations were represented at the meetings.
SEA 21 expects similar working groups for other classes of naval vessels to be held in the coming years.