How to bid on Port Everglades Harbor Maintenance Dredging for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Defense is seeking a contractor for maintenance dredging of shoal material from the Port Everglades Harbor Federal navigation channel and berthing areas in Broward County, Florida. The dredged material will be disposed of at the Port Everglades Ocean Dredge Material Disposal Site. This project includes a base period of 110 days for federal work and an optional 15-day period for non-federal work, along with environmental and water quality monitoring.

This is an unrestricted procurement with an estimated value between $5 million and $10 million. It represents a significant opportunity for firms specializing in dredging and marine construction.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The Invitation for Bid (IFB) is expected to be issued around July 27, 2026. Bids for this opportunity will be due around August 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. The total period of performance is 125 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed (NTP) is received, with work commencing within 60 calendar days of NTP receipt. The NTP will be issued between 75 and 90 calendar days after award or after all required bonds are in place, whichever is later.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for established construction firms with expertise in dredging and surface cleanup activities. The NAICS code for this procurement is 237990, Dredging and Surface Cleanup Activities, with a small business standard of $37 million. A key requirement is that all dredge vessels used for this project must be Coast Guard certified. This is an unrestricted procurement, meaning businesses of all sizes can compete.

How to respond to this solicitation

The solicitation will be issued in electronic format only and will be posted on the Sam.gov website. To access the opportunity, you can 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. You may need a free account to view documents, though for some bids, this is not necessary.

To receive notifications of any amendments to this solicitation, interested vendors must register as an interested vendor on the Sam.gov website. You must also be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for an award from this solicitation.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Given the requirement for Coast Guard certified dredge vessels, ensure all your proposed equipment meets this standard and be prepared to provide documentation. Clearly outline your experience with similar harbor maintenance dredging projects, especially those involving ocean dredge material disposal sites.

Pay close attention to the environmental and water quality monitoring requirements. Detail your approach and any relevant certifications or past performance in these areas. Since this is an unrestricted procurement, focus on demonstrating your firm's capacity, technical expertise, and ability to complete the project within the specified timelines for both the federal base and non-federal option.