How to bid on the Mississippi River Hopper Dredge Contract No. 9-2026 (OM26009) for 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 dredging work in the Mississippi River, 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 solicitation is expected to be issued around April 30, 2026. A specific bid opening date will be announced later through an amendment to the solicitation.

The current deadline for this Request for Information (RFI) is April 30, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET. This RFI helps the agency gather information before the formal solicitation is released.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for construction firms that own and operate self-propelled trailing suction hopper dredges. Vendors should have the capacity to provide a full crew and all necessary equipment for extensive dredging operations.

The project falls under the construction category, specifically for marine construction and dredging services. Firms with a strong track record in large-scale river and pass maintenance will be well-suited.

How to access the solicitation

To view the original source of this opportunity, click the 'View original source' link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

The solicitation documents will be posted on Sam.gov. You may need a free account to view some documents, though many can be accessed without one. Adobe Acrobat Reader will be necessary for .pdf files.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

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

Register as an 'Interested Vendor' on Sam.gov for this solicitation. This helps with marketing and ensures you receive updates. Also, consider posting any potential subcontracting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.

Given the scale of this project, prepare detailed documentation of your firm's experience with similar dredging projects, including equipment specifications, crew qualifications, and past performance references. Highlight your capacity to meet the demands of a $10 million to $25 million contract.