How to bid on Coastal Storm Risk Management Project Labor Agreement Comments for DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking for comments from the construction industry about whether to require Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for a major coastal storm risk management project in New Jersey. This project involves significant offshore dredging and sand placement on beaches in Cape May, Absecon Island, and Long Beach Island, totaling millions of cubic yards of sand. There is also potential for dune construction, drainage work, and related infrastructure repairs.

This is an important opportunity for construction firms, especially those with dredging and coastal protection experience, to provide input on a large-scale federal project. Your comments will help shape the final requirements for a solicitation expected in fiscal year 2027. The work for the Cape May project alone must be completed by March 1, 2028.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for bids. The deadline for submitting your comments is September 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. At this time, the agency will stop accepting input regarding the potential use of Project Labor Agreements for this project. The actual solicitation for the construction work is anticipated in fiscal year 2027.

Who this opportunity suits

This RFI is suitable for construction firms, particularly those specializing in large-scale dredging, beach nourishment, coastal storm risk management, and related civil engineering work. Companies with experience in federal contracts and those familiar with Project Labor Agreements will find this relevant. The project involves significant earthmoving and marine construction, making it ideal for firms with substantial equipment and workforce capabilities in these areas.

How to respond

To access the opportunity and submit your comments, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required.

Your response should address specific points requested by the agency, including your knowledge of PLA use in the local area for similar projects, labor availability, scheduling impacts, perceived benefits or drawbacks of PLAs, your intent to bid on the future solicitation, and any anticipated cost impacts related to PLAs.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

When responding to an RFI like this, focus on providing clear, concise, and fact-based information. Support your comments with data or specific examples where possible. For instance, if discussing labor availability or cost impacts, reference past project experiences.

Ensure your response directly answers all questions posed in the RFI. Even though this is not a bid, a well-structured and thoughtful response can help establish your firm as a knowledgeable and reliable potential vendor for future solicitations. Pay close attention to the requested format and submission method, if specified, to ensure your input is properly received and considered.