WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has awarded a contract for switching out oxygen generation systems on its SSBN-726 and SSN-21 submarines.
The U.S. Department of Defense said the contract is being awarded to the Treadwell Corp. of Thomaston, Conn.
The firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to furnish up to 17 low-pressure electrolyzers and associated installation services, training and technical data to replace the Model 6L16 electrolytic oxygen generator and oxygen generating plant aboard the ships is worth more than $49.5 million.
The low-pressure electrolyzers are designed to operate as the primary oxygen producers aboard the SSBN-726 and SSN-21 submarines and will provide increased reliability, maintainability, safety and ease of operation.
The Defense Department said funds in the amount of $40,000 will be obligated at this time.
Work will be performed in Thomaston and is expected to be completed by January 2014.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, is the contracting activity.
