How to bid on Southwest Pass Maintenance Dredging (OM26276) for the Dept of the Army

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, is seeking a fully crewed and equipped cutterhead dredge. The dredge must have a discharge pipe with an inside diameter of 30 inches or greater. This work is for maintenance dredging in the Mississippi River Southwest Pass area and potentially other locations within the New Orleans District.

This project is estimated to be valued between $10 million and $25 million. It represents a significant opportunity for firms specializing in large-scale dredging operations.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on April 16, 2026. The deadline for responses is April 15, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET. A specific bid opening date will be announced in a future amendment to the solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with expertise in dredging, particularly those operating cutterhead dredges of 30 inches or greater discharge diameter. Vendors should have the capacity to provide a fully crewed and equipped dredge along with all necessary attendant plant.

The project location in Plaquemine, LA, and the broader New Orleans District, suggests suitability for firms with operations or experience in the Gulf Coast region.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to 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 all documents, though this is not always required.

All offerers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for a government contract award. You are also encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on beta.Sam.gov for marketing purposes and to post subcontracting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all solicitation documents once they are available. Pay close attention to the technical specifications for the cutterhead dredge and any requirements for attendant plant and crew. Ensure your proposed equipment meets or exceeds the stated 30-inch discharge diameter.

Given the estimated project value, prepare a detailed cost proposal that reflects the scope and duration of the work. Highlight your firm's experience with similar large-scale dredging projects, especially those involving maintenance dredging in river systems or coastal areas. Ensure your SAM registration is active and up to date well before the submission deadline.