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

What the agency is buying

The Department of the Army, specifically the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, is seeking a contractor to provide maintenance dredging services. This project, known as Southwest Pass Maintenance Dredging, Specification OM26278, requires one fully crewed and equipped cutterhead dredge. The dredge must have a discharge pipe with an inside diameter of 30 inches or greater.

The work will primarily take place in the Mississippi River Southwest Pass area, and potentially in other locations within the New Orleans District. This is a significant construction opportunity, with an estimated project value ranging from $10 million to $25 million.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on April 16, 2026. The deadline for submitting proposals is April 15, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET. A specific bid opening date will be announced later through an amendment to the solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in dredging, particularly those with experience operating cutterhead dredges of 30 inches or greater discharge diameter. The project's scope and estimated value suggest it is for established contractors capable of handling large-scale marine construction and maintenance work. Bidders must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for a contract award.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you need to go to the portal and click “View original source”. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to reach the bid directly. 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 of the files.

For marketing purposes, you are encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on beta.Sam.gov. This can be done by clicking on the solicitation title and then selecting the 'Register as an Interested Vendor' button to enter your business information. Offerers are also encouraged to post notices of prospective subcontracting opportunities on the Small Business Administration's Subnet.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your firm is fully registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM) well before the deadline, as this is a mandatory requirement for receiving a government contract. Review all solicitation documents carefully, including any amendments, to understand the full scope of work, technical specifications, and evaluation criteria.

Clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar large-scale dredging projects, especially those involving cutterhead dredges of the specified size. Highlight your capacity to provide a fully crewed and equipped dredge, complete with all attendant plant. Pay close attention to any specific requirements for personnel qualifications or equipment certifications. Develop a comprehensive proposal that addresses all aspects of the solicitation, showcasing your technical capabilities and competitive pricing.