The US Navy has awarded a contract to BAE Systems to conduct post-construction work aboard two Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001).

The indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract has an initial value of $10.3m and a maximum value of $192.7m for work that will be carried out through September 2021.

Under the contract, BAE will perform installation and completion of the ships’ combat systems and perform post-construction hull, mechanical, and electrical enhancements at its San Diego shipyard.

"We look forward to working with industry partners to install the advanced combat systems aboard these leading edge combatants."

In addition, the shipyard will support the destroyers’ post-shakedown availabilities after demonstration and certification of their combat systems and final sea trials.

BAE Systems’ Weapon Systems business will work on the ships’ gun systems and install Mk 57 vertical launch systems.

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair vice-president and general manager Bob Koerber said: “We are pleased with the opportunity to help prepare the Zumwalt and Michael Monsoor for initial service in the fleet.

“We look forward to working with industry partners to install the advanced combat systems aboard these leading edge combatants and to finish other hull and engineering enhancements following their construction and delivery.”

Work on USS Zumwalt is scheduled to begin next month, while work on USS Michael Monsoor will begin after it is delivered to the US Navy.

In a separate development, BAE Systems has received a five-year, $86m contract to provide management, engineering, maintenance, and IT support services for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) at Wallops Island, Virginia, US.

Image: USS Zumwalt and Michael Monsoor to undergo post-construction work. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.