Remaining Upper Approach Wall (RUAW) - New Lock at the SOO
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District, has issued a Sources Sought Notice and Market Research Questionnaire for the New Lock at the Soo Remaining Upper Approach Walls (RUAW) project. This initiative seeks to identify qualified contractors for heavy civil marine construction, with an estimated magnitude between $25,000,000 and $100,000,000. Responses are due by June 15, 2026, at 1400 Eastern Time.
Purpose
This notice is solely for informational and planning purposes, issued under FAR Part 10, Market Research. Its goal is to determine the availability of qualified contractors, inform the appropriate acquisition strategy, and gather constructability feedback. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue a future solicitation. The Government will not pay for any response costs.
Project Scope
The RUAW project involves complex heavy civil marine construction within a highly constrained environment at the Soo Locks. The work is conceptually divided into three areas:
- Work Area A: Installation of 500 linear feet of steel sheetpile wall on the South side of the upstream new lock approach channel.
- 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.
- Work Area C: Installation of 1,700 linear feet of steel sheetpile wall on the South side of the upstream new lock approach channel.
Required capabilities include deep foundation expertise and logistical capacity for an island site, necessitating waterborne transport of materials and equipment. Tasks encompass historic structure demolition, various wall constructions, concrete caps, drilled shaft mooring bollards, and new electrical ductbanks with lighting. Draft plans and potential laydown areas are provided for reference.
Contract Details
- NAICS Code: 237990 – Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- PSC Code: Y1KB – Construction of Canals
- Estimated Magnitude: $25,000,000 to $100,000,000
- Set-Aside: None specified for this Sources Sought; market research includes gathering socioeconomic status.
Response Requirements
Respondents are requested to provide narrative responses covering:
- Marine Construction Experience: Capability in heavy civil marine construction, specifically with steel sheetpile and combination walls in active navigable waterways.
- Logistical Capability: Ability to secure, mobilize, and operate marine equipment for the described scope.
- Quality and Safety: Firm's Quality Control program and safety record under USACE EM 385-1-1 standards.
- Past Performance: Information for up to three similar marine construction or deep foundation projects completed within the last seven years.
- Small Business & Teaming: Indicate socioeconomic status, interest in Joint Ventures/Mentor-Protégé agreements, and for Large Businesses, ability to provide subcontracting opportunities.
Acquisition Strategy & Constructability Feedback
The Government seeks detailed feedback on:
- Logistics and Material Delivery: Feasibility of placing 12,000 CY of concrete with overwater access limitations and potential site access/laydown challenges.
- Phasing and Scope Interest: Preference for bidding on all parts or specific combinations of Work Areas A, B, and C, with explanations for logistical or pricing efficiencies.
- Area B Constructability: Concerns regarding the combination wall design for the Northwest Pier.
- Schedule Realism: Feedback on a September 2028 completion date (if awarded end of 2026) and estimated construction durations for individual work areas.
Submission Instructions
Responses must be submitted in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format, not exceeding 5 pages in total length. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. Email responses directly to the Points of Contact (glenn.w.moon@usace.army.mil, matthew.mcduffie@usace.army.mil, and nicholas.a.ardelean@usace.army.mil) with the subject line: "Market Research Response - RUAW - [Company Name]".
Key Dates
- Response Due Date: June 15, 2026, at 1400 Eastern Time.