MARCH 22, 2013 — The Navy is modifying the total amount of a previously awarded contract to Huntington Ingalls Inc, Newport News, Va., (N00024-09-C-2116) by $407,408,093 in order to extend construction preparation efforts and provide the ability to procure additional long lead material and advance construction activities for CVN 79  — the second Ford class aircraft carrier, the John F. Kennedy — if required.  The current contract has been in place since 2009.  The Navy says this modification for additional long lead material and advance construction activity may help preserve the construction schedule.  Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to complete by October 2015.  Additional funding is not being obligated at this time.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

The Navy announced a similar modification of the contract, by $65 million, earlier this month.