USA, Jul. 2, 2009 (Info-Prod Research) -- According to DOD: Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) Shipbuilding Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $9,156,317 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2104) for research and development of advanced submarine technologies for current and future submarine platforms. The contract provides for provision of studies to support the manufacturability, maintainability, producibility, reliability, manning, survivability, hull integrity, performance, structural, weight/margin, stability, arrangements, machinery systems, acoustics, hydrodynamics, ship control, logistics, human factors, materials, weapons handling and stowage, submarine safety, and affordability of current and future submarine platforms. The contract also provides for engineering and technical support for Research and Development efforts associated with designing a future undersea superiority alternative to the reduced submarine program. Focus is on Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical systems, but may also involve C4I and non-propulsion electronic systems. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.