NIGP 03146: Filters and Filter Media, Evaporative Cooler

NIGP 03146 Filters and Filter Media, Evaporative Cooler is an Item code covering air filters, evaporative cooling media, and related filtration products that state and local governments procure for HVAC systems, facility maintenance, and utility operations. Recent solicitations show jurisdictions buying standardized pleated air filters (AEROPLEAT, GEOPLEAT, AIRFLOW PLEAT, and equivalent products) in various MERV ratings for routine replacement cycles; specialized evaporative and drift media for gas turbine cooling systems; and comprehensive filter replacement and management services on a district-wide or facility-wide basis. School districts dominate recent activity, with purchases driven by facility maintenance needs and "green initiative" priorities. Issuing bodies include independent school districts (Cherokee County School District, Forsyth County Schools, Sarasota County School Board, Bridgeport Public Schools), municipal public facilities departments (City of Bridgeport), and utility commissions (Orlando Utilities Commission). Contracts typically run one to three years with firm fixed pricing; school district procurements often include S/MBE participation provisions and background screening requirements.

Recent opportunities span Florida, Georgia, Connecticut, and Minnesota, with the most active recent solicitations clustered in the Southeast. The City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases issued a competitive bid (BMB005277, due July 23, 2026) for five product lines of air filters with firm pricing through 2029 and a two-year extension option, specifying UL Class 900 listing and ISO 9001:2000 manufacturing certification. The Cherokee County School District (Georgia) conducted an RFP for district-wide HVAC air filter services (due May 28, 2026) requiring quarterly filter change-outs at all locations on an all-or-none basis. The School Board of Sarasota County (Florida) issued an ITB (26-0130, originally due January 6, 2026) for HVAC filter replacement services across 45 facilities with six annual changes and an estimated annual usage of 28,832 units, including S/MBE certification opportunities and foreign-ownership restrictions. The Orlando Utilities Commission issued an RFP (PR8579) for evaporative and drift media upgrade services at a generation station, involving removal and replacement of moisture separators and cooling pads with outages scheduled February–March 2026.