Pentagon transfers $2.6B shipbuilding funds for Columbia-class subs

Ahead of an anticipated contract modification for the first Columbia-class submarine, the Pentagon comptroller last week approved $2.6 billion in fiscal year 2021 shipbuilding dollars to be moved to the National Sea-Based Deterrence Fund.

The Oct. 13 reprogramming document is signed by acting Pentagon Comptroller Thomas Harker.

The Navy in the coming months is expected to award General Dynamics Electric Boat a contract modification to officially begin construction on the first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine.

Defense Department officials this past year sought and received a waiver from lawmakers to award the FY-21 funding despite the federal government remaining under a continuing resolution.

The reprogramming action does not change the purpose of the funds, but is a necessary step under federal law for the Pentagon to complete prior to awarding the contract modification to Electric Boat.