How to bid on Calcasieu River Bar Channel Hopper Dredge Contract No. 5-2025 by Dept of the Army

What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying

The Department of the Army is seeking a contractor to provide a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. This equipment will be used for removing and disposing of shoal material in the Calcasieu River Bar Channel in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The contract is valued between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000. This is an opportunity for construction firms specializing in dredging services to work on a significant federal project. The work may also extend to other areas within the New Orleans, Galveston, and Mobile Districts.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on December 04, 2024. The bid opening date will be set by an amendment to the solicitation. The overall deadline for this opportunity is December 04, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET. It is important to monitor the System for Award Management (SAM) website for any amendments that will specify the exact bid opening date.

This will be an Invitation for Bid (IFB), and the resulting contract will be firm fixed-price (FFP).

Who this opportunity suits

This contract is suitable for construction firms with expertise in dredging operations, specifically those owning or having access to a self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. The NAICS code for this procurement is 237990, which covers other heavy and civil engineering construction. The solicitation is unrestricted, meaning all eligible businesses can bid. Firms with experience in large-scale marine construction and sediment removal will find this opportunity aligns with their capabilities.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, you must go to the System for Award Management (SAM) website. The solicitation will be available free of charge by electronic posting only. Paper copies will not be issued, and telephone or fax requests will not be honored. You will need to register at the SAM website to download the solicitation and any amendments. It is crucial to check the website periodically for updates, as this is the only method for distributing amendments before closing.

To be eligible for a government contract award, bidders must maintain an active registration in the SAM database. If your registration is not active at the time of award, the government may award the contract to the next prospective bidder.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Given this is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) with a firm fixed-price contract, your bid should reflect a thorough understanding of all costs involved. Ensure your pricing is competitive yet realistic, accounting for all labor, equipment, fuel, and disposal costs associated with dredging shoal material. Clearly demonstrate your firm's capacity to provide a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge.

Pay close attention to all specifications outlined in the solicitation, including any requirements for disposal of material. Highlight your firm's experience with similar dredging projects, especially those involving federal agencies or in similar geographical areas. Since work may be required in other districts, emphasize your flexibility and ability to mobilize resources as needed. Finally, ensure your SAM registration is active and up-to-date well in advance of the bid opening date.