Navy to issue solicitation for new cable ship affordability studies

The Navy plans to award a contract for multiple industry studies to investigate options to make its next-generation cable ship, T-ARC(X), more affordable, according to a public notice.

The studies will consider "options to maximize affordability and producibility, identify cost effective design solutions by leveraging commercial designs and shipbuilder experience and standards, and inform system specification and gain feedback," the June 10 notice said.

T-ARC(X) will replace the service's sole cable ship, USNS Zeus (T-ARC-7).

"It will also be equipped with a moonpool and a variety of hull mounted sonar systems to support the primary and secondary missions," the notice added.