NIGP 03591: Tow Bars for Moving Aircraft at the Airport

NIGP 03591 Tow Bars For Moving Aircraft At The Airport is an Item code encompassing aircraft ground support equipment—specifically tow bars, tow heads, and related mechanical systems—used to move aircraft at airport facilities. State and local governments procure this equipment through their airport authorities and regional airport operators, typically as capital purchases for facility modernization or replacement. The work involves specification of equipment meeting defined aircraft weight-capacity and compatibility requirements, sealed competitive bidding on new equipment, and delivery to airport locations.

Airport authorities across Texas and Florida drive recent activity under this code. Jefferson County Purchasing Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB 26-018 CG) due April 22, 2026, for one aircraft tug with 115,000-pound dry-tow capacity, one multi-head tow bar rated for 66,000-pound aircraft, and tow heads compatible with Dassault Falcon and Pilatus aircraft models for Jack Brooks Regional Airport in Beaumont, Texas; the procurement encourages HUB, SBE, MBE, and WBE participation with a 12.8 percent HUBZone subcontracting goal and requires SAM registration prior to award. A second opportunity from Sarasota County, Florida (Solicitation 262814KR, IFB due March 23, 2026) addresses disaster-logistics ground transport using flatbed trucks capable of carrying intermodal containers and various box and semi-truck configurations, though this procurement falls outside the narrow aircraft-support scope of the code itself. Activity under 03591 remains limited, with the Jefferson County airport equipment procurement representing the core solicitation profile: sealed competitive bid, regional airport authority buyer, new equipment meeting defined performance and aircraft-compatibility specifications.