NIGP 115: Biochemicals, Research

NIGP 115 Biochemicals, Research is a Class code that encompasses laboratory analysis services, chemical reagents, and related scientific supplies purchased by state and local water utilities, municipalities, and research institutions. State and local governments procure under this code primarily for water quality testing, microbial source tracking, chemical treatment products for municipal water and wastewater systems, and associated laboratory services. Recent solicitations show water utilities issuing ITBs and RFPs for EPA-approved laboratory testing services (microbial source tracking, PCR assays, drinking water quality analysis), chemical supply contracts for treatment inputs (sodium bisulfite, sodium hypochlorite, hydrated lime, refrigerated liquid carbon dioxide), and continuing relationships with certified laboratories for compliance testing across multiple parameters. The issuing bodies are predominantly municipal water departments and utilities—the City of Santa Monica Water Resources Division, the City of Meriden Water Department, the City of Tempe Water Utilities Division, the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Morrisville, and county-level water and wastewater operations. A university research procurement (University of Texas System Supply Chain Alliance seeking oligonucleotide products and associated reagents) also falls within this code's scope.

Geographic activity concentrates in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, with recent competitive solicitations posted by utilities in the Southwest (Tempe), Northeast (Meriden, Morrisville), and West Coast (Santa Monica). Water utilities issue these procurements regularly with one-year initial terms and renewal options extending to five years. Representative recent opportunities include the City of Santa Monica's ITB for EPA-approved microbial source tracking laboratory services with genetic marker analysis (response deadline June 9, 2026), the City of Meriden's ITB for comprehensive water lab testing of 56 frequent and 11 infrequent parameters under contract beginning July 1, 2026, and the City of Tempe's RFP for refrigerated liquid carbon dioxide at 99.5% purity for drinking water production (1,160 tons annually, proposal due March 5, 2026). Contracts typically require EPA certification, Connecticut Department of Public Health certifications, or equivalent state regulatory approval; proof of NSF or AWWA standard compliance; and comprehensive liability and workers' compensation insurance. Municipal procurement offices generally do not designate set-asides, though prevailing wage and compliance with state nondiscrimination ordinances apply in some jurisdictions.