How to bid on Mississippi River Southwest Pass and Calcasieu River Bar Channel Hopper Dredge Contract (OM26011) from the Dept of the Army

What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying

The Department of the Army is seeking a contractor to provide a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. This equipment will be used for work in the Mississippi River Southwest Pass, Calcasieu River Bar Channel, and potentially other areas within and outside the New Orleans District.

This project is a significant construction opportunity, with an estimated value between $25 million and $100 million. It involves critical dredging operations to maintain waterways.

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. The deadline for this RFI is April 30, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET.

A specific bid opening date for the future solicitation will be established in a later amendment. It is important to monitor the official solicitation for updates regarding the bid opening and any other changes.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms that specialize in dredging services, particularly those with access to or ownership of a fully crewed and equipped self-propelled trailing suction type hopper dredge. The work requires expertise in maintaining major river passes and bar channels.

Companies with experience in large-scale federal construction projects, especially those involving waterway maintenance and significant equipment deployment, will find this a relevant opportunity.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the portal’s 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.

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. This can be done by clicking on the solicitation title and then selecting 'Register as an Interested Vendor'.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active and up-to-date well in advance of the solicitation release. Any discrepancies or expired registrations can cause delays or disqualify your bid.

Given the nature of the work, clearly detail your firm's experience with similar dredging projects, especially those involving large rivers or bar channels. Highlight your capabilities in providing fully crewed and equipped hopper dredges.

Pay close attention to all instructions and requirements once the full solicitation is released. Government solicitations often have specific formatting and submission guidelines that must be followed precisely. Consider posting prospective subcontracting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet to find partners.