The Navy's next generation logistics ship program recently published its initial acquisition schedule, but the project may falter early as a Senate panel pushes to cut the service's research and development funding. The program's June 25 industry day slides indicate the service will conduct industry studies for the new vessel during fiscal year 2021, publish a request for proposals in FY-22 and award a construction contract in FY-23. The same industry day slides reference $30 million in research and development funding included in the Navy's FY-21 budget request. The Senate Armed Services Committee recommended cutting those funds in its version of the FY-21 defense authorization bill, citing the money as early to need. The bill is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.
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