2027 Federal Clean Vessel Act Grants

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Boating Division is requesting proposals for the 2027 Federal Clean Vessel Act Grants program to fund boat sewage disposal facilities—both fixed and mobile—with proposals due September 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EST and an RFP conference available July 9 if requested.

Approximately $1 million in federal Clean Vessel Act funding is available across 35 to 45 variable awards. Grant reimbursement covers up to 75 percent of eligible project costs; applicants must provide a minimum 25 percent non-federal matching contribution. Eligible activities include new construction, upgrades to existing facilities, and annual operation and maintenance of Marine Sewage Disposal Facilities (MSDFs) that provide free pumpout services to recreational boaters. Project design costs are ineligible; only purchase, construction, installation, repair, and operation and maintenance expenses qualify. Work must comply with the Federal Clean Vessel Act Program Rules (50 CFR Part 85), 2 CFR Part 200, the Build America Buy America Act, and the Clean Air Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Eligible applicants include state and public marine facilities, nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and tribal governments. All applicants must register with the Connecticut State Contracting Portal, provide proof of liability insurance naming DEEP as an additional insured, submit signed Statements of Assurances, and disclose conflicts of interest.

Evaluation criteria include geographic service area alignment, operational priorities, whether the proposal involves new construction or renovation, match percentage (50 percent or more yields maximum points), hours of operation, prior CVA administration performance, and facility location characteristics such as proximity to fuel docks and adequate water depth.

Questions are due July 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EST, with answers released by August 3. Training sessions are offered July 22 and 23. Proposer selection is targeted for September 18, 2026, with contract negotiations beginning September 28 and contract execution anticipated in January 2027. The contract period runs January 1 through December 31, 2027, covering the boating season from May 15 through October 30 at minimum. Contact: Tricia Bari at DEEP.BoatingCVA@ct.gov or 860-447-4328.