Opportunity
Federal Register #MARAD20261192
MARAD Request for Comments: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel S/V PROVIDENCE in U.S. Coastwise Trade
Buyer
Maritime Administration
Posted
August 05, 2026
Respond By
September 04, 2026
Identifier
MARAD20261192
This opportunity concerns a request for public comments by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the U.S. Department of Transportation, regarding the potential use of the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V PROVIDENCE in U.S. coastwise trade. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Transportation - Maritime Administration (MARAD) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named; the vessel S/V PROVIDENCE is the subject of the notice - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being procured - The notice is a request for information and comment, not a solicitation for goods or services - Unique or Notable Requirements: - MARAD seeks input on whether allowing the foreign-built S/V PROVIDENCE to operate in U.S. coastwise trade would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or operators of U.S.-built vessels - The vessel is limited to carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire - The determination could impact eligibility for coastwise trade under U.S. maritime law - No purchase quantities, part numbers, or technical specifications are provided - The focus is on regulatory impact and industry feedback, not procurement
Description
The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the U.S. Department of Transportation, is authorized to determine the coastwise use of foreign-built and certain U.S.-built vessels carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire. MARAD has received a determination request for the vessel S/V PROVIDENCE and is soliciting public comments to assess whether the proposed use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses using U.S.-built vessels. Comments are requested to help evaluate the impact on the U.S. maritime industry and must be submitted by September 4, 2026. Further details about the vessel and proposed service are available in the supplementary information section and the DOT docket.