How to bid on the East West Infrastructure Connection (EWIC) Project Labor Market Survey for the DEPT of the Army

What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, is conducting market research for a large-scale construction project at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. This project, known as the East West Infrastructure Connection (EWIC), is estimated to be between $40 million and $60 million.

The work involves realigning Venona Road and Rockenbach Road, installing physical security and anti-terrorism fencing, and constructing electrical and communication duct banks. Site preparation, demolition, grading, utility connections, and stormwater management are also part of the scope. The Corps is specifically asking for industry feedback on whether requiring a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) would limit competition, especially for small businesses.

Key dates and deadlines

This is a Special Notice, not a request for proposals. The deadline for submitting your comments and feedback is August 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. The government will not issue awards or pay for your response to this notice. Any future solicitation for this project will be announced separately.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for construction firms, particularly those specializing in Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction (NAICS Code 237310) and Utility System Construction (NAICS Code 2371). The business size standard for NAICS 237310 is $45.0 million. The Corps is interested in hearing from businesses that have experience with projects of this kind and magnitude, especially regarding the use of Project Labor Agreements in the local area.

Your input will help the Baltimore District determine if an exception to PLA requirements should be pursued, specifically if a PLA would substantially reduce the number of potential offerors and prevent adequate competition at a fair and reasonable price.

How to respond

To access the full details and respond to this Special Notice, you need to go to the original source portal. Click “View original source” to open the opportunity. 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 this is not always required.

Practical tips for preparing your response

When responding to this market survey, provide specific and detailed information. The Corps is asking for direct answers to questions about your knowledge of PLAs on similar local projects, including project names, locations, descriptions, cost comparisons, completion times, and any challenges faced. They also want to know about skilled labor shortages in the area for the crafts needed for this project.

Focus on providing factual data and supporting documentation where possible. Your input should clearly address whether a PLA would impact competition and pricing for a project of this size and scope. Be concise and ensure your response directly answers the questions posed by the Baltimore District to fully inform their analysis of the competitive market.