NIGP 03138: Evaporative Coolers

NIGP 03138 Evaporative Coolers is an Item code under which state and local governments procure evaporative cooling equipment—primarily wall-mount and gable-mount units with controllers—for installation at facilities ranging from schools and transportation infrastructure to event venues. Recent solicitations show demand for complete installation services including labor, materials, permits, disposal, and related HVAC modifications to support cooling needs in diverse settings. Issuing bodies include state transportation departments (California Department of Transportation), school districts (Houston Independent School District), city governments (City of Phoenix for heat relief supplies incorporating coolers), and transit authorities (Trinity Metro). The code also captures temporary cooler rentals for special events and short-term cooling solutions at multiple locations.

Procurement activity under this code concentrates in Texas and California. The California Department of Transportation posted two solicitations in early 2026—an Invitation for Bid (IFB 32A0687) for five wall-mount evaporative coolers and related fans at a Caltrans facility in Ukiah with a March 24, 2026 bid deadline, and an Invitation for Price Quote (IFPQ 06A3269) for removal and replacement of five evaporative coolers at the Madera Maintenance Station with a March 18, 2026 quote deadline and a contract value estimated between $5,000 and $461,000 reserved for certified small businesses or disabled veteran business enterprises. Houston Independent School District issued RFP 270003 on June 29, 2026 for HVAC chiller replacement services—which includes coolers and chilled water systems—across three school facilities with proposals due July 29, 2026 and completion required by December 31, 2026. Trinity Metro in Fort Worth, Texas solicited temporary evaporative cooler rentals (RFP 26-T011) for an international sporting event in June–July 2026, with proposal submission due March 5, 2026. The City of Phoenix issued an IFB (IFB 260046) for a five-year heat relief supplies contract including 2,000 vacuum-insulated water bottles and other equipment, posted March 17, 2026 with an original deadline passed but representing sustained municipal demand for cooling-related commodities and services.