Trident delays prompt US to which bidding

The Reagan administration has penalized the General Dynamics Corporation for its developing the Trident Submarine by awarding a contract worth up to $2 billion to its shipbuilding rival. Navy Secretary John Lehman announced he was canceling competitive bidding for three attack submarines because of delivery delays at General Dynamics Electric Boat yard and awarding the contract to Newport News Shipyards.

In a letter to David Lewis, chairman of General Dynamics, Mr. Lehman also raised the possibility of replacing the Trident, which has yet to put to sea and is nearly three years behind con struction schedule.