NIGP 17575: Refractometers

NIGP 17575 Refractometers (Item) encompasses laboratory analytical instruments used by state and local government agencies and institutions to measure the refractive index of liquids and solutions. Based on recent activity, the code includes not only simple refractometry but also related precision analytical equipment sourced through state procurement channels—most notably advanced rheological measurement systems deployed at university research centers for polymer analysis, materials characterization, and process engineering applications. State and local buyers under this code include higher-education institutions and their affiliated research institutes operating polymer laboratories and materials-science facilities. The University of Southern Mississippi has emerged as an active buyer, procuring discovery-class hybrid rheometers and compatible temperature-control accessories to support masterbatch formulation, sustainable polymer development, and process-engineering research at the Mississippi Polymer Institute.

Recent procurement activity remains sparse in the dataset. The University of Southern Mississippi issued a Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase (USM SSP 27_010, solicitation 3150006993) on September 3, 2026, with objections due by September 18, 2026, for a Waters/TA Instruments Discovery Hybrid Rheometer HR 30 quoted at $130,271 including installation, training, and environmental test-chamber accessories. The sole-source justification rested on compatibility with existing TA Instruments infrastructure (Discovery DMA 850 with Air Cooling Accessory ACS-3) already operating at the laboratory, and Waters Material Sciences' exclusive provision of the ACS-3 accessory, which reduced installation fragmentation and total cost of ownership compared to an alternative Anton Parr MCR302 system priced at $105,800 but materially incomplete for the laboratory's requirements. Activity under this NIGP code is limited; no other recent state or local opportunities are present in the dataset.