L-3 Communications Titan Corporation Unidyne Division, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $16,731,438 firm-fixed-price contract for the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) of the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 29 and 32. LCAC SLEP extends the service life of the LCAC from 20 to 30 years. LCAC SLEP modifications include repair/refurbishment of the hull, main engine upgrades, installation of a new skirt system, and upgrades to the communication/navigation systems. The LCAC provides heavy lift capability to perform amphibious assaults and operational maneuvers from the sea. LCAC is a high-speed, fully amphibious landing craft capable of carrying a 60-ton payload (75 tons in overload) at speeds in excess of 40 knots and a nominal range of 200 nautical miles. Carrying equipment, troops, and supplies, the LCAC launches from the well deck of an
amphibious warship, transits at high speed, traverses the surf zone and lands at a suitable place ashore where it quickly offloads and
returns to amphibious shipping for follow-on sorties. This contract includes options for SLEP of the LCAC 31, 48, and 33, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $40,033,424. Work will be performed at Assault Craft Unit Five, Camp Pendleton, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website with 29 proposals solicited and two offers received. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N55236-06-C-0001).