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Silver Reutilization and Account Maintenance Service

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.NAVAL UNDERSEA WARFARE CENTER · Response deadline: Mon, 30 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center is soliciting a contract for Silver Reutilization and Account Maintenance Service. This work involves recovering, processing, and managing silver-bearing materials, which is common in defense manufacturing and maintenance operations. Silver reclamation typically includes collecting scrap silver, refining it to recover pure metal, and maintaining accurate accountability records throughout the process. Weapons systems, electronic components, and certain maritime equipment contain silver that must be tracked under strict federal stewardship requirements. The "account maintenance" component suggests the contractor will also maintain detailed records of silver inventories, transactions, and chain-of-custody documentation to satisfy government audit and regulatory compliance needs.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning any qualified business—large or small—may submit a bid. However, the NAICS code 331492 points to a specialized industrial capability: secondary smelting and refining of nonferrous metals. Bidders likely need established facilities for handling precious metals, environmental permits for smelting operations, and experience with federal accountability standards.

Small businesses in this NAICS category should note the standard size threshold for 331492, which is typically based on employee count or receipts; see the solicitation for any applicable size standard. Companies lacking direct silver refining experience but with related nonferrous metal recovery capabilities should carefully evaluate whether they meet the technical qualification requirements before investing bid resources.

How to put together a competitive bid

For precious metals recovery contracts, evaluators typically scrutinize security and chain-of-custody protocols. Detail your facilities' physical security, surveillance systems, personnel screening procedures, and dual-control requirements for handling high-value materials.

Environmental compliance is critical in secondary smelting. Document all EPA, state, and local permits; your hazardous waste management plan; and any history of regulatory violations. The Navy will likely require proof of clean compliance records.

Accounting and tracking systems should demonstrate capability to maintain granular, auditable records—lot numbers, weights before and after refining, assay results, and disposition of recovered silver. If you have experience with government property accountability systems such as DPAS or similar platforms, highlight this.

For refining methodology, explain your assay accuracy and recovery rates. The government typically seeks maximum yield with certified results; independent laboratory verification of your processes strengthens credibility.

Since this is full and open competition, pricing strategy matters substantially. Consider whether to bid as a prime or form a team. Small businesses might partner with a larger refiner as a subcontractor, though this requires clear delineation of roles and compliance responsibilities.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0025327Q0001 to obtain the statement of work, evaluation criteria, delivery requirements, and any amendments. Confirm the exact place of performance, contract type, and period of performance, which are not available in the notice metadata.

Calendar the deadline carefully: responses are due November 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time (4:00 PM Eastern). Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active, your entity information is current, and any required representations and certifications are completed in advance of submission.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →