JP Murtha Float Mooring Bitts Retrofit
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS.ENGINEER DIVISION GREAT LAKES AND OHIO.ENDIST PITTSBURGH.W072 ENDIST PITTSBURGH · Response deadline: Thu, 05 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, through its Pittsburgh District, is soliciting bids for a project titled "JP Murtha Float Mooring Bitts Retrofit." This involves work on mooring bitts—vertical posts or bollards used for securing vessels with ropes or lines—located at the John P. Murtha Lock and Dam in Pennsylvania. Mooring bitts retrofit work typically involves replacing, reinforcing, or upgrading existing bollard systems to accommodate modern vessel sizes and ensure safe navigation on inland waterways.
The work falls under NAICS code 237990, which covers Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. This classification includes specialized infrastructure projects such as dams, locks, flood control structures, and marine construction. Army Corps lock and dam projects generally require expertise in marine construction, structural steel work, concrete repair, and working in active navigation environments.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Division Great Lakes and Ohio River, Pittsburgh District (W072 Endist Pittsburgh) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | W911WN27BA001 |
| NAICS | 237990 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET |
| Place of performance | see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside. Any responsible contractor—large or small—may submit a bid, provided they meet the general qualifications for federal construction contracts and any specific technical qualifications stated in the solicitation.
Small businesses may still compete, and those with relevant experience in marine construction, Corps of Engineers projects, or inland waterway infrastructure should evaluate whether their capabilities match the scope. Firms with 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB certifications should note that socioeconomic preferences do not apply here unless the solicitation contains additional provisions not reflected in the metadata.
Given the specialized nature of lock and dam work, bidders typically need experience with: confined waterway construction, coordination with Corps navigation schedules, structural steel fabrication and installation, and concrete work in marine environments.
How to put together a competitive bid
For heavy civil construction of this type, pay close attention to these practical steps:
Understand the operational constraints. Lock and dam construction occurs alongside active commercial navigation. Bidders must demonstrate ability to work within Corps-specified river closure windows, typically limited to non-peak shipping periods. Your schedule and methodology will be heavily scrutinized.
Emphasize relevant marine construction experience. Past performance on Corps projects, or comparable inland waterway structure repairs, strengthens your proposal. Include specific examples of mooring hardware installation or bitt replacement.
Review safety and environmental requirements. Waterway construction involves Corps-specific safety protocols, spill prevention plans, and fish/wildlife coordination. see the solicitation for applicable submittals.
Evaluate bonding capacity. Civil construction projects of this nature typically require performance and payment bonds. Confirm your surety's comfort with marine construction risk before committing resources to proposal preparation.
Assess equipment needs. Mooring bitt installation may require specialized floating plant, cranes with sufficient reach, or divers. Equipment availability and mobilization costs significantly affect pricing.
Price carefully for weather and river conditions. Great Lakes and Ohio River operations face seasonal limitations. Account for potential delays from high water, ice, or extended Corps-mandated shutdowns.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number W911WN27BA001 to obtain the statement of work, drawings, specifications, and evaluation criteria. Note the firm response deadline of November 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time—late submissions are not accepted in sealed bid construction procurements. Allow adequate time for any required site visits, questions to the contracting officer, and bond arrangements before the deadline.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →