The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to build 10 of 20 next-generation guided-missile frigates, know as FFG(X).

According to a notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) intends to issue a solicitation under full and open competition in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 for the detail design and construction (DD&C) of guided missile frigates under the FFG(X) program, according to a notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website.

FFG(X) is the national designation of a class of multimission guided-missile frigates for the United States Navy and will provide combatant and fleet commanders a uniquely suitable asset to achieve select sea control objectives and to perform maritime security operations while facilitating access in all domains in support of strike group and aggregated fleet operations.

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As part of the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations Concept, the FFG(X) small surface combatant will expand blue force sensor and weapon influence to enhance the overall fleet tactical picture while challenging adversary intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking efforts. FFG(X) will also contribute to the Navy the Nation Needs by relieving large surface combatants from the stress of routine duties during operations other than war.

The U.S. Navy expects to build a total of twenty FFG(X) ships as per the fiscal year 2019 Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels.

The current acquisition profile for FFG(X) has the Navy procuring one ship in fiscal year 2020 and FY-21, and then two ships per year throughout the future years defense program.

The U.S. Navy wants a frigate that can keep up with the aircraft carriers and have sensors networked in with the rest of the fleet to expand the overall tactical picture available to the group. “The FFG(X) will normally aggregate into strike groups and Large Surface Combatant led surface action groups but also possess the ability to robustly defend itself during conduct of independent operations while connected and contributing to the fleet tactical grid.