PNSY- Sanitary Tank Cleaning
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA SHIPYARD.PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD GF · Response deadline: Wed, 04 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, is soliciting contractors for sanitary tank cleaning services. This is shipyard facility maintenance work supporting naval operations—specifically, the cleaning of sanitary tanks, which are waste-holding systems aboard naval vessels or within shipyard infrastructure. Work of this nature typically involves confined-space entry, hazardous material handling, and compliance with strict environmental and safety regulations governing waste disposal.
The requirement is classified under NAICS 562991, which covers Septic Tank and Related Services. This NAICS classification includes the cleaning and pumping of septic tanks, cesspools, and similar waste containment systems. Government contracts in this category often require vendors to demonstrate proper waste transportation and disposal capabilities, worker safety certifications for confined spaces, and adherence to EPA and state environmental regulations.
No set-aside program is designated for this procurement, meaning it will be open to all responsible sources on a full-and-open competition basis.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N3904027Q3160 |
| NAICS | 562991 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open) |
| Response deadline | November 4, 2026, 10:00 AM ET |
| Place of performance | Kittery, ME |
Who can bid
This solicitation is open to all responsible businesses—there is no small-business set-aside, so large and small businesses alike may compete. That said, small businesses with relevant experience in industrial waste management should consider bidding if they can meet the shipyard's operational and safety requirements.
To be competitive, bidders typically need:
- Valid SAM.gov registration (active at time of award)
- Appropriate state and federal permits for waste transportation and disposal
- OSHA-compliant confined-space entry programs and trained personnel
- Experience with federal or industrial clients, ideally in maritime or defense environments
Veteran-owned, woman-owned, HUBZone, or 8(a) firms may still use their socioeconomic status for past-performance evaluation credit or subcontracting plans, even without a set-aside.
How to put together a competitive bid
Given the full-and-open nature of this procurement, price and past performance will likely drive the award decision. Practical steps for this type of work:
Demonstrate relevant shipyard or maritime experience. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a nuclear-capable facility with stringent security and safety protocols. Prior Navy, Coast Guard, or commercial shipyard work strengthens your proposal.
Detail your safety and compliance infrastructure. Specify your confined-space rescue plan, personnel training records (OSHA 1910.146), and lockout/tagout procedures. The government will evaluate risk mitigation heavily.
Clarify waste disposal chain-of-custody. Identify your approved disposal facility, manifesting procedures, and any Maine DEP or EPA Region 1 permits. Environmental liability is a major concern.
Price strategically. With no set-aside limiting competition, expect multiple bidders. Review historical pricing for similar NAVSEA service contracts if available, and ensure your loaded labor rates account for security clearance costs if applicable.
Address surge and scheduling flexibility. Shipyard work often follows maintenance schedules that shift. Note your capacity to respond to urgent or off-hours requirements.
See the solicitation for specific evaluation factors, technical requirements, and any mandatory site visits or pre-bid conferences.
Next steps
- Retrieve the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N3904027Q3160 to review scope, clauses, and proposal instructions.
- Confirm your SAM registration is active and matches your legal business name and CAGE code.
- Calendar the deadline: November 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Naval shipyard solicitations rarely accept late submissions.
- Assess whether a site visit is required or advisable given the secure facility location—contact the contracting officer listed in the full notice for access procedures.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →