A $2.2 billion contract is heading to one of Jacksonville’s leading maritime companies.
The U.S. Navy has agreed to the contract with Tote Services LLC of Jacksonville. The deal provides the funding to Tote, which will be in charge of constructing what’s called Medium Landing Ships (LSM) for the Navy.
The LSM program includes a multiship effort at several shipyards involving suppliers, designers, manufactures and other stakeholders. Tote will provide an overarching management structure coordinating government standards, shipyard construction and ending with delivery of the vessels.
“This is a tremendous responsibility and a defining moment for American shipbuilding,” said Jeff Dixon, President of Tote Services. Tote was awarded the contract through the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Maritime, the administrative office that oversees the work.
“We look forward to collaborating with and supporting PAE Maritime as we work together on LSM. The U.S. is counting on this program to succeed, and our job is clear: steward the work responsibly, cultivate the best talent and expertise, move with urgency, and deliver for the American people.”
Tote’s role will be the Vessel Construction Manager on the project. The contract calls for new construction of eight LMS. The vessels will support a larger 35-ship fleet for the Navy and U.S. Marine Corp.
While Tote will be the main contractor on the project, PAE Maritime will award and oversee subcontractors to work on the construction of the ships. Requests for proposals from qualified shipyards in the U.S. will begin shortly to hire the companies.
“The shipyards building these vessels are central to the success of the LSM program, and we are ready to support them every step of the way,” said Chris Clark, Vice President of New Construction at Tote Services. “Our commitment is to provide the clarity, consistency, and support our industry partners need to do what they do best: deliver high-quality ships for the American people.”
