How to bid on Southwest Pass Maintenance Dredging (OM26277) for the Dept of the Army

What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying

The Department of the Army, through its New Orleans District, is seeking a fully crewed and equipped cutterhead dredge. The dredge must have a discharge pipe with an inside diameter of at least 30 inches. This equipment will be used 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 between $10 million and $25 million. This is an opportunity for firms specializing in large-scale dredging operations to work on a significant federal contract.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on February 06, 2026. The deadline for this RFI is February 20, 2028, at 12:00 PM ET. This RFI is a preliminary step; the actual solicitation is expected to be issued around February 20, 2026. A bid opening date for the future solicitation will be announced later through an amendment.

It is important to note the difference between the RFI deadline and the anticipated solicitation release. The RFI helps the agency gather information, while the solicitation will contain the full requirements for submitting a bid.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with expertise in large-scale marine dredging, specifically those operating cutterhead dredges with a discharge capacity of 30 inches or greater. Firms must be capable of providing a fully crewed and equipped dredge, including all attendant plant.

Given the magnitude of the project, this would typically suit established contractors with significant experience in federal dredging projects. Subcontracting opportunities may also arise, and interested parties are encouraged to post notices on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.

How to respond

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

All solicitation documents will be posted on SAM.gov. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open most files. For marketing purposes, you are encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on SAM.gov by clicking on the solicitation title and then the “Register as an Interested Vendor” button. To be eligible for a contract award, your firm must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active and up-to-date well in advance of any submission deadlines. This is a mandatory requirement for receiving a government contract award.

Thoroughly review all RFI documents and any subsequent solicitation amendments. Pay close attention to the technical specifications for the dredge and any operational requirements for the Mississippi River Southwest Pass area. Understanding the agency's exact needs is crucial for a competitive bid.

If you are considering subcontracting, begin identifying potential partners early. Posting on the Small Business Administration's Subnet can help connect you with suitable subcontractors and demonstrate your commitment to small business participation.