How to bid on Southwest Pass Maintenance Dredging, Specification OM26275 for the Dept of the Army

What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying

The Department of the Army is seeking a fully crewed and equipped cutterhead dredge. The dredge must have a discharge opening of at least 30 inches in diameter. This work is for maintenance dredging in the Mississippi River Southwest Pass area, and potentially other areas within the New Orleans District.

This project is estimated to be between $10 million and $25 million. This is a significant construction opportunity for specialized dredging firms.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) for Specification OM26275. The solicitation is expected to be issued around February 20, 2026. The bid opening date will be announced later through an amendment to the solicitation.

The deadline for this RFI is February 20, 2028, at 12:00 PM ET. This date is for the RFI, not the final bid submission.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in dredging operations. Specifically, firms that own and operate large cutterhead dredges (30 inches or greater discharge size) with full crews and attendant plant will be a good fit.

The work location is in Plaquemine, LA, and the broader New Orleans District, so firms with operational capabilities in this region may find this particularly relevant.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” to open it on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids this is not required.

The solicitation documents will be posted on SAM.gov. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open most files. You are encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on beta.SAM.gov by clicking the solicitation title and then the “Register as an Interested Vendor” button.

Offerers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to receive a government contract award.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Given this is a dredging project, clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar large-scale maintenance dredging operations. Highlight your track record in riverine environments, especially those with challenging conditions.

Emphasize the capabilities and specifications of your proposed cutterhead dredge, ensuring it meets or exceeds the 30-inch discharge requirement. Detail the readiness and experience of your crew and the availability of all necessary attendant plant.

Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active and up-to-date well in advance of any submission deadlines. For future subcontracting opportunities, consider posting notices on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.