NIGP 43027: Gas Cylinders, Empty, Commercial Sizes

NIGP 43027 Gas Cylinders, Empty, Commercial Sizes is an Item code covering the supply of empty commercial gas cylinders and related gas refill and extraction services. State and local governments procure empty cylinders, specialty gas refill services, and gas extraction support for operational and laboratory functions across transit, water quality, environmental remediation, and occupational health programs. The issuing bodies span regional transit authorities, city public works and parks departments, state environmental agencies, and county forensic services. Recent solicitations show demand for compressed natural gas cylinders supporting vehicle fleets, chlorine cylinders for pool operations, liquid argon and nitrogen microbulk tank refills for laboratory systems, and EPA-certified refrigerant recovery services at sustainability campuses. Contract values range from $100,000 over two years (Orange County Transportation Authority) to approximately $400,000 annually where gas services are bundled with broader material procurement. Set-asides and participation goals appear consistently: DBE targets (18–20% minority, 5–7% women, 3–5% veteran), California prevailing wage compliance on federally funded work, and voluntary subcontractor inclusion plans are standard across recent awards.

Activity concentrates in California, Texas, and Washington, with representative recent opportunities including the Orange County Transportation Authority IFB 260542 for test and operation gases for CNG buses and facilities (bids due October 27, 2026, $100,000 over two years), the City of Pittsburgh IFB 2026-IFB-098 for chlorine gas cylinders at 150-pound capacity (bids due August 14, 2026, term through September 30, 2028 with two one-year renewal options), and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control IFB I-2627-03 for specialty gas refill services supporting microbulk tank and laboratory piping systems (bids due August 31, 2026). The City of Tucson RFP 240011 seeks EPA-certified refrigerant reclamation services for gas extraction from appliances at the Los Reales Sustainability Campus, with a one-year initial term and up to four one-year renewals. Common evaluation factors emphasize responsiveness on delivery timelines (60–120 days for refills and documentation), technical certifications (EPA, CAL-OSHA, AWWA), insurance minimums ($1–2 million general liability), and firm fixed pricing on F.O.B. destination basis inclusive of freight.