Competitive bidding — Us Code Code § 57512

Us Code Code § 57512 — Competitive bidding. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 57512. Competitive bidding

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Transportation may charter a vessel of the Department of Transportation to a private operator only on the basis of competitive sealed bidding. The bids must be submitted in strict compliance with the terms and conditions of a public advertisement soliciting the bids.

(b) Advertisement for Bids.—An advertisement for bids shall state—

(1) the number, type, and tonnage of the vessels being offered for bareboat charter for operation as a steamship line on a designated trade route;

(2) the minimum number of sailings required;

(3) the length of time of the charter;

(4) the right of the Secretary to reject all bids; and

(5) other information the Secretary considers necessary for the information of prospective bidders.


(c) Opening of Bids.—Bids required under this section shall be opened at the time and place stated in the advertisement for bids. All interested persons, including representatives of the press, shall be permitted to attend. The results of the bidding shall be publicly announced.

(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1666.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
57512(a) 46 App.:1196(a) (1st sentence). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title VII, §706(a), (b) (1st sentence related to announcement), 49 Stat. 2009; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(108), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 163.
57512(b) 46 App.:1196(a) (last sentence), (b) (1st sentence related to announcement).
57512(c) 46 App.:1193(c) (related to chartering). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title VII, §703(c) (related to chartering), 49 Stat. 2008; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(105), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 163.

Subsection (b)(4) is substituted for "announce in his advertisements for bids that the Secretary of Transportation reserves the right to, reject any and all bids submitted" in 46 App. U.S.C. 1196(b) to improve the organization.

In subsection (c), the words "Bids required under this section" are substituted for "All bids required by the Secretary of Transportation . . . and for the chartering of the Secretary's vessels hereinafter provided for" to eliminate unnecessary words. The word "hour" is omitted as covered by "time".

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 57512 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 57512. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

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It addresses "Competitive bidding". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

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