Bid guide
How to bid on Control System Replacement for Stamford Hurricane Barrier, DEPT of the Army
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, is seeking small businesses to replace the control system and refurbish hydraulic units at the Stamford Hurricane Barrier in Stamford, CT. This project involves upgrading a legacy Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to a modern industrial automation platform with a touchscreen interface, and refurbishing the Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) at each abutment.
The work requires parallel staging to ensure the barrier remains operational with zero downtime and meets cybersecurity compliance. This is a significant modernization effort for critical infrastructure. The estimated construction cost is between $500,000 and $1,000,000, with an expected award in Spring 2027 and construction in Summer 2027.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), also known as a Sources Sought Announcement, published on July 16, 2026. The deadline for submitting your capabilities package is August 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. This is not a request for proposal, but rather an inquiry to gauge interest, availability, and capability of small businesses.
Responses received by the deadline will help the Army Corps of Engineers determine which types of small businesses (8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Women-Owned, Small Business) are capable of performing this work. The results of this survey will be considered for one year from the notice date.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with experience in industrial control systems, hydraulic power unit refurbishment, and projects requiring careful staging to maintain continuous operation. The NAICS code for this procurement is 238210, which covers electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors.
The agency is specifically looking for 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Women-Owned, and Small Business concerns. Firms should have a proven track record in similar modernization and refurbishment projects, particularly those involving critical infrastructure and cybersecurity compliance.
How to respond
To respond, you must submit a capabilities package. This package should include your business classification (e.g., HUBZone, small business) and detailed qualifications and experience in performing the work components described in the solicitation.
You need to provide at least two specific examples of your firm's experience with similar work within the last seven years. If you plan to use subcontractors, include their prior experience and qualifications from the last seven years. Proof of bonding capability is also required. Your response is limited to twenty pages and should be emailed to [email protected]. Provide one original form and one copy.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your capabilities package, focus on clearly demonstrating your firm's direct relevance to the project's scope. Highlight experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), hydraulic systems, and any work involving critical infrastructure or hurricane barriers.
Emphasize your ability to manage projects requiring parallel staging and adherence to cybersecurity standards. Ensure your project examples are detailed and clearly show how your firm successfully completed similar tasks within the last seven years. Clearly state your bonding capacity and any relevant certifications or specializations that make your firm a strong candidate for this type of specialized construction work.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of the Army; the original posting controls.