Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLE SOURCE

(Simplified Procedures - MPT to < SAT)

Document number: _N4657926PR00087_

The supplies or services described herein are being solicited on a sole source basis and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available for the supplies or services.

Check One:

☒ Service:

Contractor: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Contractor Address: 739 Thimble Shoals Road Suite 504

Newport News VA 23606 Contractor POC:

Phone #:

Email:

Cage Code/DUNS: 2B704

☐ Supply:

Restricted to the following source. If a manufacturer distributes via dealers, ALSO provide dealer information.)

Original Manufacturer Name:

Manufacturer:

Manufacturer POC:

Manufacturer Phone #:

Manufacturer Address:

Dealer/Rep:

Dealer/Rep Address Phone No.

Email:

Description of the supplies or services required, the estimated price/cost, and required delivery date.

Training Support Vessel Squadron Four currently operates TSV-1 PREVAIL from JEBLC-FS pier 12, TSV-3 HUNTER from JEBLC-FS pier 18, TSV-4 NARRAGANSETT from JEBLC-FS pier 18 and TSV-5 VINDICATOR from JEBLC-FS pier 13. The vessels are required to have an approved and internationally recognized organization to provide an inspection regime and oversight to ensure the vessels are safe to operate.

In conclusion, the requested supplies or services represent the minimum requirements of the government.

Describe in detail why only this source can furnish the requirements to the exclusion of other sources.

(what specific characteristics of the supplies or services limit the availability to a sole source (e.g., unique features, function of the item, etc.)?)

The vessels are required to maintain certifications that maintenance is being accomplished and the ships are safe to operate.

In 2003 United States Fleet Forces (USFF) and Carrier Strike Group FOUR (CSG-4) the vessels custodian, decided to utilize the same standard used by all non-combatant and commercial vessels, that being ABS oversight, for all vessels operated by CSG-4 in support of Fleet training. PREVAIL, HUNTER, NARRGANSETT and VINDICATOR have been issued ABS Tonnage certificates, stability documents, as well as Loadline and Class certifications. To ensure the ships remain safe to operate the vessels need to remain under ABS oversight.

They are intimately familiar with that system. Shifting to another system would introduce unfamiliar procedures, schedules and surveyors. Resulting in a high potential for damage or injury to the ship and crew.

Key implications for vessels without ABS class include:

Operational Limitations: ABS class is an internationally recognized standard for design and safety. Lack of it may restrict a vessel's ability to operate in certain regions or under specific contracts.

Insurance and Contracting: Many insurers and cargo owners require ABS certification to demonstrate the vessel's reliability.

Transfer of Class: Vessels without ABS can still be surveyed and transferred into ABS class if they meet the required standards.

Alternative Standards: Such vessels might be certified by other classification societies or subject to strict inspection by national authorities, such as the USCG.

While some vessels, particularly smaller or inland boats, may operate without class, major commercial vessels almost always require it for, among other things, insurability and regulatory compliance.

Insurance Risks: Insurance underwriters may charge higher premiums or refuse coverage, as ABS classification is often viewed as a key indicator of risk management.

Operating Restrictions: Non-ABS vessels may face restrictions when trading internationally, as many ports require compliance with international standards maintained by IACS members.

Non-ABS vessels must still meet applicable national regulations, such as those imposed by the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring safety and seaworthiness, but they operate outside the specialized, voluntary, and rigorous safety standards set forth by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

☒ The supplies or services must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit and function) with existing systems presently installed/performing. Describe the equipment/function you have now and how the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system.

PREVAIL has been ABS certified since 2003, when she was brought back into service, the ABS Surveyors assigned to support PREVAIL, both locally and at the engineering offices at Houston, are intimately familiar with PREVAIL. The ship is fully inducted into their inspection and assessment schedule.

HUNTER has been ABS Classified since 2012. When custodianship of that vessel was transferred to CSG-4 the ABS Surveyors assigned to support HUNTER, both locally and at the engineering offices at Houston, are intimately familiar with HUNTER.

NARRAGANSETT has been ABS Classified since 2015. When custodianship of that vessel was transferred to CSG-4 the ABS Surveyors assigned to support NARRAGANSETT, both locally and at the engineering offices at Houston, are intimately familiar with NARRAGANSETT. The ship is fully inducted into their inspection and assessment schedule.

VINDICATOR is not yet ABS Classified. This vessel is a new addition to the TSVRON program. As a TSVRON vessel, it is required to have an approved and internationally recognized organization to provide an inspection regime and oversight to ensure the vessels are safe to operate. ABS is the industry standard for commercial shipping and the NAVY is also shifting to ABS oversight with the LCS ships.

☐ A patent, copyright or proprietary data limits competition.

☐ These are "direct replacement" parts/components for existing equipment.

Other information to support a sole source <or brand name> action:

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) extensively accepts American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) rules and services, delegating authority to ABS for inspecting and certifying U.S.-flagged vessels under the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP). ABS acts as a recognized organization, performing plan reviews, conducting surveys, and issuing certificates on behalf of the

USCG.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has granted ABS the authority to issue Certificates of Fitness on the USCG’s behalf to US-flagged offshore supply vessels (OSVs) that transport or handle limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances (NLS) outside of US jurisdictional waters.

ABS is the first classification society to be granted this authority from the USCG. Acting under the authority of the USCG, the society is authorized to issue the certificate based upon the relevant conditions set forth in IMO Resolution A.673(16), as amended. Additionally, ABS will review OSVs against the requirements stipulated in MARPOL 73/78 Annex II, USCG 46 CFR 8.130, USCG Policy Letter 09-01, as revised and the US Supplement to ABS Rules.

The Coast Guard delegates to the ABS, as its agent, the authority to conduct the initial inspection for certification, subsequent inspection for certification, periodic reinspection and examination, including drydock examinations, and the authority to issue and endorse certain certificates for vessels documented, or to be documented, as vessels of the United States, both in the United States and in foreign countries.

Document number: N4657926PR00087

I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF

MY KNOWLEDGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROCESSING OF THIS SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

PRECLUDES THE USE OF FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION.

I HEREBY DETERMINE THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CONTRACT ACTION DEEM ONLY ONE

SOURCE REASONABLY AVAILABLE.

Contracting Officer Signature Date

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk Contracting Department <<adjust as necessary –Fleet Directorate, Pentagon Directorate, Regional Directorate, BUMED/FM&C Directorate>>