NIGP 65835: Pipe, Copper

NIGP 65835 Pipe, Copper is an Item code covering sealed and seamless copper tubing for water service replacement and distribution infrastructure. State and local governments procure copper pipe primarily for water main and service line replacement projects, where municipalities replace aging plastic or outdated piping with ASTM B88 Type K copper tubing in sizes ranging from 0.75 inches to 2 inches diameter, along with associated fittings, corporation stops, curb stops, and curb boxes. Recent solicitations show activity across utility commissions, public works departments, and water services agencies in Connecticut, Arizona, Georgia, and Florida. The Town of Waterford Utility Commission (Connecticut) has issued two separate IFBs—#26-007 (posted April 29, 2026, due May 21, 2026) and #26-014 (posted October 16, 2026, due November 12, 2026)—each seeking replacement of plastic water services with new copper services on district roads and state roads respectively, with 25 percent subcontractor set-asides for DAS-certified small and minority-owned businesses under Connecticut requirements and prevailing wage compliance mandated. The City of Phoenix Water Services Department solicited copper pipe under IFB #26-0311 (posted July 23, 2026, due July 22, 2026) for ASTM B88 Type K copper in soft coils and straight lengths on a five-year as-needed contract with firm, fixed pricing and local inventory requirements.

Geographic activity concentrates in Connecticut and Arizona, with secondary solicitations in Florida for stormwater and outfall pipe work. Connecticut water utilities dominate copper pipe procurement with rapid-turn projects tied to annual paving programs and prevailing wage frameworks. Arizona municipal water services contract for multi-year as-needed supply with strict local inventory and same-day delivery mandates (24–48 hours). Florida municipalities—Palm Bay and Orange County—have issued broader infrastructure replacement solicitations covering stormwater and bridge outfall piping that encompass copper and other materials, though recent RFI activity (City of Palm Bay, May 2026) suggests stormwater rehabilitation solutions remain in planning phases. Contractors pursuing copper pipe work should anticipate Connecticut prevailing wage audits, performance and payment bond requirements at $50,000 and $100,000 thresholds, liquidated damages ($1,000 per day delays), and Arizona DBE-N reporting under FAA Grant Assurances for airport-related contracts; Phoenix contracts require five-year operational history, local inventory support, and Buy America compliance for certain materials.