Operation and maintenance of ports, harbors, and marine terminals. Find active federal and state port and harbor operations contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Federal spend for NAICS 488310 is estimated at $200-300 million annually, primarily through the Army Corps of Engineers (navigation maintenance), Coast Guard (port security and infrastructure), and Navy (strategic port operations). Contracts are predominantly IDIQ and task-order based, with some standalone construction/maintenance projects. Demand is driven by harbor dredging, facility repair, security upgrades, and environmental compliance. Competition is moderate, with a mix of large marine contractors and small businesses, but set-asides create opportunities for 8(a), SDVOSB, and HUBZone firms. Award sizes range from $500K to $20M, with occasional larger dredging or infrastructure projects.
These agencies are the largest buyers of port and harbor operations services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 488310 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win Port and Harbor Operations contracts, focus on past performance in marine maintenance, dredging, or facility operations with the Army Corps or Navy. Most work is awarded via best-value tradeoff with strong emphasis on safety records and equipment capability. The highest-leverage move is to pursue a GSA Schedule 47 (Professional Services) or 84 (Total Solutions for Law Enforcement) for security-related port work, and to team with a prime on an 8(a) or SDVOSB set-aside IDIQ. Active engagement with Corps district offices and Coast Guard contracting offices is critical.
Most work is awarded via best-value tradeoff, emphasizing past performance and technical approach. Common vehicles include GSA Schedule 47 (Professional Services) for consulting, GSA Schedule 84 for security, and agency-specific IDIQs like USACE MATOC or NAVFAC MAC. LPTA is used for simple maintenance tasks. Evaluation typically rates safety records, equipment availability, and similar project experience.
Common requirements include USACE Contractor Quality Control (CQC) certification, OSHA maritime safety training, and for dredging, a Cutter Suction Dredge operator license. Environmental permits (e.g., Clean Water Act Section 404) are often needed for dredging or construction.
Yes, for contracts over $150K, Miller Act performance and payment bonds are required. For larger dredging or construction projects, bonds can be 100% of contract value, so ensure bonding capacity of at least $10-20M.
Competition varies: small set-asides may have 3-5 bidders, while unrestricted contracts can attract 10+ offers. The market is moderately competitive, with established players like Great Lakes Dredge & Dock and small businesses competing on price and past performance.
Awards range widely: small maintenance tasks ($500K-$2M), medium dredging or facility upgrades ($5M-$15M), and large navigation projects ($20M-$50M). The median is around $3-5M for task orders under IDIQs.
Yes, many small businesses serve as subcontractors to large primes on Corps or Navy contracts, providing specialized services like environmental monitoring, security, or equipment rental. Subcontracting is a common entry point to build past performance.