DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer

The DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer program is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to develop and acquire next-generation guided missile destroyers for the U.S. Navy. The program, designated with Acquisition Category IC, follows the Major Capability Acquisition pathway and encompasses the design, construction, testing, and deployment of stealth destroyers intended to provide precision land attack, air defense, and surface warfare capabilities. The vessels incorporate advanced technologies including high-voltage power systems, integrated combat systems, and sophisticated radar capabilities.

Contract awards associated with the program range from small purchases of specialized components to multi-billion dollar shipbuilding agreements, with contract periods typically spanning 3-7 years. Primary contractors include Bath Iron Works Corporation (a General Dynamics subsidiary), Huntington Ingalls Inc., Raytheon Company, and BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair Inc., with major subcontractors such as DRS Naval Power Systems Inc. and Leonardo DRS providing specialized systems and components. The majority of funding flows through NAVSEA, with additional contracts from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Work is primarily performed at shipyards in Bath, Maine; Pascagoula, Mississippi; and San Diego, California. While most contracts have no set-aside designation, some smaller supply and support service contracts are designated for small businesses. Contract types vary from firm-fixed-price for defined deliverables to cost-plus-award-fee and cost-plus-incentive arrangements for complex development efforts.