Next-generation US nuclear sub facing cost overruns, delays By Tony Capaccio Bloomberg,Updated December 23, 2020, 4:09 p.m. Email to a Friend The US Navyâs plan to deliver the first vessel in its $128 billion next-generation submarine program on time is at risk by a dependence on inexperienced contractors with spotty quality control track records, according to a congressional watchdog. The Government Accountability Office, in a restricted Nov. 6 report to the Pentagon and congressional defense committees, said the design contract for the first vessel in the Columbia-class sub fleet being built by General Dynamics Corp. could have a cost overrun of as much as 14 percent, or $384 million.