How to bid on Southwest Pass Hopper Dredge Contract No. 4-2025 (OM25004) for the Dept of the Army

What the Army is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Army is seeking a contractor 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 other areas within the New Orleans, Galveston, and Mobile Districts.

This project is valued between $10 million and $25 million, representing a significant opportunity for businesses specializing in dredging services.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) with a deadline of February 28, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET. The formal solicitation is expected to be issued on or about December 9, 2024. A specific bid opening date will be established in a future amendment to the solicitation.

At the RFI deadline, the agency will have gathered information from interested parties. When the formal solicitation is released, your proposal will need to be submitted by the bid opening date specified in that document.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms that own and operate a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. The work falls under the construction category, specifically marine dredging.

Businesses with experience in large-scale river and coastal dredging projects, particularly in the Gulf Coast region, will find this a relevant opportunity.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click the “View original source” link. 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 this is not always required.

It is encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on SAM.gov for marketing purposes. This can be done by clicking on the solicitation title and then the “Register as an Interested Vendor” button to enter your business information. Offerors must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for a government contract award.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your company's SAM registration is active and up-to-date, as this is a mandatory requirement for receiving a government contract. Verify all business information, including NAICS codes, is accurate.

Given this is an RFI followed by a formal solicitation, carefully review all documents when they become available. Pay close attention to the specific requirements for the hopper dredge, crew qualifications, and any performance metrics. Clearly demonstrate your firm's capacity and experience with similar projects and equipment.

Consider posting notices of prospective subcontracting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet if you plan to utilize subcontractors. This can help you identify potential partners and demonstrate your commitment to small business participation.