How to bid on Mississippi River Dredging for the Dept of the Army

What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying

The Department of the Army is seeking a company to provide a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. This work involves maintenance dredging in the Mississippi River Southwest Pass and potentially other areas within the New Orleans, Galveston, and Mobile Districts. This contract is estimated to be between $10 million and $25 million.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on February 04, 2025. The deadline for responses is February 28, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET. The solicitation itself is expected to be issued around December 9, 2024, with a bid opening date to be set in a future amendment. This RFI helps the agency gather information before the formal solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in dredging services, particularly those with experience operating hopper dredges. Companies must have the necessary equipment and personnel to perform maintenance dredging in major waterways. The work location is Plaquemine, LA, and surrounding districts.

Vendors interested in subcontracting opportunities are encouraged to post notices on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” to open it on the portal. If the first click leads to the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

All offerers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for a government contract award. You are also encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on Sam.gov for marketing purposes.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your SAM registration is active and up-to-date well before the solicitation release date. For a contract of this magnitude, clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar dredging projects, including the types of equipment used and the scale of previous work.

Pay close attention to the specific requirements for the hopper dredge, including its capabilities and crew qualifications. Prepare to provide detailed information on your operational plan, safety protocols, and environmental compliance measures relevant to dredging operations in sensitive waterways.