Norfolk Harbor Inner Channel to Newport News Maintenance Dredging located in Hampton Roads, Virginia
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS.ENGINEER DIVISION NORTH ATLANTIC.ENDIST NORFOLK.W2SD ENDIST NORFOLK · Response deadline: Mon, 23 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District is soliciting bids for maintenance dredging of the Norfolk Harbor Inner Channel to Newport News in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. This is a waterway infrastructure maintenance project to preserve navigable depths in a critical federal shipping channel.
Dredging work typically involves removing accumulated sediment from harbor bottoms to maintain authorized channel depths and widths, ensuring safe passage for commercial and military vessels. The Hampton Roads region encompasses one of the busiest port complexes on the U.S. East Coast, including military installations and commercial terminals. Maintenance dredging is recurring work that keeps channels at their congressionally authorized dimensions after natural sedimentation occurs.
The NAICS code 237990 covers "Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction," which includes marine construction activities such as dredging. The Army Corps of Engineers typically contracts for both mechanical and hydraulic dredging operations, with disposal of dredged material at approved placement sites—often beneficial use sites or confined disposal facilities.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | W9123627BA003 |
| NAICS | 237990 |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | November 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST |
| Place of performance | Virginia |
Who can bid
This solicitation is open to all responsible sources with no set-aside restriction. Small businesses and large businesses alike may submit offers. Given the specialized nature of marine dredging, eligible bidders typically include established dredging contractors with:
- U.S.-flag dredging equipment (Jones Act compliance is generally required for domestic waterways)
- Experience with federal dredging contracts and Corps of Engineers specifications
- Capability to perform work in environmentally sensitive estuarine environments
- Approved dredged material management plans and placement site access
The Norfolk District has historically required contractors to meet equipment, safety, and environmental compliance standards specific to Chesapeake Bay operations. Firms should verify their capacity to bond performance and payment obligations typical of harbor maintenance projects.
How to put together a competitive bid
For an unrestricted dredging solicitation, consider these practical elements:
Technical approach: Detail your dredging plant specifications, production rates, and schedule. The Corps evaluates method, equipment suitability, and demonstrated capability more heavily in dredging than in many other construction categories.
Dredged material placement: Identify your disposal or beneficial use strategy. Placement site availability and cost often determine competitiveness. See the solicitation for approved placement options and any specific site designations.
Past performance: Cite comparable federal or commercial dredging projects, particularly in Chesapeake Bay or similar estuarine environments. Army Corps of Engineers past performance ratings carry significant weight.
Price structure: Dredging bids typically use unit prices (often per cubic yard) for different reach segments, mobilization/demobilization, and contingency items. Understand the estimated quantities format and risk allocation for differing site conditions.
Environmental compliance: Address turbidity controls, window restrictions for environmental work periods, and coordination with resource agencies. Hampton Roads projects often involve seasonal restrictions to protect marine resources.
Small business subcontractors: Even without a set-aside, consider subcontracting opportunities for specialty services (surveying, environmental monitoring, trucking) to strengthen your proposal and meet any subcontracting plan requirements.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation documents on SAM.gov using solicitation number W9123627BA003. The complete specifications will detail channel reach lengths, authorized dimensions, estimated quantities, dredging windows, material placement requirements, and prevailing wage determinations if applicable.
Note the firm response deadline of November 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions will not be considered. Register in SAM.gov promptly if not already active, and allow time for any required technical questions or site visits the solicitation may prescribe.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →