NIGP 03173: Pumps, Refrigerant Circulating

NIGP 03173 Pumps, Refrigerant Circulating is an Item code covering chilled water circulation equipment and components that state and local governments buy for facility cooling system upgrades and replacements. Recent solicitations show school districts procuring refrigerant circulating pumps as part of comprehensive HVAC system modernization and energy efficiency projects, typically bundled with chiller replacements under energy performance contracts. Anchor Bay School District in Michigan has posted multiple solicitations for chiller and chilled water pump upgrades across four elementary schools, specifying Bell & Gossett as the basis-of-design manufacturer for circulating pumps with Taco and Armstrong Fluid Technology as acceptable alternatives, alongside variable frequency drives and building automation integration. The scope encompasses pump removal and replacement, system flushing and fill, installation of integral components, testing and commissioning, and demolition of existing equipment, with all work subject to prevailing wage requirements. School districts represent the primary issuing bodies under this code, driven by facility modernization budgets and energy savings initiatives.

Recent activity concentrates in Michigan, where Anchor Bay School District solicited sealed bids (RFQ RFQABS2600000003083 and RFQABS2600000003082) with proposals due June 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the District Administration Office in Casco. The dual solicitations covered the same scope—four elementary school sites across New Baltimore and Casco—with mandatory pre-bid walkthroughs on May 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Notice to Proceed expected June 25, 2026, construction commencing July 6, 2026, and substantial completion required by October 30, 2026. Bidders must submit 2.5% bid security, demonstrate comparable project experience from the past five years, provide Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract amount, comply with Michigan prevailing wage rates, and furnish one-year workmanship warranties. The chilled water systems are designed for 280 to 325 GPM capacity with variable frequency control, dual circulation pumps with automatic failover, and integration with existing Automated Logic building automation systems via BACnet MS/TP protocol.