How to bid on Calcasieu River Maintenance Dredging FY26, Miles 5–17 (W912P826BA023)

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to dredge the Calcasieu River Ship Channel from Mile 5.0 to Mile 17.0. The removed material will be placed in designated marsh-creation areas in Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, Louisiana. This project includes building retention dikes and conducting surveys. Optional work involves dredging Devil’s Elbow and ditching and draining disposal areas.

This is an unrestricted, firm-fixed-price Invitation for Bid (IFB). The estimated value is between $25 million and $100 million. The base work is expected to take 300 calendar days after receiving the Notice to Proceed. This is a significant opportunity for construction firms specializing in dredging and related environmental restoration work.

Key dates and deadlines

This is currently a synopsis, not the full solicitation. The actual Invitation for Bid (IFB) is expected to be issued around August 17, 2026. The deadline for submitting bids is September 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. No technical or contractual questions will be accepted or answered until the full solicitation is released.

It is crucial to note these dates and prepare accordingly. Once the solicitation is issued, you will need to download it and any amendments from the System for Award Management (SAM) website.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with experience in large-scale dredging projects, particularly those involving beneficial use of dredged material for marsh creation. The NAICS code for this procurement is 237990, which covers All Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.

Given the magnitude of construction, firms with the capacity to manage projects valued between $25 million and $100 million and complete work within a 300-day timeframe for the base work will find this suitable. Bidders must also have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

How to respond

To respond to this opportunity, you must first wait for the full Invitation for Bid (IFB) to be issued, which is expected around August 17, 2026. Once issued, the solicitation will be available free of charge on the System for Award Management (SAM) website. 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 essential to check the website periodically for any updates or amendments before the closing date. Bidders must also maintain an active SAM registration to be eligible for a government contract award.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Start by ensuring your company's registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is active and up-to-date. This is a mandatory requirement for eligibility. If your registration is not active at the time of award, the government may move on to the next prospective bidder.

Since this is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) with a firm-fixed-price contract, focus on submitting a precise and competitive price. Thoroughly review all 55 drawings and specifications once they become available to understand the full scope of work, including the base work and optional components. Accurately estimate your costs for material removal, retention dike construction, surveys, and any optional work like Devil’s Elbow dredging or disposal area ditching and draining.

Consider the 300-calendar-day completion time for the base work and plan your resources and schedule accordingly. Highlight your firm's experience with similar dredging and marsh creation projects, especially those involving beneficial use of dredged material. While not explicitly requested in a synopsis, having this information ready can help you quickly formulate a strong response once the full IFB is released.