How to bid on Mississippi River Cutterhead Dredge No. 2-2025 for the Dept of the Army

What the Army is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Army is seeking a company to provide a fully crewed and equipped hydraulic pipeline cutterhead dredge. This work will take place in the New Orleans Harbor Reach of the Mississippi River and adjacent lock forebays of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

This project is valued between $5 million and $10 million, making it a significant opportunity for construction firms specializing in dredging operations.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on March 28, 2025. The deadline for responses is May 10, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET. The formal solicitation is expected to be issued around April 11, 2025. A specific bid opening date will be established in a future amendment to the solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for construction firms with expertise in hydraulic pipeline cutterhead dredging. Companies should have the capacity to provide a fully crewed and equipped dredge for work in river and waterway environments. It 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 opportunity, click “View original source” to open the portal. If you land on the homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

All offerers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to be eligible for a government contract award. You are also encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on SAM.gov for marketing purposes by clicking on the solicitation title and selecting the 'Register as an Interested Vendor' button.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Given this is a dredging project, highlight your firm's experience with similar river and waterway projects, especially those involving cutterhead dredges. Detail the capabilities and specifications of the equipment you propose to use, and emphasize the experience and qualifications of your crew.

Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active and up-to-date well before the solicitation deadline. Pay close attention to all instructions in the formal solicitation once it is released, as it will contain specific requirements for your proposal. Clearly outline your approach to safety and environmental compliance, which are often critical for projects in sensitive waterways.