USACE FY27 Houston Ship Channel, Texas, Bayport Ship Channel Maintenance Dredging

Background
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District is seeking sources for the maintenance dredging of the Bayport Ship Channel in Texas. This project aims to restore and maintain authorized project dimensions to ensure navigational safety for deep-draft container vessels. The announcement serves as a sources sought notice to identify interested and capable small businesses, including those certified under various programs such as Small Business, 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran Owned, and HUBZone firms.

The estimated order of magnitude for this effort is between $25,000,000 and $100,000,000.

Work Details
The project involves maintenance dredging of the Bayport Ship Channel (BSC), specifically targeting the Bayport Flare, BSC main channel, Bayport Turning Basin, and adjacent segments of the Houston Ship Channel (HSC). Tasks include the removal and transport of accumulated shoaled material to designated placement areas following established protocols. An optional bid item for an additional re-dredging event at the Bayport Flare is included to address high frequency shoaling.

Contractors must demonstrate experience in dredging deep-draft navigation channels and managing operations amid heavy commercial vessel traffic.

Period of Performance
The anticipated solicitation issuance date is on or about February 2027 with an estimated bid due date around March 2027. Award is expected on or about April 2027.

Place of Performance
Chambers County, Texas.

Bidder Requirements
Contractors must provide Performance and Payment Bonds within five calendar days after award and furnish Pre-Award documents within two calendar days after Bid Opening. They must have proven experience as a prime contractor in dredging operations for deep-draft navigation channels and familiarity with the Houston Ship Channel environment.

Contractors are required to submit production rate data from previous similar projects and demonstrate effective management of soft dredged material disposal. Additionally, they must indicate their ability to provide a Bid Bond (20% of total bid amount) and Performance and Payment Bond (100% of contract amount).