How to bid on Mississippi River Dredge Contract No. 1-2026 (OM26001) from Dept of the Army

What the agency is buying

The Department of the Army is seeking a contractor to provide a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. This work will be performed in the Mississippi River and Southwest Pass, and potentially other areas within and outside the New Orleans District. This dredging project is valued between $10 million and $25 million.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on April 06, 2026. The deadline for this RFI is April 30, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET. The official solicitation is expected to be issued around April 22, 2026. A specific bid opening date will be established in a future amendment to the solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms that specialize in dredging operations, particularly those with experience in large-scale river and pass maintenance. Vendors must possess or have access to a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. The project's magnitude suggests it is for experienced contractors in the $10 million to $25 million range.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” to open it on the portal. If the first click leads to the portal’s 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. The solicitation documents will be posted on Sam.gov. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open most files posted by the New Orleans District.

For marketing purposes, 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 are also encouraged to post subcontracting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet. To be eligible for a government contract award, offerors must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM).

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your company's System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and up-to-date. This is a mandatory step for receiving any government contract award. Review the expected solicitation details carefully once they are released on Sam.gov, paying close attention to all requirements and specifications for the hopper dredge and crew.

Given the nature of the work, highlight your firm's experience with similar dredging projects, especially those in challenging environments like large rivers or passes. Emphasize your equipment capabilities, including the type and capacity of your hopper dredge, and the qualifications of your crew. If you plan to use subcontractors, begin identifying potential partners early and consider posting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.