46 U.S.C. § 57514 — Qualifications of bidders

1. (a)ConsiderationsIn deciding whether to award a charter to a bidder, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider—
   1. (1)the bidder’s financial resources, credit standing, and practical experience in operating vessels; and
   2. (2)other factors a prudent business person would consider in entering into a transaction involving a large capital investment.
2. (b)DisqualificationsThe Secretary may not charter a vessel to a person appearing to lack sufficient capital, credit, and experience to operate the vessel successfully over the period covered by the charter.