NIGP 78588: Science Instruction Equipment (for Classroom or Laboratory Use)

NIGP 78588 Science Instruction Equipment (For Classroom Or Laboratory Use), an Item code, encompasses specialized educational instruments, apparatus, and consumables that school districts, colleges, and state agencies procure to support hands-on science instruction and laboratory work across K-12 and higher education settings. Recent solicitations show state and local buyers acquiring solar-powered outdoor charging tables with hurricane-rated construction, STEM laboratory kits focused on renewable energy and physics, science specimens and chemicals with non-formalin preservatives, and comprehensive K-12 science instructional materials aligned to state standards and Next Generation Science Standards. The mix of issuing bodies spans independent school districts of varying sizes (Cobb County with 105,738 students, Donna ISD in Cameron County, DeKalb County with 93,000 students), state colleges (Florida Southwestern State College, Valencia College), and specialized state agencies (Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind). School districts dominate recent activity, with catalog-bid and RFP structures designed to establish multi-vendor awarded lists for ongoing as-needed purchasing rather than one-time acquisitions. Many districts emphasize the integration of science materials with college and career readiness, diversity and cultural awareness in instruction, and technology-enabled learning platforms.

Recent opportunities cluster in the Southeast and Southwest, with particular concentration in Florida, Georgia, and Texas school districts posting solicitations in the past four months. Representative procurements include Cobb County School District's IFB B26128 for science specimens, chemicals, supplies, and equipment with an estimated annual expenditure of $175,000 and responses due June 16, 2026; DeKalb County School District's RFQ 26-724 for comprehensive K-12 science instructional resources covering 93,000 students with a March 12, 2026 deadline; Donna ISD's catalog bids for science supplies and classroom materials with April 8, 2026 deadlines and multi-year contract terms through August 31, 2027 with optional two-year extensions; and Cartwright Elementary School District's cooperative SAVE consortium RFP 260331 for STEM and College & Career Readiness Kits with an estimated annual usage of $1,346,000 and award anticipated by June 24, 2026. Pricing across these bids typically uses percentage discounts from catalog or manufacturer pricing, F.O.B. Destination delivery, and firm pricing commitments for one to five years with post-renewal increases capped at five percent. Many solicitations emphasize vendor account management, online ordering platforms, rapid delivery (ten business days or less), and proof of insurance at $1 million to $2 million liability coverage.