BATH — The U.S. Navy awarded Bath Iron Works a $14.9 million contract toward the concept design of the agency’s Guided Missile Frigate.

The proposed design stems from “a family of AEGIS Guided Missile Frigates designed by the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia,” according to a shipyard statement. “The contract award enables Bath Iron Works to mature the design to meet the specifications established by the Navy that will be used for the Detail Design and Construction request for proposals.”

Included in the contract are options that could raise the total contract value to $22.9 million.