General Dynamics Sees Delays on Columbia Sub Design, GAO Says


By Tony Capaccio

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General Dynamics “missed its monthly detail design goals due to inefficient design software” over the past year, the Government Accountability Office says in latest public assessment of the program.

  • Navy program officials tell GAO that General Dynamics “increased its design staff in an effort to recover its schedule”
  • GAO says “delayed detail designs are impacting material orders, slowing construction progress, and jeopardizing the design completion goal”
  • Navy says 83% of detailed design work must be complete before construction starts later this year; General Dynamics completed 100% of basic design last year
  • General Dynamics is lead contractor on Navy’s top program to replace aging Ohio-class nuclear-missile sub
  • First delivery planned for 2027; first patrol in 2030
  • NOTE: Navy spokesman Captain Danny Hernandez says Columbia construction schedule is “holding and the program remains on track”

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