Septic Tank Pumping and Disposal Services in Kern County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for septic tank pumping and disposal services in Kern County, specifically targeting two Safety Roadside Rest Areas along Interstate 5 at Tejon Pass-Lebec. The contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary labor, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, permits, transportation, and disposal services for routine and non-routine septic tank maintenance. The procurement includes four line items, each estimated at 225,000 gallons of services for separate routine and non-routine services at northbound and southbound locations. Routine services must be performed Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., while non-routine services are available 24/7 with a two-hour response requirement. Key deadlines include a written question submittal deadline of November 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time, and a final bid submission deadline of November 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with bid opening scheduled for 2:30 p.m. via teleconference. Bidders must submit per-gallon pricing that includes all associated costs, and must possess a valid Motor Carrier Permit and current registration with the Department of Industrial Relations.

The solicitation encourages participation from Small Business (SB) and Micro Business (MB) certified firms, offering a five percent preference for these designations. Additionally, a five percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive is available for 100 percent verified DVBE participation. Contractors must meet specific insurance requirements, including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), Workers' Compensation, and Pollution Liability ($1,000,000 per incident/$2,000,000 annual aggregate). Prevailing wages apply if the total bid exceeds $15,000. The proposed agreement term is from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2029, with a maximum agreement amount currently listed as "TBD". The contract is subject to budget contingency provisions and can be terminated for default or convenience with 30 days' notice. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation, including bid proposals, certifications, Motor Carrier Permit copies, and required registrations with their submission.