General Dynamics Electric Boat has received a $2.3 billion Navy award for Block VI Virginia-class submarine long-lead-time material and early manufacturing, the Pentagon announced Monday.

The announcement suggests the Navy might soon ink a production contract for 10 or more Virginia boats after a years-long delay. Congress granted funding and multiyear procurement authority for up to 13 of the vessels in 2023, but the Navy has yet to reach a deal with contractors.

In April, Navy officials said they were in the “final stages” of negotiations. Last week, HII CEO Chris Kastner said negotiations were on track.

HII and Electric Boat collaboratively build both the Virginia and Columbia-class submarine programs. The two companies are also awaiting delayed contracts for five build II Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.

Work under today’s award is expected to be completed by September 2035, according to the announcement. The bulk of the funding provided by the award comes from the Navy’s fiscal year 2026 shipbuilding account.