How to bid on Mississippi River Dredge Contract No. 2-2026 with the Dept of the Army

What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying

The Department of the Army is seeking a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. This equipment will be used for work on the Mississippi River and Southwest Pass, and potentially other areas within and outside the New Orleans District.

This is a significant construction project, with an estimated value between $10 million and $25 million. It represents a substantial opportunity for firms specializing in large-scale dredging operations.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is currently a Request for Information (RFI). The formal solicitation is expected to be issued on or about April 30, 2026. A specific bid opening date will be established and announced in a future amendment to the solicitation.

The deadline for this RFI is April 30, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET. This is the date by which responses to the RFI must be submitted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for construction firms that own or can provide a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. The work involves significant dredging operations, so experience in large-scale river and pass maintenance is essential.

Firms with a strong track record in federal government contracting, particularly with the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, will find this a suitable fit. The magnitude of the project suggests it is best suited for established businesses in the construction and marine services categories.

How to respond to this RFI

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids this is not required.

All solicitation documents for this procurement will be posted on SAM.gov. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open most of the files posted by the New Orleans District. It is also encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on SAM.gov for marketing purposes by clicking the solicitation title and then the “Register as an Interested Vendor” button.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your company is registered with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This registration is mandatory to receive any government contract award. Keep your SAM registration current and accurate.

Thoroughly review all documents once the formal solicitation is released. Pay close attention to the scope of work, technical specifications for the dredge, and any specific experience or personnel requirements. Tailor your response to directly address each requirement.

If you plan to use subcontractors, consider posting notices of prospective subcontracting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet. This can help you find qualified partners and demonstrate your commitment to small business participation.