NIGP 44557: Rules, Squares, and Tapes (Carpenter, etc.)

NIGP 44557 Rules, Squares, and Tapes (Carpenter, Etc.), an Item code, encompasses hand-measurement tools and precision instruments that state and local governments procure for maintenance, construction, and facility operations. Based on recent solicitation activity, the code primarily covers tape measures and related measurement devices used by trades personnel and maintenance staff across municipal departments. The City of Philadelphia has emerged as a recent repeat buyer under this code, issuing micro-purchase quotes for tape measures as consumable items within annual appropriations. Issuing bodies pursuing this code are primarily city procurement offices and municipal departments managing routine facility and maintenance operations; the micro-purchase threshold and low contract ceiling suggest this code serves baseline operational needs rather than large-scale capital projects.

Recent procurement activity concentrates in the Philadelphia market. The City of Philadelphia solicited quotes for tape measures twice within a ten-day window in early October 2026 — solicitation B2728094 due October 5, 2026, and solicitation B2728210 due October 16, 2026 — both as micro-purchase RFQs with a $45,000 contract ceiling running through June 30, 2027, and both awarded as whole or line-item to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Vendors must carry workers' compensation insurance at statutory limits, general liability coverage with a $500,000 per occurrence minimum, and automobile liability at $300,000 per occurrence; tax compliance and LGBTQ and MBE/WBE/DBE certification tracking through optional data forms reflect the City's diversity procurement goals. The source provides no evidence of recent activity outside Philadelphia or from other types of state or local issuing bodies.