Four maritime unions bitter about LMSR contract awards

Four maritime unions bitter about LMSR contract awards    The presidents of four U.S. maritime unions will meet in Washington this week to discuss possible actions they can take to help protest the Military Sealift Command’s handling of contracts for 11 large cargo ships.
   Last week, the Military Sealift Command awarded American Overseas Marine Corp. a $23.5-million one-year contract to operate, crew and maintain nine large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessels (LMSRs). Two other LMSRs have been set aside for small businesses. These 11 950-foot ships are part of a fleet of 19 LMSRs.
   The LMSRs were managed by Patriot Contract Services, which works with the unions Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots; Sailors Union of the Pacific; and Marine Firemen’s Union.
   “One of MEBA’s contracted companies, including Patriot Contract Services, should have won the contract for the Watson Class gas turbine vessels based on price,” said the union in its Sept. 3 newsletter. “Taking technical experience and past performance into consideration, their pricing on the contract was more competitive than any other bidder.”
   Legally, unions cannot protest government contact awards. Only companies that bid for contracts can submit protests to the government.
   MEBA said it is working “very diligently with PCS” to gather information related to the LMSR contracts and, with the other three unions, will strive to “right the terrible wrong that has been done here.”
   The Military Sealift Command operates more than 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea and perform other military support services around the world.