Remaining Upper Approach Wall (RUAW) - New Lock at the SOO

Key Dates

Due Date

Posted Date

Agency & Value

Agency

W072 ENDIST DETROIT

Contract Value

Not provided

Codes & Classification

Solicitation Number

W911XK-26-S-RUAW

NAICS

237990 - Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

Classification Code

Y1KB

Additional Details

Set Aside

NONE

Place of Performance

Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, UNITED STATES

SourceSAM

Documents3

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District, has issued a Sources Sought Notice and Market Research Questionnaire for the "Remaining Upper Approach Wall (RUAW) - New Lock at the Soo" project, located in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. This notice, under procurement identifier W911XK-26-S-RUAW, is intended to gather information from industry regarding contractor capabilities, inform acquisition strategy, and solicit constructability feedback for a significant marine construction effort at the Soo Locks. Purpose and Scope: The primary objective of this procurement is the construction of the Remaining Upper Approach Walls (RUAW) for the new lock at the Soo, a critical infrastructure project within a highly constrained marine environment. The scope encompasses three distinct work areas: - Work Area A: Installation of 500 linear feet of steel sheetpile wall on the south side of the upstream new lock approach channel, extending from the west side of the International Bridge to the end of the pier (Soo Locks West Center Pier). - Work Area B: Installation of 500 linear feet of a soldier pile and concrete panel combination wall on the north side of the upstream new lock approach channel, adjacent to the west end of completed work (Soo Locks Northwest Pier). - Work Area C: Installation of 1,700 linear feet of steel sheetpile wall on the south side of the upstream new lock approach channel, from the east side of the International Bridge to the existing coffer cells (Soo Locks West Center Pier). The project requires heavy civil marine construction expertise, including deep foundation work, historic structure demolition, construction of steel sheetpile or H pile and concrete panel walls, forming and placement of concrete caps, installation of drilled shaft mooring bollards, and the installation of new ductbanks with electrical lines and associated 40-foot light poles. Contractors must be capable of executing work from an island site, necessitating waterborne transport of major materials and equipment. Key Requirements and Expected Deliverables: Respondents are expected to demonstrate: - Proven experience in heavy civil marine construction, particularly within active navigable waterways and involving steel sheetpile and combination wall systems. - Logistical capability to mobilize and operate marine equipment such as crane barges, sectional barges, and tugs, suitable for the scale and complexity of the described work. - Robust quality control and safety programs compliant with USACE EM 385-1-1 standards, including a strong safety record and current Experience Modification Rate (EMR). - Past performance on up to three similar marine construction or deep foundation projects completed within the last seven years, including project details, contract values, scope descriptions, and customer points of contact. Contractors are also asked to provide feedback on logistical challenges, phasing preferences, constructability concerns (especially regarding Area B’s combination wall design), and schedule realism, including estimated durations for each work area and ability to meet a potential September 2028 completion date. Contracting Entity and Contact Information: The contracting office is W072 ENDIST DETROIT, a federal office under the Department of Defense, Department of the Army. The primary points of contact for this notice are: - Glenn W. Moon ([email protected]) - Matthew Mcduffie ([email protected]) - Nicholas A. Ardelean ([email protected]) Location and Classification: - Place of Performance: Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, United States - NAICS Code: 237990 – Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (2022) - Product Service Code: Y1KB – Construction of canals Procurement Type and Special Considerations: This notice is strictly for market research and planning purposes in accordance with FAR Part 10. It is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded as a result of this notice. There are no set-aside requirements specified; responses are sought from all business sizes and types, including small businesses, disadvantaged businesses, 8(a) certified, HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, and large businesses. Respondents are encouraged to indicate their socioeconomic status and provide information on potential teaming arrangements or subcontracting opportunities, particularly for large businesses. Submission Instructions: Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF or Word format, not exceeding five pages. Proprietary information should be clearly marked. The deadline for submission is June 15, 2026, at 1400 Eastern Time. Responses should be emailed directly to the points of contact, with the subject line: "Market Research Response - RUAW - [Company Name]". Constant Elements: Throughout the contract lifecycle, the project will remain focused on the construction of approach walls for the new lock at the Soo, requiring specialized marine construction capabilities, adherence to USACE standards, and operation within a constrained island environment. The contracting entity, location, classification codes, and core scope of work will remain unchanged. Summary for Contractors: This opportunity represents a substantial marine construction project with an estimated magnitude between $25 million and $100 million. Contractors with relevant experience in heavy civil marine works, deep foundations, and complex logistical operations are encouraged to respond. The information provided will directly influence the Government’s acquisition strategy, contract structure, and schedule requirements. Participation in this market research is voluntary and does not preclude future involvement in the solicitation process. For further details and to access attachments, visit the official notice at https://sam.gov/opp/9eab0309dcdb4dafbc61c843aa89cd78/view.