How to bid on FY 26 Inland Waterway CD Maintenance Dredging for the USACE

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, is seeking bids for maintenance dredging services. This project involves dredging various sections along the Inland Waterway Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The work includes dredging to specified depths, such as 35 MLLW plus 1 allowable over dredge, and 36 MLLW plus 1 allowable overdepth, within defined channel limits.

This is a significant construction opportunity, with an estimated value between $5 million and $10 million. The performance period for this contract is 120 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on July 30, 2026. All bids must be submitted by August 31, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. It is crucial to submit your bid before this deadline, as late submissions are typically not accepted. The government will not maintain a mailing list, so it is your responsibility to monitor the SAM.gov website for any updates or amendments.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in dredging and surface cleanup activities. The relevant NAICS code is 237990, with an SBA size standard of $37.0 million. To be eligible, your firm must meet this size standard and be registered in both the System for Award Management (SAM) database and the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) at the time of bid submission.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to go to the original source on the portal. You may need to click the link twice if the first click takes you to the portal's homepage. While some documents may be viewable without an account, you might need a free account to access all materials. Bids must be submitted exclusively through the PIEE Solicitation Module.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your firm is fully registered and active in both SAM and PIEE well before the deadline. Verify that all your representations and certifications in SAM are current. Carefully review the solicitation documents for specific requirements, drawings, and any additional instructions regarding the dredging depths and channel limits.

Given the nature of dredging projects, pay close attention to the technical specifications and ensure your proposed approach aligns with the agency's needs. Develop a clear and concise bid that addresses all aspects of the scope of work, demonstrating your firm's capability to complete the project within the 120-calendar-day performance period.