HARTFORD – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, congratulated General Dynamics Electric Boat (EB) on nearly $150 million in new business from the Pentagon. Yesterday, the Department of Defense announced that the Groton manufacturer had been awarded $102,876,417 as part of the Virginia-class submarine program, and $46,587,911 under the New England Manpower Initiative (NEMMI).

“This is great news for Connecticut. Electric Boat is growing because of the workforce's dedication, efficiency, and skill, and I'm thrilled that the Department of Defense, once again, recognizes Connecticut’s contribution to our national security,” said Murphy. “Eastern Connecticut wouldn’t be the place it is today without the submarine program and the thousands of workers it employs. Defense manufacturing is a critical part of our state’s economy, which is why I’ll never stop pushing the Pentagon to buy more goods made here in America instead of overseas.”

 

EB received two contract modifications to perform additional work under two previously announced Virginia-class submarine contracts in Groton. EB will “maintain, update, and support the Virginia-class design and related drawings and data for each Virginia-class submarine, including technology insertion, throughout its construction and post shakedown availability period.” A separate modification directs EB to conduct work “in support of non-nuclear maintenance, modernization, and repair of operational nuclear powered submarines, floating dry docks, support and service craft, and plant equipment” under the New England Manpower Initiative (NEMMI).

 

Earlier this year, Murphy supported the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016, which included his “Buy American” amendment and authorized $5.3 billion for Virginia-class submarine construction. The amendment fought back against a provision that would have eliminated all transparency of overseas purchases, and instead required even more transparency when DoD attempts to waive the Buy American Act. This increased sunlight on Buy American waivers will give Congress and American manufacturers more ammunition in the fight to make DoD purchase American-made goods.