Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Entrance Channel Maintenance Dredging, St. Marys, GA

This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI). This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the USACE will take procurement action in this matter. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT SHALL BE AWARDED FROM THIS RFI. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this RFI. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Introduction and Purpose:

The USACE Jacksonville District is issuing this RFI to conduct market research and solicit information from the dredging industry on the feasibility of utilizing mechanical dredges to maintain the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Entrance Channel in St Mary’s, Georgia.

The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 237990, Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. The Small Business Size Standard for this project is $45.0 million

Project Background:

The Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Entrance Channel is a critical waterway that requires periodic maintenance dredging to ensure safe navigation for naval vessels. Currently, maintenance dredging is performed by hopper dredges, which are restricted to a working window from December 15 to March 31. These hopper dredges are capable of working throughout the entire channel.

The Jacksonville District is exploring the use of mechanical dredges as a potential supplement to the existing dredging operations.

Challenge and Constraints:

The use of mechanical dredges in the Kings Bay Entrance Channel presents specific challenges:

Operational Limitations: It has been determined that mechanical dredges cannot safely operate beyond channel station 71+00 Cut-1N.

Tidal Currents: There is a significant concern regarding the impact of strong tidal currents on the safety and effectiveness of mechanical dredging operations, particularly for operations inland of channel station 71+00 Cut-1N.

Information Requested:

The Jacksonville District is seeking responses from the dredging industry to the following questions:

Feasibility: Based on your experience, is it feasible to utilize a mechanical dredge for maintenance dredging of the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Entrance Channel, specifically inland of channel station 71+00 Cut-1N? Please provide the basis for your assessment.

Tidal Current Mitigation: What are the primary risks associated with operating a mechanical dredge in an environment with significant tidal currents? What specific methods, equipment, or operational procedures would you recommend to mitigate these risks?

Equipment and Configuration: What type and configuration of mechanical dredging plant (e.g., barge size, crane capacity, bucket type) would be best suited for this project, considering the channel conditions and tidal currents?

Demobilization from the Channel: How much time is required to demobilize mechanical dredge plants and all supporting floating plant and equipment from the channel to allow naval vessels to pass?  How much time is required to remobilize and recommence dredging?

Additional Information: Please provide any other relevant information, insights, or recommendations that you believe would be valuable for the USACE to consider in its assessment of mechanical dredging for this location.

Submission Instructions:

Provide Firm's name, address, point of contact, phone number, website, and email address.

Responses to this RFI must be received no later than 5:00 PM, EST, on 09 January 2026 and shall be sent to Meredith Coad at Meredith.C.Coad@usace.army.mil and Ruth Rodriguez at Ruth.C.Rodriguez@usace.army.mil.

NOTE - DO NOT SUBMIT PROPRIETARY AND/OR BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL DATA.

The official Synopsis citing the solicitation will be issued on SAM.gov and inviting firms to register electronically to receive a copy of the solicitation when it is issued. All interested firms must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for award of Government contracts.