How to bid on Southwest Pass Hopper Dredge Contract No. 3-2026 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 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 a Request for Information (RFI) published on April 15, 2026. The solicitation itself is expected to be issued on or about April 30, 2026. A specific bid opening date will be established in a future amendment to the solicitation.

The deadline for this RFI is April 30, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET. At this time, the agency will have gathered information from interested vendors to help shape the final solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with expertise in marine dredging, particularly those owning or having access to a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. The project falls under the construction category.

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

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to go to Sam.gov. The files will be available via a link on the Sam.gov page for this opportunity. You may need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open .pdf files.

For marketing purposes, you are encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on beta.Sam.gov. This can be done by clicking on the solicitation title and then selecting the 'Register as an Interested Vendor' button and entering your business information.

To be eligible for a government contract award, your firm must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). You can complete this registration on the SAM website.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your SAM registration is active and up to date well before the solicitation release. This is a mandatory requirement for receiving a government contract.

Carefully review all solicitation documents once they are released. Pay close attention to the scope of work, performance requirements, and any specific equipment or personnel qualifications requested.

If you are a prime contractor, consider how you might incorporate small businesses into your team. Posting subcontracting opportunities on Subnet can help you find suitable partners and demonstrate your commitment to small business participation.