SENATOR COLLINS ISSUES STATEMENT ON PENTAGON OFFICIAL’S COMMENTS THAT ONE SHIPYARD STRATEGY IS “PREMATURE”

WASHINGTON, DC— The Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Michael Wynne today stated that a winner-take-all acquisition strategy for the DD(X) is "premature at this time." The Undersecretary suggested that the issue should be further addressed by the Defense Acquisition Board, which is scheduled to meet in July to discuss the matter, rather than being addressed in a separate review that is scheduled to take place late next week.

Senator Collins has released the following statement:

"While this does not indicate a final decision, it is positive news that a high-level Pentagon official, who has a deep understanding of both our national security needs and the Department of Defense's acquisition process, has said that a winner-take-all-strategy for the DD(X) is premature at this time. The long-term effects of such a strategy could have a devastating impact on our industrial base and skilled workforce.

"It is critical that when DoD officials reach their final conclusions on the DD(X) program, they take into account what is best for our national security needs and the skilled workforce required to build the next generation destroyer. I do not think that a ‘one-shipyard' acquisition strategy accomplishes either of these goals.

"I will continue my work in the Senate Armed Services Committee and in the full Senate to block this strategy, and it is encouraging that Secretary Wynne has reservations about this ill-conceived approach."

Senator Collins has met on numerous occasions with Pentagon officials to discuss this issue. During yesterday's Senate Armed Services hearing on the nomination of current Navy Secretary Gordon England to be Deputy Secretary of Defense, Senator Collins pointed out to him that the Senate has already sent repeated clear messages to DoD that it opposes a "one shipyard" acquisition strategy. In addition, she has been among the leaders in the US Senate to author legislation opposing such a strategy.

####