How to bid on Matagorda Island Unit of Aransas NWR Berm Repairs for Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries

What the agency is buying

The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CBBEP) is seeking bids to rebuild breached berm sections on Matagorda Island within the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This project involves restoring two sections of berms that provide access to a marsh complex.

The work includes removing damaged materials, installing new 36-inch HDPE culverts and related materials, installing riprap shoreline protection, and making improvements to access roads. The owner will provide materials such as sand, graded riprap, and other construction items on Matagorda Island for use in the project. The estimated value of this project is $1.5 million.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on August 22, 2026. A non-mandatory virtual pre-bid conference is scheduled for August 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM. A site visit will be held on August 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM, starting at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. You must register in advance for the site visit.

All questions must be submitted in writing via email by September 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Sealed bids are due by September 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT (3:00 PM ET). Bids will be publicly opened and read at the HDR office in Corpus Christi, Texas, at that time.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with experience in berm restoration, culvert installation, riprap shoreline protection, and access road improvements. Given the location on Matagorda Island, experience with remote site logistics and environmental considerations for wildlife refuges would be beneficial. Firms specializing in coastal construction or habitat restoration projects are particularly well-suited.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, contact Julie Morris at HDR Engineering, Inc. via email at [email protected] or by phone at (361) 696-3331 for instructions on obtaining a digital (PDF) copy at no cost. Printed copies of the bid package, including plans, specifications, and contract documents, can be obtained for a non-refundable fee.

Sealed bids must be submitted via U.S. Postal Service or hand/express mail to the HDR office at 555 N. Carancahua St., Suite 1600, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401. Address bids to Stephanie Rogers and clearly mark the envelope with the bid opening date/time (September 18, 2026, 2:00 p.m.) and the words “Sealed Bid – Do Not Open.”

Tips for a competitive response

Attend the virtual pre-bid conference and the site visit. These events provide crucial insights into the project scope and site conditions, which can help you prepare a more accurate and competitive bid. Pay close attention to the details regarding owner-furnished materials and how they integrate into your project plan.

Ensure your bid clearly addresses all aspects of the work, including the removal of damaged materials, installation of new culverts, riprap protection, and access road improvements. Provide a detailed breakdown of your costs and demonstrate your firm's capability to manage projects in a sensitive environmental area like a national wildlife refuge. Double-check all submission requirements and deadlines to avoid disqualification.