NIGP 62591: Telescopes, Terrestrial: Alignment, Spotting, etc. (for Rifle and Range See Class 680)

NIGP 62591 Telescopes, Terrestrial: Alignment, Spotting, Etc. (Item code) covers optical telescope equipment and mounting systems purchased by state and local governments for educational, research, and instructional purposes. Recent solicitations show state institutions and school districts acquiring telescope mounts, astronomical cameras, filter wheels, dome automation equipment, and related optical accessories to support student research and advanced academics programming. The buying mix includes public universities upgrading observatory infrastructure and independent school districts sourcing equipment for career and technical education (CTE) and advanced academics instruction. Issuing bodies soliciting under this code span higher education institutions and K-12 school districts with science and STEM programs.

Columbus State University in Georgia issued an eRFQ on March 23, 2026 (due March 27, 2026) for a PlaneWave telescope mount and accessories, including an advanced astronomical camera with filter wheel and filters, and dome automation equipment for upgrades to the WestRock Observatory. Klein Independent School District in Harris County, Texas posted an RFP on April 17, 2026 (due June 5, 2026) for Career Technical Education and Advanced Academics instructional resources that encompassed specialized equipment across multiple program areas. Recent activity concentrates in Texas and Georgia, with responsive opportunities appearing on state and local purchasing platforms under standard RFP and RFQ notice types. Procurement timelines for this code are typical for education sector buys, with response windows of two to eight weeks and contract starts timed to academic calendars.