How to bid on Mississippi River Southwest Pass Hopper Dredge Contract No. 7-2026 (OM26007)

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 project is estimated to be worth between $10 million and $25 million, representing a significant opportunity for specialized dredging firms.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation for this contract is expected to be issued around April 30, 2026. While a specific bid opening date will be set in a future amendment, the current deadline for this Request for Information (RFI) is April 30, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET.

It is important to note that this is an RFI, meaning the agency is gathering information before issuing a formal solicitation. The deadline refers to the RFI, and a separate deadline will be established for the actual bids once the solicitation is released.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in dredging services, particularly those with experience operating self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredges. Vendors must be capable of providing a fully crewed and equipped vessel.

The work involves significant marine construction and maintenance, making it relevant for companies with a strong background in waterway management and large-scale earthmoving projects in aquatic environments.

How to respond to this RFI

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to visit the Sam.gov website. The files will be posted there, and you may need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open .pdf documents.

You are encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on beta.Sam.gov. This can be done by clicking on the solicitation title and selecting the 'Register as an Interested Vendor' button. Additionally, offerors are encouraged to post subcontracting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your company is registered with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) well in advance, as this is a mandatory requirement for receiving any government contract award. Keep your SAM registration current and accurate.

For this type of specialized dredging work, clearly highlight your firm's experience with similar projects, particularly those involving large rivers or passes. Detail the capabilities and specifications of your hopper dredge, including its capacity, operational history, and crew expertise.

Given the magnitude of this project, consider forming partnerships or joint ventures if your firm alone does not meet all requirements or wishes to strengthen its proposal. Emphasize your safety record and environmental compliance, which are often critical factors in marine construction bids.