NIGP 03180: Solar Heating Units

NIGP 03180 Solar Heating Units is an Item code that encompasses maintenance, repair, and installation services for solar thermal systems serving domestic and process water heating across state and local facilities. Recent solicitations show state and local governments procuring solar thermal system support through two primary channels: direct maintenance and repair contracts for existing equipment at government facilities, and contractor-network programs that position solar thermal service providers to serve public customers under performance agreements. The City of Charlotte and Boulder County Parks and Open Space represent direct procurement by facility operators, while the Orlando Utilities Commission operates a Preferred Contractor Network model where qualified solar thermal contractors register to serve residential and commercial customers. The issuing-body mix spans municipal transit authorities (Charlotte Area Transit System), county parks and open-space departments (Boulder County), utilities commissions (OUC), and state transportation agencies (Caltrans), with work scopes ranging from routine maintenance on existing boiler and chiller systems to new solar pump and controller installation on agricultural wells.

Geographic activity concentrates in California, Colorado, Florida, and North Carolina based on recent postings. The California Department of Transportation issued two Invitation for Price Quote notices in May 2026 for PV system maintenance and repair services across Northern and Southern California counties, both structured as SB/DVBE-only procurements with three-year terms through June 2029 and individual bid caps of $484,000. Boulder County Parks and Open Space posted RFP-300-26 in July 2026 for installation of solar pumps, panels, and electrical equipment on two agricultural properties, with a $350,000 contract value and December 2027 completion deadline; the non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting was scheduled for August 17, 2026. The City of Charlotte issued RFP 26920271769 in September 2026 for boiler and chiller maintenance and repair services at CATS facilities, due October 15, 2026, covering existing Trane, Pulse, Aalon, Carrier, and Lochinvar equipment with potential upgrades and installations. The Orlando Utilities Commission PCN registration, posted September 7, 2026, accepts annual applications for qualified contractors in multiple disciplines including Solar Thermal Systems at a $250 registration fee per discipline, with no guaranteed work distribution.