NIGP 21045: Meter Boxes and Concrete Pull Boxes

NIGP 21045 Meter Boxes and Concrete Pull Boxes, an Item code, represents state and local procurement of precast and composite utility infrastructure components—meter boxes, vaults, lids, and related assemblies—used in water, wastewater, electrical, and telecommunications utility networks. Recent solicitations span cities, counties, and special-purpose districts across multiple states, with activity concentrated in Florida, California, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon. Issuing bodies include municipal water utilities (Phoenix, Fort Worth, Bend), county transportation and utilities departments (Fulton County, Orange County, Broward County, Santa Clara County), and state-level agencies (Nevada Army National Guard). The scope of work splits between small-quantity component procurement and large infrastructure replacement programs. Utilities are procuring composite or concrete meter boxes, pull boxes, and vault systems for routine installation, emergency replacement, and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) modernization projects, often bundled with installation or modification services.

Representative recent opportunities illustrate the code's breadth. The City of Fort Worth (RFP 26-0096, due March 12, 2026) sought composite water meter boxes and lids across eight classes to support approximately 306,000 active meter locations, with a 30 percent small business participation goal and evaluation criteria weighting performance and durability at 25 points alongside cost at 15 points. The City of Palo Alto (RFQ RFQ194877A, due October 28, 2025) established a five-year supply agreement for assorted precast underground concrete vaults, pads, and lids for electrical utility installations, requiring detailed manufacturer drawings and compliance with ACI, ASTM, ACPA, PCI, and AASHTO standards. Fulton County, Georgia (ITB 26ITB1640964A-KM, due August 5, 2026) solicited commercial water meter replacement and register changeouts affecting approximately 625 meters over 180 days, with targeted MBE and FBE participation goals of 11.49 percent and 2.62 percent. Orange County, Florida (RFI Y26-606-RFI, due May 21, 2026) issued a Request for Information seeking manufacturers and suppliers of potable and reclaimed water meter boxes, lids, and internal piping assemblies in multiple configurations and sizes. Procurement vehicles vary—RFP, RFQ, IFB, and ITB notice types dominate—with contract terms typically spanning one to five years and evaluation emphasizing technical specification compliance, delivery capability, pricing, and small business utilization.