Gila National Forest Vault Toilet Decommissioning
AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.FOREST SERVICE.Gila National Forest · Response deadline: Tue, 17 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Forest Service's Gila National Forest intends to contract for vault toilet decommissioning work. This involves the removal, closure, or abandonment of existing vault toilet systems—permanent restroom facilities common in remote recreation sites and campgrounds on federal lands.
Vault toilet decommissioning typically encompasses several technical tasks: pumping and properly disposing of waste contents; dismantling the concrete or fiberglass vault structure; removing associated plumbing, vents, and access hardware; backfilling or sealing the excavated pit to prevent environmental contamination; and site restoration to blend with surrounding terrain. Contractors may also need to manage hazardous materials testing, waste manifests, and compliance with state environmental regulations.
This type of work requires excavation equipment, waste hauling capabilities, and knowledge of New Mexico environmental standards for sewage disposal and ground disturbance.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 127EAX27Q0007 |
| NAICS | 238910 — Site Preparation Contractors |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | November 17, 2026, 12:00 PM Mountain Time |
| Place of performance | Silver City, New Mexico |
The NAICS 238910 classification covers site preparation activities including land clearing, excavation, grading, and demolition work—services directly applicable to vault removal and site restoration.
Who can bid
This opportunity is 100 percent set aside for small businesses. Only firms meeting the Small Business Administration's size standard for NAICS 238910 may compete. The general size standard for this code is typically based on average annual receipts; see the solicitation for the specific threshold and any additional requirements.
Prime contractors must be registered in SAM.gov and possess any required state licenses for wastewater handling, transportation, and disposal in New Mexico. Firms with experience in:
- USDA Forest Service or other federal land management contracts
- Remote site sanitation system work
- Environmental compliance for sewage waste
may have competitive advantages. Joint ventures and mentor-protégé arrangements are permissible if the small business set-aside requirements are met.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the scope: Vault toilet decommissioning pricing depends heavily on accessibility, number of units, vault material (concrete, fiberglass, or plastic), waste volume, and disposal distance. Since the metadata does not specify quantities or a full task list, see the solicitation for the complete statement of work, unit prices or lump-sum requirements, and any options or separately priced line items.
Key cost drivers to analyze:
- Waste disposal: Transport to approved facilities; obtain quotes from licensed haulers if subcontracting
- Excavation and backfill: Equipment mobilization to remote Forest Service sites, often on unimproved roads
- Environmental compliance: Potential soil testing, groundwater protection measures, and New Mexico Environment Department coordination
- Site restoration: Native seed, erosion control, or decompaction requirements
Past performance: Prepare documentation of comparable federal or commercial decommissioning, demolition, or sanitation projects. Emphasize safety records and on-time completion for remote work.
Subcontracting plan: If utilizing subcontractors for waste hauling or disposal, identify them early and ensure their certifications are current. Small business primes must perform the required percentage of work; see the solicitation for limitations on subcontracting.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 127EAX27Q0007. Review the complete statement of work, contract clauses, evaluation criteria, and any amendments.
Critical deadline: Proposals are due November 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time (UTC-7). Allow time for final submission through SAM.gov and confirm your registered status well before this date.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →