WSTF Tank Pipe Insulation
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVSEA.NAVSEA WARFARE CENTER.NAVAL UNDERSEA WARFARE CENTER · Response deadline: Tue, 03 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) at Keyport, Washington is soliciting bids for WSTF Tank Pipe Insulation. This work falls under NAICS code 238290, which covers Other Building Equipment Contractors—a category that includes mechanical insulation work on pipes, tanks, and related equipment. The procurement is set aside entirely for small business concerns under the Small Business Set Aside - Total program, meaning only qualifying small businesses may compete for this contract.
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport is a research, development, test, and evaluation facility supporting undersea warfare systems. Mechanical insulation work in this environment typically involves installing thermal or acoustic insulation on piping systems and storage tanks to maintain temperature control, prevent condensation, reduce energy loss, or attenuate noise—requirements that are often critical in naval and undersea applications. See the solicitation for the complete technical specifications, including the specific tanks, piping systems, insulation materials, and performance standards required.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NAVSEA) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N0025327Q0003 |
| NAICS | 238290 (Other Building Equipment Contractors) |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | November 3, 2026, 2:00 PM Pacific Time |
| Place of performance | Keyport, WA |
Who can bid
Only small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration's size standards for NAICS 238290 may bid. The size standard for this NAICS code is typically $16.5 million in average annual receipts over three years, but bidders should verify the current standard on SBA.gov.
To qualify, your business must:
- Be independently owned and operated
- Not be dominant in its field of operation
- Meet the SBA size standard for NAICS 238290
- Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active status
- Have any required NAICS 238290 listed in your SAM profile
If you are a veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, HUBZone, or 8(a) certified small business, you may have additional advantages in future related procurements, though this specific set-aside is a general small business total set-aside without further socio-economic restrictions.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the technical scope. Insulation work for undersea warfare facilities often involves specialized requirements: fire-resistant materials, compliance with MIL-SPEC standards, safety protocols for active military installations, and potential security clearances for personnel. Evaluate whether your firm has experience with similar federal or industrial mechanical insulation projects, particularly in marine or defense environments.
Assess site access and logistics. Keyport, Washington is an active Navy installation. Determine what facility badging, escort requirements, or security clearances your workers will need. These factors affect pricing and scheduling. See the solicitation for specific access requirements.
Material sourcing and lead times. Supply chain delays for specialized insulation materials remain common. Confirm your vendor relationships and delivery schedules before committing to a schedule. The solicitation may specify approved materials or equivalent substitutions—verify these details before pricing.
**Labor qualifications.**NUWC contracts often require certified insulators or welders for certain jacketing applications. Review any craft certification requirements in the full solicitation.
Pricing strategy. For small business set-asides, competition is typically among fewer firms, but NAICS 238290 work attracts experienced regional contractors. Price competitively while accounting for federal compliance costs: Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wages if construction work exceeds $2,000, EPA requirements for material handling, and potential project-specific bonding requirements.
Past performance on federal insulation or mechanical contracts strengthens your proposal. If new to federal work, emphasize relevant commercial experience and any subcontracting relationships with established federal contractors.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N0025327Q0003. The posted date was October 30, 2026, leaving limited time to prepare a response before the November 3, 2026, 2:00 PM PT deadline.
Download all attachments including drawings, specifications, and any amendment history. Verify you have the complete requirement before beginning your proposal.
Confirm SAM registration status and that NAICS 238290 appears in your profile. Registration must remain active throughout proposal evaluation and any resulting award period.
Submit questions early if the solicitation allows—typically through the SAM.gov Q&A function—with attention to any deadline for agency responses before proposal due date.
Plan submission time carefully. Late proposals are generally ineligible. Allow buffer time for technical upload issues on SAM.gov.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →