§ 1155. Eligible shipyards; materials; conditions of contracts; limitation to American shipyards; American materials, waiver; ability of bidders; filing bids and data
All construction in respect of which a construction-differential subsidy is allowed under this subchapter shall be performed in a shipyard of the United States as the result of competitive bidding, after due advertisement, with the right reserved in the Secretary of Transportation to disapprove, any or all bids. In all such construction the shipbuilder, subcontractors, materialmen, or suppliers shall use, so far as practicable, only articles, materials, and supplies of the growth, production, or manufacture of the United States as defined in paragraph K [1] of section
1401 of title
19; Provided, however, That with respect to other than major components of the hull, superstructure, and any material used in the construction thereof,
(1)
if the Secretary of Transportation determines that the requirements of this sentence will unreasonably delay completion of any vessel beyond its contract delivery date, and
(2)
if such determination includes or is accompanied by a concise explanation of the basis therefor, then the Secretary of Transportation may waive such requirements to the extent necessary to prevent such delay. No shipbuilder shall be deemed a responsible bidder unless he possesses the ability, experience, financial resources, equipment, and other qualifications necessary properly to perform the proposed contract. Each bid submitted to the Secretary of Transportation shall be accompanied by all detailed estimates upon which it is based. The Secretary of Transportation may require that the bids of any subcontractors, or other pertinent data, accompany such bid. All such bids and data relating thereto shall be kept on file until disposed of as provided by law. For the purposes of this subchapter V, the term “shipyard of the United States” means shipyards within any of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
[1] See References in Text note below.