How to bid on Thomas J. O Brien (TJO) Embankment Repair for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, is seeking construction services for the Thomas J. O'Brien (TJO) Embankment Repair project in Chicago, Illinois. This project involves addressing deficiencies in the embankments located east and west of the TJO Lock.

The scope of work includes earthwork to raise embankment height, clearing and grubbing of vegetation, repairing culverts, and placing riprap. This is an important opportunity for construction firms specializing in heavy and civil engineering projects.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on September 04, 2026. Bids are due by 1:00 PM Central Time (CT) on September 14, 2026. A Virtual Public Bid Opening will be held on the same day at 2:00 PM Central Time (CT).

It is crucial to submit your bid before the deadline. Late submissions may not be considered. Make sure to account for any potential technical issues when submitting your proposal through the required systems.

Who this opportunity suits

This procurement is an 8(a) Competitive Set-Aside, meaning it is specifically for small businesses certified under the 8(a) program. The North American Industry System Classification Code (NAICS) is 237990, which covers Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.

The estimated value of this construction project is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000. Firms with experience in earthwork, vegetation management, culvert repair, and riprap placement for civil engineering projects are well-suited for this bid.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, plans, and specifications, you must use the DoD Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) system. The solicitation will be downloadable only from PIEE.

Before you can access PIEE, your firm must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Registration for SAM is free and can be completed at sam.gov. After SAM registration, you can register with PIEE to view documents and submit your bid. Remember to include Solicitation Amendment 0001 with your submission.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all sections of the solicitation, including any amendments, to ensure full compliance with all requirements. Pay close attention to the scope of work, technical specifications, and any specific instructions for proposal formatting and content.

Given the nature of the work, clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar embankment repair, earthwork, and culvert projects. Highlight your team's qualifications and any specialized equipment or techniques that will contribute to successful project completion. Ensure your pricing is competitive and accurately reflects the proposed work.

Since this is an 8(a) competitive set-aside, ensure your 8(a) certification is current and in good standing. Double-check your SAM and PIEE registrations well in advance of the deadline to avoid last-minute access issues.