How to bid on the Bahia Grande Habitat Restoration Project for Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries agency is seeking a contractor for the Bahia Grande Habitat Restoration Project. This work is located within the Bahia Grande Unit of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Cameron County, Texas.

The project involves several key tasks: mobilizing and demobilizing equipment, constructing an off-loading pad, restoring an existing boat ramp for marine access, and placing turbidity curtains. A major part of the work is the open water transport and installation of pre-constructed Ultra Reef Balls for breakwater shoreline protection at Rookery Islands A and B. There are also potential alternate tasks, including similar reef ball installation at Rookery Island C and the construction of an alternate access road. The estimated value of this project is $3 million.

It is important to note that no dredging activities are permitted, and seagrass must not be damaged or impacted during the project. The owner will provide the pre-constructed Reef Balls at a staging area, and the contractor will be responsible for collecting, transporting, and installing them.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on August 11, 2026. If you have questions about the project, they must be submitted by 5:00 PM on August 27, 2026. Responses to these questions will be provided by 5:00 PM on September 1, 2026.

The deadline for submitting your bid is September 09, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All responses must be submitted as directed in the posting before this deadline.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with experience in marine construction, habitat restoration, and working in sensitive environmental areas. Companies with expertise in installing breakwater structures, managing logistics for open water transport, and adhering to strict environmental protection guidelines (such as avoiding seagrass damage) will be well-suited.

The project's focus on habitat restoration and the use of pre-constructed reef balls suggests a need for contractors familiar with ecological restoration projects and precise installation work.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full bid package, you need to contact Marisa McKnight at Scheibe Consulting, LLC. You can reach her at (512) 990-7226 or via email at [email protected] for instructions on how to obtain the digital (PDF) bid documents.

All questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted to Eric Scheibe at [email protected], with Rosario Martinez ([email protected]) and Marisa McKnight ([email protected]) copied on all correspondence. The deadline for questions is August 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Once you have prepared your response, submit it as directed in the posting on the Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) before the September 09, 2026, 3:00 PM ET deadline.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all construction drawings and specifications provided in the bid package. Pay close attention to the exact requirements for reef ball installation and any specific methods for protecting the environment, especially seagrass.

Develop a detailed project plan that clearly outlines your approach to mobilization, boat ramp restoration, turbidity curtain placement, and the open water transport and installation of the reef balls. Given the sensitive nature of the refuge, emphasize your environmental protection measures.

Provide a clear and realistic timeline for completing the base work and any additive alternates. Ensure your proposed schedule accounts for potential weather delays and the logistics of working in a marine environment. Highlight your experience with similar projects, particularly those involving habitat restoration or working within protected areas.