“I am pleased at the decision by the U.S. Navy to delay awarding the construction contract of the new frigate for one year,” Nan Swift, NTU Federal Affairs Manager commented. “NTU had supported the recommendation to do so made in a recent report by the Government Accountability Office that raised concerns regarding program cost and design. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) on which the new frigate is based, suffered from similar cost and design issues that have continued to plague the program. Before more taxpayer dollars are committed to a major, long-term investment for the Navy, it is imperative that these systemic problems, as well as broader questions about the frigate’s strategic role, are fully resolved.”