Redacted Freedom Star 2023 ABS Sole Source_Redacted.pdf

Memorandum

U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING

1. The ABS Inspection service listed on MAPR61523000096 is available from only one source and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below.

2. This acquisition is restricted to the following source:

Source: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Address 16855 Northchase Drive, Houston, TX 77060

3. This acquisition is to provide for reoccurring regular, special and annual ABS inspection and drawing review of the TS Freedom Star in an estimated amount of for fiscal year 2023.

4. Specific characteristics of ABS Inspection Services that limit the availability to a sole source e.g., unique features, function of the item, etc. The elements below detail why only this suggested source can furnish the requirements to the exclusion of other sources:

o The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with the responsibility to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for worldwide shipping. Key treaties of the IMO include the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

o The main objective of SOLAS is to specify minimum standards for the construction, equipment and operation of ships, compatible with their safety. The US Coast Guard has been a key participant and the primary U.S. representative to the IMO for all policy development since the IMO Convention entered into force 50 years ago.

o ABS is a classification society with a mission to promote the security of life, property and the natural environment, primarily through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities. ABS is the only US owned vessel classification society in this regard. ABS' core service is the provision of classification services through the development of standards called ABS Rules. These Rules form the basis for assessing the design and construction of new vessels and the integrity of existing vessels and marine structures.

o ABS has been commissioned by the US government and the US Coast Guard to act in many maritime matters and is required under US law to maintain its status as a not-for-profit organization to maintain its role as the agent of the US government on matters of government vessel classification.