NIGP 31580: Mortars and/or Grouts

NIGP 31580 Mortars And/Or Grouts, an Item code, covers specialized mortar products and grouting materials that state and local governments procure for masonry repair, restoration, and construction projects. Recent state and local solicitations show concrete demand for historic preservation-grade mortars, particularly lime-based formulations meeting conservation standards and compatibility requirements with heritage structures. Work under this code includes supply of mortar products specified to exact color and performance standards, technical testing and approval processes, and in some cases materials supply coupled with application or installation services on public buildings and monuments.

Monroe County Board of County Commissioners in Florida posted a representative opportunity: RFP631 for East Martello Historic Masonry Restoration at Fort East Martello Tower in Key West, a public museum requiring repair and repointing of historic masonry dating from 1845 to 1862. The April 25, 2026 RFP, due June 4, 2026, specified US Heritage NHL 3.5 Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortar (color code USHG #19-124-3) or contractor-proposed alternatives subject to architect approval and testing at contractor expense, with replacement brick required to match existing historic brick exactly in size, color, and strength. The project required contractors to demonstrate a minimum of three years' aggregate experience on similar historic preservation projects, prepare 2' x 2' on-site test panels for mortar color matching, and submit mock-up masonry panels for evaluation. Monroe County offered a local business preference of 2.5 percent for qualifying Monroe County-based vendors, with an additional 2.5 percent available if 50 percent or more of the work was subcontracted to local businesses. Proposals were due electronically via the Monroe County Bonfire platform, with substantial completion required by March 31, 2027, and evaluation weighted heavily toward relevant experience (25 points), staffing and project team composition (25 points), and overall proposal including price (35 points).