Notice of Proposed Buy America Waiver for Voith Propulsion Unit

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) received a request from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for a Buy America waiver for Voith Turbo Schneider Propeller GmbH (Voith) 21/R5 propulsion units based on non-availability. Voith, located in Germany, is the sole manufacturer of the required propulsion units. VDOT is procuring the propulsion units as part of an engine and drive system replacement for the Ferry Boat Pocahontas, which is operated by VDOT. There are no domestic manufacturers of equivalent propulsion units. FTA is providing notice of the non-availability waiver request and seeks public comment before deciding whether to grant the request. If granted, the waiver would apply to the purchase of two (2) Voith 21/R5 propulsion units. FTA is also providing notice that it will be conducting a supplier scouting search to determine whether there are domestic alternatives to the propulsion units via the process described at the end of this Notice.