Bid guide
How to bid on Delaware Coastal Storm Risk Management Beachfill PLA Survey from USACE
What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is planning a large-scale coastal storm risk management project in Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach, and Dewey Beach, Delaware. This project involves placing approximately 1.129 million cubic yards of sand, with an option for up to 345,000 additional cubic yards for advanced nourishment. The work also includes repairing dune grass, fencing, and crossovers.
This Request for Information (RFI) is specifically asking for industry comments on whether USACE should require a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for this construction project. A PLA is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement that sets employment terms for a specific project. This is an opportunity for construction firms, especially those involved in dredging and beach renourishment, to provide input that could influence the final solicitation for a project exceeding $35 million.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The deadline for submitting comments on the potential use of a Project Labor Agreement is September 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All responses must be submitted by email by this time.
This is an RFI, not a solicitation for bids. The purpose is to gather information from the construction community. The actual solicitation for the construction work is expected to be released in fiscal year 2027, after the agency has reviewed the feedback received from this RFI.
Who this opportunity suits
This RFI is relevant for construction firms, particularly those with experience in large-scale dredging, beach renourishment, and coastal infrastructure projects. Companies that perform work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or similar federal agencies, especially those familiar with projects involving significant earthmoving and marine construction, will find this opportunity to provide valuable input.
Firms that have experience with or strong opinions on Project Labor Agreements, whether positive or negative, are encouraged to respond. This includes companies that operate with unionized labor, as well as those that do not.
How to respond
To respond to this RFI, you need to provide comments addressing specific questions posed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These questions cover topics such as local PLA use, skilled labor shortages, time-sensitive issues, and the perceived impacts of a PLA on economy and efficiency.
Your response should be sent via email. Ensure your email is sent before the deadline of September 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Review all questions carefully and provide detailed, evidence-based answers where possible.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your response, focus on providing clear, concise, and factual information. If you are referencing specific projects or market conditions, include supporting documentation or data where requested and available. Your input should directly address the questions asked by the agency.
Consider both the potential positive and negative impacts of a PLA from your company's perspective, as well as the broader industry view. Quantify cost impacts if possible, providing as much detail as you can. Even though this is an RFI, a well-thought-out response can demonstrate your company's expertise and engagement with federal contracting processes, which can be beneficial for future solicitations.
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.