Bid guide
How to bid on the Mississippi River Saltwater Barrier Sill for the Dept of the Army
What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying
The Department of the Army needs a contractor to build and potentially maintain a saltwater barrier sill on the Mississippi River. This project is located between Mile 63.0 and Mile 64.0 Above Head of Passes in Louisiana. The work involves using a cutterhead dredge to hydraulically dredge material from the river bottom and place it to form the sill.
This is a significant construction opportunity, with an estimated value between $10 million and $25 million. The solicitation is expected to be issued around May 27, 2025.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is currently a Request for Information (RFI) published on May 12, 2025. The deadline for this RFI is May 28, 2027, at 11:30 AM ET. The actual solicitation for bids is anticipated to be issued around May 27, 2025, and a specific bid opening date will be announced in a future amendment to that solicitation.
It is important to note that the May 28, 2027, date is for the RFI. The bidding deadline for the actual contract will be set later.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with expertise in dredging, specifically those operating cutterhead dredges. The project requires the capability to perform hydraulic dredging and material placement in a riverine environment. Companies specializing in marine construction and large-scale earthmoving would be well-suited.
The project falls under the construction category and is for work in Louisiana.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation documents, you will need to go to Sam.gov. The solicitation will be posted there on or about May 27, 2025. You may need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open some of the files.
You are encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on Sam.gov for marketing purposes. To do this, find the solicitation title and click the 'Register as an Interested Vendor' button. All offerers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for a government contract award.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Given the nature of this dredging project, ensure your proposal clearly outlines your firm's experience with similar large-scale hydraulic dredging and material placement projects. Highlight your equipment capabilities, specifically regarding cutterhead dredges and attendant plant.
Pay close attention to the specifications regarding the sill's configuration and borrow areas once the full solicitation is released. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the project's technical requirements and your plan to meet them. Registering in SAM is mandatory for award, so ensure your registration is active and up-to-date well before the bid deadline.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Dept of the Army; the original posting controls.