June 26 (UPI) -- Austal USA is receiving a not-to-exceed Congressional cost-cap contract for $584.2 million for the construction of an Independence-class littoral combat ship and associated services.
The contract, announced by the Department of Defense on Friday, includes options for the construction of an additional LCS and services after delivery. The Navy plans to issue competitive bid solicitations in the future, and the specific contract price for the ships is considered source selection sensitive information.