SSN 774 Virginia Class Submarine

The SSN 774 Virginia Class Submarine program is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the U.S. Department of the Navy through its Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). This acquisition program supports the procurement, construction, maintenance, and lifecycle sustainment of the Virginia Class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines. The program follows the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway and is designated as an Acquisition Category IC program, representing its strategic importance to national defense capabilities.

The program's contract awards range from small purchase orders for specialized components and repairs (typically $3,000-$100,000) to major definitive contracts exceeding $26 billion for submarine construction and long-lead materials. Primary contractors include Electric Boat Corporation (a division of General Dynamics), BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., Huntington Ingalls Inc., and Rolls-Royce Marine North America Inc. Common contracted items include propulsion system components, hull penetrators, electronic systems, and various maintenance services. Work is predominantly performed at naval facilities in Groton, Connecticut, and Newport News, Virginia. While most large-value contracts are awarded through full and open competition without set-asides, the program does utilize total small business set-asides for certain purchase orders under $150,000, particularly for equipment rentals, repairs, and specialized components. The Department of the Navy is the primary funding agency, with contract durations typically ranging from three months for simple purchases to 15 years for major construction and support contracts.