SAM #USACE-SN2026-001

USACE Challenge: Submerged Lock Infrastructure Inspection Technologies

USACE is launching a challenge to identify and demonstrate field-ready technologies for inspecting submerged lock infrastructure without dewatering. - Opportunity is open to companies and teams specializing in underwater imaging, robotics, sensing, and marine operations. - Solutions must deliver high-resolution, actionable data on underwater concrete and steel components to support maintenance planning. - The challenge consists of two phases: - Phase 1: Application submission and evaluation. - Phase 2: Live demonstration of selected technologies at a designated lock site. - Monetary prizes will be awarded to finalists and the grand prize winner. - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; all capable providers in relevant technology domains are encouraged to participate. - The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is the technical lead. - Place of performance and demonstration will be at a USACE lock site; contracting office is US Army Corps of Engineers.

Description

Challenge Overview

The Submerged Infrastructure Inspection Challenge is seeking field-ready technologies that can inspect submerged lock infrastructure without dewatering. Solutions should provide highresolution, actionable insights on underwater concrete and steel components to support future maintenance planning. Strong candidates may include companies and teams working in underwater imaging, robotics, sensing, marine operations, and related data-collection technologies that can assess submerged infrastructure without dewatering.

The challenge includes two phases. In Phase 1, participants submit applications describing their technology and capabilities. Up to eight finalists will advance to Phase 2 for live demonstrations at a designated lock site in July 2026. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is looking for practical inspection solutions that can operate in real-world underwater conditions and help engineers identify structural issues while infrastructure remains submerged and in service.

Advancing proven underwater inspection technologies for smarter lock maintenance.

Phase 1: Applications describing the technology and capabilities are due June 12, 2026 at 8 PM ET. Up to 8 finalists will each receive a $10,000 prize and advance to the live Demonstration Event. Phase 2: Finalists will demonstrate their technology at a designated lock site in July 2026 ahead of a scheduled dewatering inspection. The Grand Prize winner of the Demonstration Event will receive $150,000. Additional Links:Submerged Infrastructure Inspection Challenge Website

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