PASS-A-GRILLE-PASS, MAINTENANCE DREDGING, PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS.ENGINEER DIVISION SOUTH ATLANTIC.ENDIST JACKSONVILLE.W074 ENDIST JACKSNVLLE · Response deadline: Fri, 20 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District is soliciting bids for maintenance dredging of Pass-a-Grille Pass in Pinellas County, Florida. This is a waterway maintenance project under the Corps' navigation mission—keeping federal channels clear of accumulated sediment to ensure safe passage for vessels.
Maintenance dredging typically involves removing shoaled material from existing channel templates using hydraulic or mechanical dredging equipment, then disposing of the dredged material at approved sites. The work occurs in a tidal inlet environment on Florida's Gulf Coast, where natural littoral drift and storm events routinely deposit sand that narrows the navigable channel.
This is a total small business set-aside, meaning only qualified small businesses under NAICS 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) may submit offers. The project falls under the Corps' standard contracting approach for recurring channel maintenance.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | GROUP1-27-R-J001 |
| NAICS | 237990 — Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | November 20, 2026, 2:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
Only small businesses as defined by the SBA size standard for NAICS 237990 may bid. For this NAICS, the size standard is typically measured by average annual receipts; see the solicitation for the applicable threshold. Firms must be registered in SAM.gov and have an active status at the time of award.
Relevant experience in dredging operations is essential. The Corps generally evaluates offerors on:
- Past performance on similar dredging projects, preferably federal or Corps-maintained waterways
- Equipment availability suited to the specific channel dimensions and sediment characteristics
- Capability to manage environmental compliance, including turbidity controls and marine mammal protections
- Financial capacity to mobilize equipment and carry the project through completion
Joint ventures and teaming arrangements are permitted under small business set-aside rules if the combined entity meets size and affiliation requirements. Mentor-protégé arrangements may also apply.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the site conditions. Pass-a-Grille Pass is a dynamic inlet with potential complexities from tidal currents, shoaling patterns, and coordination with nearby beach nourishment projects. Request a pre-bid site visit if offered, and review any historical dredging data or maintenance records referenced in the solicitation.
Equipment and methodology matter. Specify dredge type—cutter suction, hopper, or mechanical—and justify your approach for the expected material (likely sand with possible shell content). Address production rates, placement area logistics, and any pipeline or scow requirements. The Corps evaluates technical approach against realistic schedules.
Environmental compliance is non-negotiable. Florida inlets typically involve Essential Fish Habitat, sea turtle nesting seasons (May–October), and potential manatee constraints. Demonstrate knowledge of Section 404/408 permitting, CMP requirements, and seasonal restrictions that may affect your work window. See the solicitation for specific environmental stipulations.
Pricing requires scrutiny of dredge placement. Disposal area distance, access, and any beneficial use requirements significantly affect unit costs. Verify whether the solicitation specifies a fixed lump-sum, unit-price, or cost-reimbursement structure. Understand your bonding capacity for payment and performance bonds.
Past performance documentation. Prepare DD Form 2946 or equivalent CPARS references. Corps evaluators weight recent, relevant performance heavily—especially on-time completion within budget and minimal environmental incidents.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number GROUP1-27-R-J001. The notice was posted October 20, 2026, with offers due November 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Allow adequate time for SAM registration, bonding, and any required technical submittals. Note that place of performance details and specific channel reach information are not included in the metadata; see the solicitation for the precise dredging template, cubic yard quantities, and disposal site requirements.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →