Maritime Security Fleet: Factors to Consider Before Deciding to Select Participants Competitively

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated whether the Maritime Security Fleet (MSF) program costs could be reduced by changing the selection process to permit owners to compete, rather than apply for, available slots, focusing on: (1) the potential impact that a competitive selection process could have on the number of qualifying vessels, program costs, and existing agreements; and (2) the views of Department of Transportation and Department of Defense (DOD) officials on making such a change to the selection process.