Wheatley Dam Dredging Services

Charles County Commissioners in Maryland are requesting sealed bids for wet dredging, hauling, and sediment disposal services at Wheatley Dam reservoir near Charlotte Hall, with bids due September 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and a non-mandatory site visit scheduled for August 27. Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) firms registered in Charles County may receive preference for contracts valued under $500,000.

The scope targets unconsolidated sediment accumulation in the northern and western cove areas identified through 2024 bathymetric surveys, with deposits averaging 1 to 2 feet in thickness and exceeding 2 feet in some locations. The reservoir, constructed in 1968 and located within Gilbert Run County Park, has never been fully dredged. Dredging activities must coincide with park accessibility and operations. Contractors must obtain all necessary licenses and permits, including compliance with Maryland Department of the Environment Wetlands and Waterways, Water Quality, and Erosion and Sediment Control requirements. Mobilization is required within thirty days of notice for each service event.

The contract term is a base period commencing at execution and ending September 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewals at the County's sole discretion and automatic renewal unless either party provides forty-five days' notice of non-renewal prior to the contract anniversary date. Unit prices remain firm through the base term, with adjustments in subsequent years based on the Consumer Price Index.

Award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder based on the sum of Base Bid Items. Bids must include a 5% bid bond from a Maryland-licensed surety and completed forms demonstrating at least five years of active dredging engagement with a minimum of three representative projects of equal or greater magnitude completed within the past five years. Performance and Labor & Material Payment Bonds at 100% of contract price are required at execution. Questions are due September 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. A non-mandatory pre-bid teleconference is scheduled for August 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with registration due August 24 by 12:00 p.m.