AMO Currents - State of Alaska extends Ocean Ranger contract with Crowley for one year

AMO Currents - Posted: December 8, 2010

State of Alaska extends Ocean Ranger contract with Crowley for one year

American Maritime Officers members will continue to sail as ocean rangers through the 2011 cruise season under the State of Alaska's Ocean Ranger Program. Current information indicates the State of Alaska will extend its existing contract with Crowley for one year while solicitation of a re-bid for the program contract is under consideration.

The State of Alaska recently awarded a new contract for its Ocean Ranger Program to Maersk Line Limited. However, three of the companies that submitted bids in response to the state's request for proposals (all non-AMO companies) protested the contract award. The State of Alaska rescinded the contract award, stating that its original solicitation (RFP) contained "inadequate specifications" and "did not provide for consideration of factors of significance to the state."

Crowley holds the current contract with the state and AMO officers work as ocean rangers, sailing aboard cruise ships while they are in Alaskan waters and monitoring shipboard operations involving safety, security and environmental protection. The cruise season in Alaska runs from April through September.