Houston Ship Channel - Sims to Turning Basin Dredging

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, is conducting a pre-solicitation market survey for a firm-fixed price contract to perform dredging operations along the Houston Ship Channel from Sims Bayou to the upper Turning Basin area, with an estimated value between $10 million and $25 million and an anticipated performance period of approximately 180 calendar days. The work includes the removal of sediment to maintain navigational depth and functionality in this critical industrial waterway. An option is available to extend the work to include dredging at the Port of Houston Authority docks as well as tire and debris removal. All dredged material must be disposed of at the Rosa Allen upland confined disposal area. The contract follows FAR Part 14 for sealed bidding and includes requirements for contractor safety compliance in accordance with USACE EM 385-1-1 and adherence to Federal, State, and local environmental regulations. The procurement seeks contractors with demonstrated experience in deep-draft channel dredging and emphasizes participation by small business concerns. Limitations on subcontracting apply, requiring prime contractors to perform a significant portion of the work themselves or with similarly situated small businesses, and subcontracting cannot exceed 85% of the total contract. Respondents must submit detailed capability statements within a five-page limit covering firm identification, size status (including small business and socio-economic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB), relevant past projects, key personnel qualifications, subcontractor use, safety plans, bonding capacity, and descriptions of dredging equipment proposed for the project. The solicitation does not specify packaging, marking, or inspection details, nor pricing line items at this stage. The contracting office is located in Galveston, Texas, with performance in Houston, Texas, and primary points of contact identified for communications. The final solicitation and award will be based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation approach once officially issued, expected in mid-2026.