1/ Per the open briefing given by Austal's MD construction of...

1/ Per the open briefing given by Austal's MD construction of the first vessel is expected to commence in October 2005. Quote from open briefing:

"Following the completion of the design phase, we expect construction to commence in October 2005. The first phase of the LCS programme should result
in our consortium receiving a contract to build two vessels. The contract value of each vessel is likely to be in excess of US$200 million and our share of that
contract value is likely to exceed US$100 million per vessel. It’s going to take us about 18 months to build one vessel and the US Navy will determine the
commencement date of the construction of the second vessel. The potential for us going forward is particularly significant, given that the US Navy requires about 57
of these vessels over a 15-year period."

2/ Per the same open briefing in response to a question about whether the construction contract is conditional on the competing teams design being unacceptable to the US Navy, Austal's MD answered:

"It was made very clear when the final design award was announced that the intention was to allow the selected teams to produce different vessels. The US Navy will then compare the relative capabilities of both vessels. It is possible that after the first four vessels are built some combination of design may emerge. It is also possible that they will proceed with both vessel designs for the entire programme. The process enables the US Navy to review both designs and review all possibilities. This is a significant programme and they clearly want to have the optimal solution."

I have included these quotes because they indicate more clearly the stage which Austal has reached in the process and that they may well achieve considerable success with the contract even if the competing teams vessel is also acceptable to the US Navy.

As always, do your own research!