How to bid on dredging the Los Angeles River Estuary for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense is seeking construction services for a dredging project in Los Angeles County, California. This project involves removing approximately 400,000 cubic yards of material from federal navigation channels at the Port of Long Beach and the Los Angeles River Estuary. The dredged material will be disposed of at the EPA-approved LA-2 ocean disposal site.

The Port of Long Beach approach channel has design depths of up to 76 feet MLLW, and the Los Angeles River Estuary channel depths are as deep as 25 feet MLLW. The estimated value of this contract is between $5 million and $10 million.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on August 7, 2026. The deadline for submitting bids is August 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM local time. This is an updated deadline, as the original due date was extended.

It is important to submit your response before the stated deadline. Late submissions are generally not accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in dredging services. The relevant NAICS code for this procurement is 237990, which covers Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. The small business size standard for this NAICS code is $45.0 million.

Companies with experience in large-scale marine dredging, particularly in federal navigation channels and with ocean disposal requirements, would be well-suited for this project.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to click the "View original source" link. This will direct you to the government's portal. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all the documents. For some solicitations, you can view documents without an account.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all sections of the solicitation, including any amendments. Amendment 02 updated sections 00 07 00, 00 73 46, 01 57 19, and revised plan drawings. Amendment 01 extended the due date and updated wage rates. Ensure your proposal addresses all requirements and incorporates these updates.

Pay close attention to the scope of work, including the estimated quantities of material to be dredged and the specific disposal requirements at the EPA-approved LA-2 ocean disposal site. Clearly demonstrate your firm's capability to perform dredging operations at the specified depths for both the Port of Long Beach and the Los Angeles River Estuary.

Ensure your pricing is competitive and accurately reflects the scope and scale of the project. Provide a clear and detailed project plan that outlines your approach to dredging, material handling, and disposal, including any relevant safety and environmental compliance measures.