Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) is hosting a virtual industry day and optional one-on-one meetings with interested Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractors for the Beaches and Dunes feature of the Galveston Bay Barrier System, also known locally as “Ike Dike.” The sessions are a chance for GCPD to share information, answer questions, and hear feedback before any formal procurement begins.
Opportunities for subcontractors, suppliers, and other firms: These meetings are for CMAR contractors. GCPD plans to hold future sessions on subcontracting, supplies, and other services.
Project Background
GCPD is one of the non-federal sponsors for the Coastal Texas Project, a large-scale effort to reduce the risk of coastal storm damage and restore coastal ecosystems along the Texas coast. The project is designed to provide communities with multiple lines of defense against coastal hazards.
Beaches and Dunes is one of seven features of the Galveston Bay Barrier System, one element of the Coastal Texas Project. Beaches and Dunes covers 43 miles of shoreline and is designed to strengthen coastal barriers along Bolivar Peninsula and West Galveston Island. It includes:
- Beach and dune construction (a double-dune system) along:
- 25 miles of Bolivar Peninsula
- 18 miles of Galveston Island west of the existing Seawall
- Approximately 40 million cubic yards of sand across all areas
- Multiple sand sources, which may include:
- Offshore federal waters (the Outer Continental Shelf)Nearshore areas within state watersSand from dredging of existing channels and basins that can be put to new use
- Existing dredged material placement areas
- Drainage improvements behind the dunes to work with the dune system
Project Delivery Approach
GCPD intends to deliver Beaches and Dunes under one or more CMAR contracts. In a CMAR contract, a construction firm joins the team early to advise on design, cost, and schedule. Initial procurement is anticipated in late 2026 to early 2027, with selection in early 2027. These dates are preliminary and subject to change.
Who Can Request a One-on-One Meeting
To focus the conversations on CMAR delivery and large-scale dredging, GCPD has set the following minimum criteria. A firm may apply on its own or as a partnership.
- Experience delivering projects under CMAR contracts
- Bonding capacity of $500 million or more for a single project (the ability to secure a surety bond of that size)
- Experience with large dredging projects
Schedule
Project overview (virtual, all participants): Oct. 19, 2026, at 3 PM CDT, on Microsoft Teams. GCPD and its consultant team, HDR, will send meeting information to contractors who meet the criteria above.
One-on-one meetings (in person, optional, one hour each): Oct. 20, 2026, at 11150 Gemini St., Suite 4150, Houston, Texas. Available times (CDT):
- 8 to 9 AM
- 9:30 to 10:30 AM
- 11 AM to Noon
- 1 to 2 PM
- 2:30 to 3:30 PM
- 4 to 5 PM
How to Request Participation
Send a request to [email protected] by 5 PM CDT on Oct. 9, 2026. Include a brief summary of how your firm meets or exceeds the criteria above. You may send it in the body of the email or as a PDF attachment.
Agenda
Virtual project overview
- Introductions and contacts
- Ground rules and disclaimer
- Beaches and Dunes background
- Schedule and environmental review (National Environmental Policy Act)
- Budget and funding milestones
- Why GCPD is considering CMAR for Beaches and Dunes
One-on-one meetings
- Introductions
- Questions and open discussion
