NIGP 845: Testing Apparatus and Instruments, Not for Electrical or Electronic Measurements

NIGP 845 Testing Apparatus and Instruments, Not for Electrical or Electronic Measurements is a Class code encompassing laboratory testing equipment, gauges, and related apparatus that state and local governments procure for water quality analysis, materials testing, and field measurement applications. Recent activity shows water and wastewater utilities purchasing laboratory testing services and equipment—the City of Meriden Water Department issued an ITB for comprehensive water quality laboratory testing covering 56 frequent parameters plus infrequent testing of asbestos, radium, and PFOA, requiring per-test pricing and Connecticut Department of Public Health certifications, while the City of Austin's Transportation and Public Works Department sought a non-nuclear handheld asphalt density gauge compliant with ASTM D7113 and AASHTO standards to measure pavement density. Issuing bodies are primarily municipal water utilities, city public works departments, and state environmental agencies. The City of Tucson also procured sampling bottles, vials, and related items for its water quality laboratory through competitive bid, requiring pre-cleaned containers meeting EPA specifications.

Water utilities dominate the recent posting activity, with procurement spread across Connecticut, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. The City of Meriden's water laboratory testing ITB, due June 12, 2026, requires respondents to maintain state certifications, provide monthly invoicing with year-end testing summaries, deliver results within ten working days, and carry professional liability coverage of $2,000,000 per claim; the City reserves the right to award to multiple laboratories. The City of Austin's asphalt density gauge IFQ, due February 13, 2026, applied a tiered evaluation giving initial preference to certified HUBZone and M/WBE vendors before opening to all registered suppliers. The City of Tucson's water laboratory supplies solicitation (IFB 260155, due March 2, 2026) was funded through ARPA and included Buy American domestic preference requirements and recovered-materials procurement mandates. Activity remains steady but concentrated in utility-sector testing and measurement applications rather than a broad cross-section of commodity categories.