NIGP 28016: Bare Cables and Wires: Type Acsr, Bare Copper, Bare Aluminum, etc.

NIGP 28016 Bare Cables and Wires: Type ACSR, Bare Copper, Bare Aluminum, Etc., an Item code, covers overhead contact system conductors, utility-grade copper and aluminum cables, jacketed electrical wire, and specialized cable connectors that state and local governments procure for high-speed rail electrification, municipal utility distribution, correctional facilities, and school district electrical infrastructure. Recent solicitations show a mix of transportation agencies, municipal utilities, state departments, and school districts as buyers. The California High-Speed Rail Authority is the most active recent issuer, pursuing bulk copper and aluminum conductor procurement under IFB HSR26-28 and IFB HSR26-39 to support the First Construction Segment extending from Madera County to Kern County, with bids due November 13 and November 19, 2026, respectively. Municipal electric utilities such as Lubbock Power & Light in Texas are requesting quotations for copper cables rated at specific voltages and ampacities, along with related hardware and connectors. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation sought jacketed wire and cable connectors for facility delivery under RFQ I-001145 M-001A in August 2026. Northside Independent School District in San Antonio issued an IFB for electrical equipment, parts, supplies, and repairs in June 2026.

California, Texas, and Florida account for the bulk of recent activity under this code. The California High-Speed Rail Authority's HSR26-28 copper conductor IFB requires 25 percent small business participation overall, inclusive of 3 percent micro-business and 10 percent disadvantaged business enterprise goals, with delivery to Wasco and Fresno County railheads over three years and a combined not-to-exceed value for all materials procurement across the broader program estimated at $507.1 million. Bidders must demonstrate past performance supplying at least 50 miles of conductors to high-speed, intercity, or commuter rail projects within fifteen years; bid meetings are scheduled October 19–23, 2026, with written questions due October 23, 2026 and Authority responses October 30, 2026. Lubbock Power & Light has issued multiple quotes for specialized electrical components and cables with tight turnarounds, most recently requesting 2,000 feet of 350 KCM copper cable rated 25 KV under competitive quote in July 2026. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation RFQ specified recycled-content product and non-compliant product pricing for comparison; awards were made on an all-or-none basis with delivery within fifteen calendar days. Prevailing wage, Buy America, and Build America compliance apply to the California High-Speed Rail Authority work.