Overview
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) is conducting this project to identify and advance the practices related to beneficial use of dredged sediment. ERDC seeks new techniques and technologies that reduce costs, lessen environmental impacts of dredging, and decrease direct and strategic placement of dredged sediment. To reach this goal, innovative construction equipment and operations for both dredging and placing dredged sediment that dramatically reduce costs and environmental impacts are required.
Project Manager
Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
Background and Problem Statement
Maintaining the channels within the nation’s navigable waterways is a primary mission for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that often requires dredging of sediment. The USACE has recently set a goal to increase beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM) to 70% by the year 2030. A particular challenge for the USACE is the beneficial use of fine-grained sediment. A particular challenge for the USACE is the beneficial use of fine-grained sediment.
Of high priority are the dredging and placement capabilities that address the following needs:
- Optimize the engineering properties of directly placed sediment by sorting sand from fines during the dredging or placement process
- Efficiently place sediment over larger areas while attaining more accurate target elevations
- Reduce containment costs and construction-related damage to placement areas
Requirements
ERDC invites white papers that introduce and describe available solutions that advance beneficial use of dredged material. These submissions must show compatibility with high production dredging rates and limit multiple handling of material to reduce cost differential with current practices.
Note: Submissions should NOT include confidential or proprietary details. Submissions may be shared with other ERDC teams if there is an apparent fit with other ERDC projects.
ERDC seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with industry, academic, and national lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by ERDC subject matter experts. As such, this project is considered competitive in the same manner as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit. This serves dually as notification of the intent to research the feasibility of an agreement under 10 U.S. Code, Section 2371b and/or Section 2371b(f), and as notice of pre-solicitation activities IAW FAR 5.204. The requirements of DFARS 215.371-2 do not apply to acquisition of innovative items, technologies, or services under a CSO.
Expected Results
ERDC will gain an understanding of current industry capabilities. Down-selected parties may be considered to participate in a presentation regarding and/or demonstration of their technology to ERDC researchers and the USACE dredging community. Findings will be shared with ERDC and USACE decision-makers to inform future specifications.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated by ERDC and USACE subject matter experts based on criteria outlined in the Civil Works CSO Solicitation Document.
Notional Project Schedule
Proposed project milestones include:
| July 24, 2023 | Submissions Open |
| August 17, 2023 | Question Period Ends |
| August 24, 2023 | Submissions Close |
| August/September 2023 | Evaluation Period |
| October 2023 | Participants Selected for Virtual Pitch |
| End of October | Virtual Pitches Complete |
*If needed; dates may vary to accommodate project team and participant availability.
Project Security Classification
Unclassified
How to Participate
Qualified parties may submit by completing a submission form and uploading required documentation as defined in the CSO Solicitation document.
1. Review CSO Solicitation document
2. Complete the submission form
Submission Instructions: This solicitation is issued consistent with the authority granted to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) through the establishment of its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), W912HZ23SC001, with a focus on the Civil Works mission. Submissions must follow the requirements as detailed in the CSO Solicitation document.
Questions:
Interested parties may submit questions using this form until August 17, 2023.
Submissions must meet stated requirements and be received no later than 5:00 pm CST on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
ERDC-CHL is conducting this project announcement on a full and open basis and intends to award contracts in accordance with FAR part 12 and the FAR part that is deemed most appropriate for the solution proposed (i.e. FAR part 13, 15, and/or 35); the government reserves the right to award prototype agreements (e.g. Other Transaction Agreements), in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4022, if deemed appropriate and in the government’s best interest.