FY26 Willapa Sediment Characterization Service

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, is conducting market research to identify capable contractors for sediment characterization services in Willapa Bay, Washington, classified under NAICS 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services) with PSC B510 (Special Studies/Analysis - Environmental Assessments). The contractor will be responsible for preparing a Sampling and Analysis Plan, collecting and analyzing sediment samples from four navigation features, validating data according to EPA protocols, and preparing a comprehensive Sediment Characterization Report to support dredged material management decisions. Key qualifications include demonstrated experience performing sediment characterization in coastal and marine environments, generating sampling plans in accordance with the Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP), collecting and processing sediment samples, conducting chemical and biological laboratory testing, and synthesizing results into comprehensive reports with tables and figures. The government will evaluate contractor capability based on previous experience with projects of similar scope, magnitude, and complexity, with particular emphasis on coastal sediment characterization expertise and DMMP compliance. Interested parties must respond to this sources sought notice by March 6, 2026, confirming their capability to satisfy the requirement, compliance with PWS specifications, small business status, and SAM.gov registration with UEI and CAGE codes.

This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, restricting eligibility to qualified small businesses with no incumbent contractor identified in the pre-solicitation notice. The contract will be awarded as a performance-based Firm Fixed Price agreement with a nine-month (270-day) period of performance commencing upon award, with sampling completion required prior to the anticipated summer 2026 dredging start. The project scope encompasses characterization of approximately 433,962 cubic yards across 36 grab samples and eight Dredged Material Management Units distributed among the Tokeland Entrance Channel and Boat Basin, Bay Center Entrance Channel, Nahcotta Entrance Channel and Boat Basin, and Palix River Access Lane. Base contract activities include SAP preparation, sediment sample collection and analysis for standard DMMP chemicals of concern, EPA Stage 2b data validation, and submission to the Department of Ecology's Environmental Information Management database, with optional CLINs available for additional grab samples, expanded analyte testing, reference sediment sampling, and bioassay testing. No specific budget value is disclosed in the pre-solicitation notice, and the contractor must provide all personnel, equipment, vessels, sampling supplies, and facilities required to complete the work.