TRAINING VESSEL FREEDOM STAR(TVFS) FY25 ABS Inspection Services

The Department of Transportation Maritime Administration is seeking sole source inspection services from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the Training Vessel Freedom Star located in Piney Point, Maryland. The procurement involves comprehensive vessel survey attendance, technical drawing reviews, and periodic machinery surveys required to maintain vessel classification compliance. This solicitation (6933A225Q000002) is specifically targeted at ABS as the sole qualified provider, based on its unique status as a US-owned vessel classification society authorized by the US Coast Guard and IMO to issue necessary maritime certifications. The contract will be awarded as a firm-fixed-price purchase order, with contractors required to provide their own personal protective equipment and comply with federal, state, local, campus, and vessel virus testing requirements. The solicitation is open from January 8, 2025, with responses due by January 23, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST, and interested parties should contact Karen Tempest at KAREN.TEMPEST@DOT.GOV.

The contract is not set aside for any specific business category and falls under NAICS code 813910 with a small business standard of $13.5 million. The vessel conducts monthly cruises lasting 2-3 days, which requires vendor flexibility in scheduling and coordination. The inspection services will be performed at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, with direct coordination managed through Marine Surveyor Tim McGeein. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract is for fiscal year 2025 and is part of a recurring annual inspection program. The sole source justification is supported by regulatory provisions including 46 CFR 70.35-1 and Executive Order 12234, which underscore ABS's authoritative role in maintaining marine vessel standards and safety protocols.