Page 24: of Marine News Magazine (November 2026)

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Insider Insights

DCA in estimated taxpayer savings. The FY2025 results reinforced The Corps should identify the reaches, quantities, place- that record. Unrestricted projects attracted an average of ment requirements, and activities intended for each equip- three bidders. DCA’s assessment reported $773 million in ment type. It should explain whether a particular dredge savings, with 63 percent of projects awarded below the gov- type is required or whether alternative methods can satisfy ernment estimate and 91 percent below GEAR. the project’s needs.

These reported savings compare industry bids and awards Acquisition planning should include cutter-suction and with government estimating benchmarks. They provide an im- mechanical dredging companies whenever their capabilities portant baseline for evaluating procurement changes. Modern- are implicated. Work traditionally performed by clamshell ization should preserve the direct competition that has helped dredges should remain clearly identi