NIGP 03146: Filters and Filter Media, Evaporative Cooler

NIGP 03146 Filters and Filter Media, Evaporative Cooler is an Item code under which state and local governments procure HVAC air filters, evaporative cooling media, and water treatment chemicals for building mechanical systems across county facilities, school districts, municipalities, and utility authorities. Recent solicitations show demand for pleated panel filters (MERV 8 through MERV 15), extended surface filters for VAV systems, moisture separator components for gas turbine cooling systems, and recurring filter replacement and water treatment services under both term contracts and project-specific scopes. Work ranges from standalone filter supply to comprehensive preventative maintenance and biocide treatment of chilled water loops, heating systems, and evaporative cooling towers, with contracts typically running one to three years and including optional renewals or extensions.

School districts and county governments dominate recent activity, with Gwinnett County Public Schools, Cherokee County School District, Boulder County, Fairfax County Public Schools, and Forsyth County Schools all posting filter solicitations in the past five months alongside city facilities and utility authorities. Geographic activity is concentrated in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Colorado) with representation in Connecticut. Representative recent opportunities include Boulder County's IFB for HVAC air filters across 15 size configurations (MERV 8 and MERV 14 ratings per ASHRAE 52.1 and 52.2 compliance, bid due October 29, 2026), the City of Charlotte's RFP for preventative maintenance and repair on boiler and chiller systems at CATS facilities (due October 15, 2026), Okaloosa County's ITB for water treatment services covering eight county facilities including treatment of chilled water loops, evaporative cooling towers, and condenser systems (due September 16, 2026, federally grant-funded with Davis-Bacon Act compliance), and the City of Bridgeport's IFB for five product lines of HVAC filters with firm fixed pricing through 2029 (bid due July 23, 2026). Most filter supply contracts emphasize free delivery, ASHRAE certification compliance, and custom manufacturing capability in multiple thicknesses and MERV ratings.