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

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Army, specifically the Army Corps of Engineers, is seeking a contractor for maintenance dredging in Port Everglades, Florida. This project involves removing shoal material from federal navigation channels and Port Everglades berthing areas.

The work is divided into a Base (Federal) and an Option A (non-Federal) component. It includes environmental and water quality monitoring, construction vibration monitoring, endangered species monitoring, turbidity monitoring, and maintenance of traffic. The estimated value of this project is between $5 million and $10 million, making it a significant opportunity for construction firms specializing in dredging.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on July 16, 2026. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) is expected to be issued on or about July 31, 2026. Bids for this project will be due on or about August 31, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.

The period of performance for this requirement is 125 calendar days after receipt of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). The contractor must commence work within 60 calendar days of receiving the NTP. The NTP itself 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 construction firms with experience in dredging and surface cleanup activities. The NAICS Code for this project is 237990, Dredging and Surface Cleanup Activities, with a small business standard of $37 million. The requirement is unrestricted, meaning both small and large businesses can bid.

A critical requirement for this project is the use of Coast Guard certified dredge vessels. Firms must ensure they have access to or own such vessels to be eligible.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Sometimes the first click may take you to the portal's homepage, so you might need to click it again to go directly to the bid. A free account may be necessary to view documents for some bids, but not all.

The solicitation will be issued in electronic format only and will be posted on the Sam.gov website. To receive notifications of any amendments, you must register as an interested vendor on Sam.gov. It is also mandatory to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for an award.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Thoroughly review all sections of the Invitation for Bid once it is released, paying close attention to the scope of work for both the Base and Option A components. Ensure your proposed approach addresses all aspects, including environmental monitoring and traffic maintenance.

Given the requirement for Coast Guard certified dredge vessels, clearly document your firm's capability and access to such equipment. Provide details on your experience with similar dredging projects, especially those involving federal navigation channels or port berthing areas. Highlight any past performance that demonstrates your ability to manage projects within the specified timeframe and budget range.

Prepare a detailed project schedule that accounts for the 125-calendar-day performance period and the 60-day commencement window after NTP. Pay attention to the specific timelines for the Base (110 calendar days) and Option A (15 calendar days) work.