NIGP 03552: Hot Air Balloons

NIGP 03552 Hot Air Balloons is an Item code under which state and local governments procure recreational and ceremonial hot air balloons. The City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania recently solicited a U.S. Flag Free-Flying Hot Air Balloon through a micro purchase (solicitation B2627122, due May 27, 2026) awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder as a Firm Limit Contract. State and local purchasing offices treat this code as a niche procurement category; issuing bodies are predominantly cities and counties acquiring balloons for special events, public celebrations, or recreational programs. Vendors bidding under this code must meet standard municipal vendor responsibility requirements, maintain compliant profiles on the issuing jurisdiction's procurement portal, and submit fully executed authorization agreements with required corporate officer signatures. Many jurisdictions encourage voluntary diversity submissions, including LGBTQ and small-business certifications.

Geographic activity under this code is sparse and episodic. Philadelphia represents the most recent documented solicitation in the NIGP database as of mid-2026. No pattern of repeat buyers or sustained procurement volume emerges from available records; procurement under NIGP 03552 occurs on an as-needed basis tied to specific municipal events or recreation department budgets rather than as a regular or recurring requirement. Firms pursuing this code should monitor municipal RFQs and micro purchases in major metropolitan areas, particularly those with parks departments, tourism boards, or special-events budgets, but should not expect consistent deal flow under this classification.