How to bid on Mississippi River Southwest Pass Hopper Dredge Contract for the Army

What the Army is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Army is seeking a company to provide 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, and potentially in other areas within the New Orleans, Galveston, and Mobile Districts.

This dredging project is valued between $10 million and $25 million. It represents a significant opportunity for firms specializing in large-scale marine construction and dredging services.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) published on February 04, 2025. The deadline for this RFI is February 28, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET.

The actual solicitation for this project is expected to be issued around December 9, 2024. The specific bid opening date for the solicitation will be announced in a future amendment. It is important to monitor the official government portal for updates.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is best suited for construction firms with expertise in marine dredging, specifically those owning and operating fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredges. The work involves significant construction activities in major waterways.

Firms with experience in large government contracts, particularly with the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, will find this a relevant opportunity. The project falls under the construction category.

How to respond to this opportunity

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to go to the official government portal. Click “View original source” to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need a free account to view documents, though for some bids this is not required. All solicitation documents will be posted on Sam.gov. You are encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on beta.Sam.gov by clicking on the solicitation title and then the 'Register as an Interested Vendor' button. Offerors must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to receive a government contract award.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Ensure your firm is registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM) well in advance of any submission deadlines. This is a mandatory step for all government contractors.

Carefully review all solicitation documents once they are released. Pay close attention to the scope of work, technical specifications for the dredge, crew requirements, and any specific experience or past performance criteria. Tailor your response to directly address each requirement.

Given the nature of the work, highlight your firm's experience with similar large-scale dredging projects, particularly those involving major rivers or coastal areas. Emphasize your equipment capabilities, maintenance records, and safety protocols. If you plan to use subcontractors, consider posting notices on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.