Ranking Member Courtney Statement on New Vessel Construction Manager Contract Award for TOTE Services LLC

July 13, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement on the U.S. Navy’s new contract award to TOTE Services LLC for vessel construction management (VCM) services for construction of up to eight Medium Landing Ships (LSMs). This contract is a result of the Seapower Subcommittee’s language in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act relating to VCMs for the LSM program. “The Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee authorized this Vessel Construction Manager contract in 2025 through the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. This contract award is a definitive next step in the Navy’s adoption of the successful VCM model,” Courtney said. “With the support of American shipbuilders, the Seapower Subcommittee first mandated this model back in the FY17 NDAA for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel. The rapid production cadence of those massive ships is proof of the success of the VCM model in advancing ‘Made in America’ shipbuilding.” ### Issues : Defense & National Security Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee