How to bid on Gulf Coast Regional Hopper (OM26300) with the Dept of the Army

What the Army is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Army is seeking a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. This equipment will be used for work in the Mississippi River, Southwest Pass, Gulfport Harbor Bar Channel, and potentially other areas in and around the New Orleans District. This project is valued between $10 million and $25 million, representing a significant opportunity for specialized construction firms.

This is a Request for Information (RFI), which means the agency is gathering information before issuing a formal solicitation. Responding to an RFI can help you understand the agency's needs better and position your firm for the upcoming bid.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This RFI was published on April 15, 2026. The deadline for responses is April 30, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET. The formal solicitation is expected to be issued around April 30, 2026. A bid opening date for the future solicitation will be established in a later amendment.

It is important to submit your RFI response by the deadline to ensure your input is considered. For the future solicitation, timely submission of your bid will be critical for consideration.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in dredging operations, particularly those with experience operating self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredges. Firms with the capacity to provide fully crewed and equipped vessels for work in major waterways like the Mississippi River and Gulfport Harbor are ideal candidates. The project's magnitude of $10 million to $25 million suggests it is geared towards established businesses in the dredging industry.

How to respond to this RFI

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” above. If you land on the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids, an account is not required.

All solicitation documents for the future procurement will be posted on SAM.gov. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open most files. You are encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on SAM.gov by clicking on the solicitation title and then the “Register as an Interested Vendor” button. Offerers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov to receive a government contract award.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar dredging projects, especially those involving self-propelled hopper dredges in challenging environments like rivers and harbors. Highlight your capacity to provide a fully crewed and equipped vessel, detailing the qualifications of your crew and the specifications of your equipment.

Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active and up-to-date well in advance of any submission deadlines. Pay close attention to all instructions provided in the RFI and any subsequent solicitation documents. A thorough and compliant response that directly addresses the agency's stated needs will be more competitive.